Leavenworth, Wenatchee Home Inspections- Drainage Systems

Do you know the difference between a tight line system and a French drain?

Many times people interchange the terms French drain and Tight-line drain. Both systems are intended to direct water from one area to another. But their function is different.

French drain is an in-ground trench or pit that captures groundwater. French drains, when properly installed, are effective in controlling sub-surface water problems.

French drains are composed of a perforated drain pipe in a clean gravel bed/trench. The gravel trench creates a "path of least resistance" for sub-surface water to migrate to. The sub-surface water can then enter into a perforated piping system that will then distribute the collected water to a non-problem area. This area could be the street or a lower part of the property.

Poor drainage areas such as near the home's foundation can cause serious damage to a home's foundation from hydrostatic pressure and stress to the foundation system. This can lead to cracking, bowing and water related issues in crawlspaces and basements.

Tight-line drainage systems are typically PVC piping systems with glued connection joints that are ties to the gutter downspouts that carry the roof storm water away from the foundation of the home. Drain inlets placed around the property can also be connected into a tight-line system for effective drainage control.

The good installation of tight-line drainage system moves water gathered from down spouts and catch basins to an off-site location, a lawn bubbler or UIC (Underground Injection Control)/dry well.

Tight-line Systems are also used in septic systems to carry household discharges to the septic tanks and the drainfield.

Leavenworth, Wenatchee Home Inspections- Drainage Systems

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more...

NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572