The Safest Foundation Drainage System Renovation from a Leading Expert

A drainage system consists of pipes running alongside the property’s foundations and below their lower edge. The drainage pipes have holes that allow them to collect moisture from the soil. Due to the slope of the piping, water flows by gravity away from the house and ends up in a sump pit.
However, a subsoil drainage system involves much more than just pipes. Three systems are needed to manage soil moisture, rainwater, and meltwater: subsoil drainage, stormwater systems, and stormwater sewer systems.
They play a vital role in managing external moisture. Vesivekki provides the expertise and products for all three of these critical home systems—as well as, of course, for the roof, your home’s ultimate protection.

Foundation Drainage System
Collects moisture from underground, preventing it from damaging structures. The system can handle a quarter of a million liters of water annually.
Stormwater drainage system
An underground system that directs rainwater and meltwater from the roof away from the building to a distance of at least three meters.
Rainwater system
Consists of gutters and downspouts that collect water from the roof and direct it to the stormwater drainage system.

Drainage in accordance with current regulations includes: high-quality drainage pipes installed at the correct elevation, capillary gravel backfill, filter fabric, a properly installed check plate, adequate frost protection, and drainage inspection wells.

In addition, the following factors must be taken into account when designing the yard: Proper ground slopes. The yard should slope away from the foundation. An effective stormwater management and drainage system.

Older properties do not always have an underground stormwater drainage system, in which case stormwater must be diverted via a surface gutter at least three meters away from the building and directed, for example, into a ditch.

Rainwater must not be directed into the subsurface drainage system. This type of high-risk structure was common in the 1970s and 1980s. You can verify the structure by looking into the drainage inspection chamber; only the ends of the drainage pipes should be visible there.

Like other building structures, drainage pipes age; their average service life is 30–40 years. Drainage systems became mandatory in 1999, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that people began to understand the true importance of drainage for a healthy home.

Even though the drainage system is hidden underground, you can—and should—monitor its condition and functionality. If your yard has inspection wells, take a look inside them at least in the spring and fall. If there are no inspection wells, the following signs may indicate problems with the drainage system and excessive moisture stress on the foundation. Signs of problems may include: vegetation, dark spots, or cracks in the foundation, ants inside the house, water in the basement, a musty smell in the earthen cellar, a missing water barrier, improper soil composition, and incorrect ground slopes.

As a general rule, insurance does not cover damage caused by inadequate drainage. Always check with your insurance company.

During a drainage system inspection, the overall condition of the foundation, insulation, and the drainage and stormwater systems is assessed, and a test excavation is conducted to evaluate the soil. The slope of the yard and the flow of surface water are also checked. If necessary, the drainage pipes are inspected using a camera. The results of the inspection are reported to the customer in plain language and with the aid of photographs. The inspection is free of charge for residential customers.

The average lifespan of drainage pipes is 30–40 years. Especially in properties built before the 1990s, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the drainage pipes regularly and call a professional if you notice any of the following signs: Chalky efflorescence on the stone foundation or peeling paint, vegetation growth, dark spots, and cracks in the foundation. Water in the basement or signs of moisture at the bottom of the walls. Musty indoor air, a “basement” smell. Rising water levels in drainage inspection wells. Puddles and wet spots next to the foundation. A persistent ant problem indoors.

Condition inspections are conducted year-round, including in the winter.

During a drainage system inspection, the overall condition of the foundation, insulation, and the drainage and stormwater systems is assessed visually, and a test excavation is performed to evaluate the soil. The slope of the yard and the flow of surface water are also checked. If necessary, the drainage pipes are inspected using a camera. The customer may, if they wish, observe the progress of the inspection.

Depending on the location, the inspection takes 1–2 hours.

If we find any issues with the drainage system, we’re happy to provide a turnkey quote for the necessary repairs. Of course, the customer always decides for themselves whether to proceed with the repairs. A condition inspection does not require you to order repairs.

Vesivek uses high-quality piping from the Finnish manufacturer Meltex, with an SN8 strength class. The manufacturer provides a 30-year warranty on the piping. The manufacturer’s warranty for electrical equipment and pumps is 2 years. We provide a 5-year warranty on installation work.

Vesivek Vesivahti™ is an alarm system in which a device that reacts to rising water levels is installed in the drainage system. If the water level in the pipes rises to an unusually high level, Vesivahti automatically sends an alert. A malfunction in the pump well or a blockage in the drainage pipes can cause significant water damage. Vesivahti helps prevent this damage. Learn more about Vesivahti.