Crawlspace Drainage

crawlspacedrainage

I am beginning the installation of a Crawlspace Perimeter drain. I discovered that the concrete footing extends about 12" into the crawlspace. As I was going to place the NDS EZ drain pipe down next to the footing my question is:

Is it okay to lay the drain pipe on top of this concrete shelf? This would be about 6 to 8 inches below the ground level in the crawlspace. The foundation blocks are on top of this concrete footing anyway. The concrete footing is about 10 to 12 inches thick and the only other option would be to dig down to the bottom of the footing and then tunnel under with the exit drain, which I'm not sure I can do anyway.

UPDATE

I haven't talked to the rep about this as I have since decided on a different type drainage pipe that is much, much cheaper. The reason I'm installing the pipe inside the crawlspace is because it is impossible to install it the full perimeter of the house on the exterior due to a large amount of concrete in driveways and parking areas, patios, and AC pads that surround the house. Plus, since the water seeps in at the foundation and isn't a large amount if it isn't allowed to accumulate, I can catch the water as it enters and channel it to the disharge drains.

Thanks for your input and suggestions. There's never only one way to do anything and I welcome any and all suggestions.

Best Answer

Have you tried contacting NDS directly and asking for their advice/recommendation? Contact NDS

I'm suggesting the above as it is my understanding that their product is only for "external" property use ie On the outside of your crawlspace/foundation wall.

Below added after reading @Kenneth (feedback) comment:

  • Dig a trench as wide as the manufactures recommendation and down to the top of the existing foundation.
  • Lay 50mm (2inch) of pea-gravel in the bottom of the trench.
  • Lay drain pipe on top of pea-gravel.
  • Back fill the rest of the trench with pea-gravel.

    • I understand from NDS EZ brochures they state their drainage system is a gravel free solution, but I highly recommend back filling the trench in your particular situation with pea-gravel.

    You can then breakout the foundation blocks locally (for a nice clean job I would use a core cutter, the foundation blocks will then naturally arch the opening you've made) to connect the new drainage system into an appropriate existing drainage system.

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