Wall & Footing Drains

When groundwater builds up around your home’s foundation, it creates pressure that can lead to cracks, leaks, and basement flooding. Wall and footing drains are designed to relieve that pressure by intercepting water at the base of the foundation and directing it safely away.

At Sump Daddy, we install and repair wall and footing drain systems for older homes, new construction, and homes with chronic water problems around their foundation.

What Are Wall & Footing Drains?

Wall drains and footing drains are part of a complete foundation waterproofing system. They’re typically installed along the exterior of your foundation (during new construction or major excavation) and consist of:

  • Perforated drain pipe – Installed alongside the footing, at the bottom of the trench
  • Washed gravel or stone – Surrounding the pipe for fast drainage
  • Filter fabric wrap – Prevents soil from clogging the system
  • Drain board / dimple membrane – Installed on the foundation wall to create a path for water to flow down to the pipe
  • Backfill and surface grading – Restored to slope away from the home

These systems collect and move groundwater away from your foundation before it can build pressure or seep into your basement.

When Are Footing Drains Needed?

Footing drains may be the right solution if you’re experiencing:

  • Water pooling against the outside of your foundation
  • Basement wall leaks after heavy rain
  • Pressure cracks along the floor-wall joint (“cove joint”)
  • A history of failed interior waterproofing
  • Plans to finish a basement that’s had moisture issues

They’re also a smart preventative upgrade when performing major landscaping, regrading, or home additions that expose the foundation.

Retrofitting vs. New Construction

While footing drains are easiest to install during new construction or major excavation, we also retrofit these systems when:

  • Replacing failed or clogged original drains
  • Installing exterior French drains with wall sealing
  • Addressing chronic foundation saturation that can’t be solved from the inside

If the wall and footing are already exposed (e.g., during an egress window install or grading project), adding a drain is a cost-effective way to protect the foundation.

Installed Across the DC Area

We’ve installed wall and footing drains in homes throughout Tenleytown, Glover Park, Fort Washington, Cheverly, Chillum, and other neighborhoods where foundation drainage was never part of the original build.

We understand how to tie these systems into sump pumps, French drains, or natural daylight discharge — and how to do it cleanly with minimal disruption.

Free Assessments, Full System Designs

We don’t just dig trenches — we solve drainage problems. If your foundation shows signs of water damage or pressure buildup, we’ll inspect it for free and provide a clear plan that may include footing drains, wall sealing, sump pumps, or surface fixes. (301) 783-0033. customerservice@sumpdaddy.com.

Links – https://www.thisoldhouse.com/foundations/21071846/house-foundations