Foundation Drainage Maintenance Question

[Bee-Positive]

Foundation Drainage Maintenance Question

Built a 2-story ranch in 2007. Has 4” drain pipe around the perimeter with capped risers (cleanouts?) to above grade on 3 out of 4 corners. In the west corner 4” solid pipe runs from the footing out 165’ to daylight, so no sump pump is needed.

Weed-wacking around the outlet last week I noticed some build up in the mouth of the pipe. Reached down to clear it and it’s like rock. Got my longest pry bar and mini-sledge and managed to chip some of it out (picture). Very hard stuff - probably hardened minerals/silt. Wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t critters in there to boot since no end cap on the outlet.

I’m worried that it will eventually plug the drain since it’ already 1/3 plus at the outlet. Not wanting to wait until I get a wet basement I thought I’d better address the issue now.

Power-jet, roto-rooter, dig it up? Would rather not dig up hard clay and shale if I don’t have too, 7’ - 8’ deep at the house.

Has anyone here had similar issues / what did you do / what did it cost?

TIA, AOW

165' drainage run and mineral build up

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Hire a good plumber that can run a camera.

Since there's clean outs at one end and daylighted the other they could go both ways.

They are ways, and solvents to clear out concrete. So maybe something to dissolve hardened mineral deposits is available.

The good news is, it is not under slab or even a building. So repair will not be bad if they have to replace some drainline.

 

[chim]

Sure would be good to know what it is for starters. Also where it originated. It would be disturbing if it was starting to fill the foundation drains. With that run it would be possible to run a camera through it. Since you had to chop it out, I'm doubting that a water jet would work.

 

[jaxs]

Do you by chance have an enemy that deals in concrete?

 

[Bee-Positive]

Hire a good plumber that can run a camera.

My thoughts exactly on the camera. Just figured I'd ask around before calling around. Kinda like if you want the right answer you have to ask the right question.
Thanks

 

[Bee-Positive]

Sure would be good to know what it is for starters. Also where it originated. It would be disturbing if it was starting to fill the foundation drains. With that run it would be possible to run a camera through it. Since you had to chop it out, I'm doubting that a water jet would work.

Pretty sure its mostly mineral deposits. We have extremely hard water here.
There are under ground springs coming off the hill, the yard doesn't dry out until mid-June most years. the drain will run even in times of little to no rain.

 

[#40Fan]

Can you put the piece in a bucket of water and see if it will dissolve?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

lime and Calcium

I wouldn't do anything about it.
Any of the main line cleaners could clean it right out.
CLR will also break it down and clean it out.
But it's risky because if it leaches out into the foundation it could damage it.

You can't normally scope corrugated drain pipe.

 

[Speed25]

How deep from the cleanouts to the drain pipe? A cheap endoscope/borescope from Amazon that works with your cell phone could at least show the condition of the drain pipe at each cleanout without spending the money to scope the whole pipe. If you've got deposits at each cleanout, you can assume the whole pipe is the same way.

They're also useful tools for all kinds of other things from inspecting engine cylinder walls to entertaining kids/grandkids.

 

[William1]

lime and Calcium

I wouldn't do anything about it.
Any of the main line cleaners could clean it right out.
CLR will also break it down and clean it out.
But it's risky because if it leaches out into the foundation it could damage it.

You can't normally scope corrugated drain pipe.

I finally discovered a trick for running a scope or clean out brush in corrugated.. Take a small, solid ball (golf balls often work). Bore a hole through it so the camera or tool will fit tight.. Now the camera or tool will slide in (and not snag) over the corrugations easy. The only down side is if there is a blockage but.... Based on how far you got will give a great indicator of where it is.

 

[mikester]

Foundation Drainage Maintenance Question

Built a 2-story ranch in 2007. Has 4” drain pipe around the perimeter with capped risers (cleanouts?) to above grade on 3 out of 4 corners. In the west corner 4” solid pipe runs from the footing out 165’ to daylight, so no sump pump is needed.

Weed-wacking around the outlet last week I noticed some build up in the mouth of the pipe. Reached down to clear it and it’s like rock. Got my longest pry bar and mini-sledge and managed to chip some of it out (picture). Very hard stuff - probably hardened minerals/silt. Wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t critters in there to boot since no end cap on the outlet.

I’m worried that it will eventually plug the drain since it’ already 1/3 plus at the outlet. Not wanting to wait until I get a wet basement I thought I’d better address the issue now.

Power-jet, roto-rooter, dig it up? Would rather not dig up hard clay and shale if I don’t have too, 7’ - 8’ deep at the house.

Has anyone here had similar issues / what did you do / what did it cost?

TIA, AOW

165' drainage run and mineral build up

View attachment 159931 View attachment 159932 View attachment 159933

Looks like someone has the water softener draining into the weeping tiles?

 

[dirtydeed]

as others posted...camera, then jetter if needed.