Get Foundation Drainage Solutions Without the Burden of Excessive Costs
Foundation Drainage Systems, Asheville NC
Welcome to Functional Foundations, your trusted partner in foundational integrity and home safety. Based in the heart of Hendersonville, North Carolina, we extend our expert services to the surrounding areas, dedicating ourselves to ensuring the longevity and security of your home.
Functional Foundations offers foundation drainage solutions in Asheville NC.
What sets our foundation drainage contractors apart?
24-hour customized solutions for every home
Durable materials for lasting repairs
Transparent pricing without surprises
Commitment to customer satisfaction
Our contractor offers reliable foundation drainage repair solutions without the burden of excessive costs.
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive service warranty that covers both materials and labor.
Call (252) 648-6476 for foundation drainage repair near you.
Get a Foundation Drainage System Asheville NC
We install foundation drains to protect homes in Asheville from water buildup that causes structural damage.
A foundation drain is a system that redirects water away from the base of a house. Water from rain, runoff, or poor slope can accumulate around foundation walls, causing cracks, leaks, and long-term settlement. Over time, this pressure can lead to damage that spreads across floors and framing.
Our systems include pipes placed around the footing and below the surface to collect water before it enters the structure. These pipes carry water to a safe outlet, often working with sump systems or gravity-fed discharge lines. Every project is built to match the layout of the home, the type of soil, and the slope of the surrounding surface.
We design foundation drains to meet code and accommodate Asheville’s changing weather conditions. Regulations require proper water diversion around homes, especially where rainfall and poor grading put pressure on foundation walls. Our team checks slope, saturation, and existing structures before choosing the best layout.
Each installation utilizes high-quality piping, filter materials, and proven placement methods to prevent water from entering the source. Drainage isn't just about managing puddles; it's also about preventing water from accumulating. It's about keeping the soil dry and stable under the home. That means fewer cracks, less mold, and more confidence in the space you live in.
Whether you're repairing damage or preventing future issues, this system protects the structure and helps your home stay solid. We complete every project with detailed inspection, system testing, and clear guidance on how to maintain it season after season.
Call (252) 648-6476 now!
Why You Need a Foundation Drainage
Keeps Water Away from the Base of Your Home
It prevents water from pooling around the structure or causing damage to the lower floors.
Prevents Cracks in Basement Walls
Water buildup creates pressure against the concrete. Removing it helps keep walls from cracking or bowing inward.
Protects the Basement Floor from Moisture
It stops water from rising, which reduces musty smells, mold, and floor damage.
Helps Reduce Long-Term Repairs
Controlling water early means fewer problems with shifting, leaking, or rot inside the structure.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
By keeping the lower level dry, it reduces humidity that can lead to mold and allergens in the air.
Supports Other Repairs Like Wall Bracing or Leveling
Water management works in conjunction with structural repairs to ensure they last and don’t need to be redone.
Adds Value and Buyer Confidence
Homes with dry, protected basements are easier to finish, sell, or refinance in the future.
Our Foundation Drainage System Installation Process
Our foundation drainage system installation follows a step-by-step plan to keep rainwater and groundwater from damaging the foundation of your home.
Step 1: Inspect the Area Around the Foundation
We check how water flows near the foundation of your home. This includes looking at the slope, soil type, and signs of pooling. We also check the condition of the foundation wall for cracks or moisture stains.
Step 2: Plan the Drainage Path
We design a system that directs rainwater and groundwater away from the structure. This plan shows the location of the foundation drain, the depth of the excavation, and the points where the drains will release water.
Step 3: Excavate Along the Foundation Wall
We dig a trench around the base of the structure to expose the foundation wall and footing. This creates space for the foundation drain and filter layers.
Step 4: Install the Drainage Components
We place the pipe into the trench and surround it with gravel to facilitate easy water flow. These drains collect water that accumulates near the foundation and safely transport it away from the home.
Step 5: Add Protective Layers and Backfill
We cover the pipe with more gravel and install a filter fabric to keep dirt from clogging the system. Then we backfill the trench with soil, carefully grading the surface to keep water moving away from the foundation.
Step 6: Test and Finalize the System
We test the drainage system by checking how water moves through it. Once confirmed, we clean up the area and walk you through what was done and how the system protects the foundation of your home.
Call (252) 648-6476.
Types of Foundation Drainage Systems
Foundation drainage systems prevent water from damaging the basement walls, floor, and structural foundation of a home. They prevent moisture buildup, reduce pressure on the walls, and lower the risk of cracks, leaks, or long-term structural movement.
1. Footing Drains
Footing drains are placed beside the footing of a home and run around the entire perimeter of the foundation. These are installed to collect water before it rises and reaches the foundation walls. According to the IRC, footing drains are required in many new homes unless special soil conditions allow otherwise.
2. French Drain
A French drain is a type of foundation drain that consists of a perforated pipe placed in a gravel trench. It collects water along the side of the home and moves it away. We recommend French drains as a standard solution for controlling moisture in areas below grade, such as basements.
3. Interior Drain Tile System
Drain tile systems are installed beneath the basement floor, along the inside edge of the wall. They collect water that enters through cracks or rises from the soil. The collected water flows into a sump pit where it can be removed with a pump.
4. Sump Pump
A sump pump system is used to remove water from under the basement floor. It works together with interior drain pipes or tiles. When the sump pit fills with water, the pump turns on and discharges the water to a safe area away from the house. Multiple sump pumps may be necessary for larger foundations or those with high water tables.
5. Foundation Drain Pipe Extensions
Drain pipe extensions carry water from downspouts away from the foundation. If water from gutters is allowed to collect near the base of the home, it can create pressure against the wall. Pipe extensions prevent this buildup and are considered part of a complete foundation drainage system.
6. Catch Basin With Direct Pipe Connection
A catch basin can be used as part of a foundation drainage system when surface water repeatedly collects near the home. When installed correctly, it connects to a pipe that moves the water away from the structure. Though often used in landscaping, catch basins help prevent drainage problems that affect the foundation when tied directly to the home’s water discharge plan.
Call (252) 648-6476.
How Does a Footing Drain Work?
A footing drain works by collecting water that builds up near the base of your home and moving it safely away before it causes damage.
It is installed next to the footing, which supports the structure. When rainwater starts to collect near the base, the drain pipe catches it and directs it through a gravel-filled channel to a discharge point, typically located downhill or in a sump pit. This helps lower the pressure against the wall and keeps the basement dry.
Do I Need a Permit to Get a Foundation Drainage System in Asheville NC?
A permit is usually required to install a drainage solution around the base of a structure in Asheville.
According to the North Carolina Residential Code and local building guidelines, any work that affects the structure’s support or involves changes near the base, such as digging connecting discharge lines, typically needs approval from the city or county. This includes structures that protect areas below grade, such as crawl spaces or basements.
Obtaining a permit helps ensure that the work meets safety standards, slope requirements, and zoning regulations. It also protects you during resale or inspection by showing that the job was done correctly and documented.
Where Does Foundation Drainage Go?
Foundation drainage moves collected liquid away from the base of the home to a safe discharge point.
This point is usually a downhill slope, dry well, sump pit, or approved discharge line. The path prevents accumulation near the structure’s base. The goal is to reduce pressure and maintain a dry and stable area over time.
Can Foundation Drainage Systems be Installed in any Property?
Drainage solutions can be installed in nearly any property with signs of excess buildup around the base.
They are common in homes with basements or crawl spaces, but they also help in slab-on-grade construction if the area around the structure stays wet or soft. The type depends on grading, space, material, and the ease of installing discharge lines.
We Offer Foundation Drainage Solutions
We install foundation drainage to protect homes from ground saturation and pressure buildup.
Our service begins with a thorough inspection of both the exterior and interior. We examine slopes, paths, and cracks in lower areas. Based on our findings, we will install the appropriate drainage to keep your structure steady and dry. Every job includes testing, slope checks, and guidance on how to maintain long-term results.
Call (252) 648-6476 now!
Open 24 hours
FAQs
-
Grading drainage protects your home by making sure water flows away instead of toward the foundation. When the ground slopes in the wrong direction, water accumulates near the base and causes long-term damage.
-
Moisture can cause foundation issues by making the ground soft or uneven. This leads to shifting, cracks, and other damage to the structure above.
-
Sump pumps remove water from under the house by collecting it in a pit and pumping it safely away. They’re often used in basements or crawl spaces where water collects below floor level.
-
Digging a trench is part of drainage repair when new drain lines or pipes need to be installed. Trenches allow water to flow away from the house through a controlled path.
-
Footing drains move water away from the bottom of your foundation. They are installed around the base to prevent water from accumulating near the footings, reducing pressure and damage.
-
Poor soil affects drainage by either holding too much water or failing to let it drain at all. Clay soil, for example, can trap moisture, while loose soil might shift when wet, both of which can harm your foundation.
-
A sump pump is needed in a drainage system when water collects in low areas under the house. It helps remove water that can’t drain out naturally due to poor slope or blocked paths.
-
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a pipe that collects and redirects water away from your home. It helps prevent water from soaking the ground near the foundation.
-
Pipes around the foundation help with drainage by moving water away from the house. These pipes are usually part of a system that prevents water from soaking the soil and causing cracks or settling.