How to Install Residential Drainage Tile

Locate the lowest level of the foundation slab, before the foundation walls are constructed or poured. The lowest level is the bottom of the slab. If the slab is 6 inches thick, the lowest level is 6 inches below the surface. Installing the drain tile below the bottom of the slab ensures that water will collect below it and not seep into the foundation.

Unroll the drain tile or pipe and orient it so the pre-drilled holes are facing down.

Lay the drain pipe on the ground about 6 to 12 inches away from the edge of the foundation slab. Run the pipe around the entire perimeter of the foundation slab. The top of the drain pipe should be level or below the bottom of the slab.

Cover the drain pipe completely with rough-edged gravel. After the foundation walls have been poured or built, the drain pipe will be covered with the soil used to bury the foundation so the ground is level with the surrounding soil.