Imagine waking up to a wet basement after a night of heavy rain. For any homeowner, it’s a frustrating and costly surprise. That damp smell, the pooling water near your foundation, and the creeping damage to your basement walls or crawl space often point to one culprit: a clogged perimeter drain. These underground pipes, part of your perimeter drainage system, are designed to move water away from your home’s foundation. But when they clog with dirt, debris, or tree roots, water has nowhere to go, and that’s when serious problems begin.
Your perimeter drain system plays a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. It collects excess groundwater and rain runoff and channels it away from the building using a network of perforated pipe, often made from PVC or older clay or concrete drain tile. In areas like the Vancouver region, where rainfall is frequent and intense, perimeter drain cleaning is essential to keep your drainage system working efficiently.
Over time, perimeter drains are usually vulnerable to clogs caused by debris and silt, tree root intrusion, and even collapsed drain pipe sections. Without regular maintenance and inspection, these blockages can lead to a cracked foundation, mold growth, and the need for costly perimeter drain repair or even full-scale perimeter drain replacement.
Here are two common indicators that your perimeter drainage system may be compromised:
Wet or musty basement: If you notice water stains, damp smells, or visible moisture in your basement or crawl space, your perimeter drain may be clogged. Water pooling around your home: Puddles near the foundation or soggy patches in your landscape suggest your perimeter system isn’t draining water from the building as it should.
If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to schedule a perimeter drain inspection. A drainage specialist can perform a video inspection using a camera to assess the entire perimeter drain line and identify any blockage or damage.
Drain cleaning services use advanced tools and techniques to get the job done right. One of the most effective methods is hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to flush out dirt and debris from the drain pipe. This cleaning process is especially useful for older perimeter systems where traditional clean outs may not be easy to work with.
During a perimeter drain inspection, professionals may also use video cameras to locate clogs, cracks, or areas where the drain tile has deteriorated. If the inspection process reveals that the perimeter drain repair is required, or that sections need repair or replacement, they’ll recommend the best course of action, whether that’s pipe cleaning, trench excavation, or installing a complete perimeter drain system.
Most plumbers offer a flat fee ranging from $350 to $600, influenced by factors like how urgent the issue is, where you live, how deep or severe the clog is, and how long the solution might take. If they charge by the hour instead, hourly rates usually fall between $100 and $150, with most jobs requiring two to four hours to complete.
Improving drainage around your home’s perimeter starts with identifying problem areas and applying specific solutions. Common fixes include grading the yard to slope away from the foundation, aerating compacted soil to allow better water absorption, and extending downspouts to redirect roof runoff. Installing systems like French drains, yard drains, or catch basins can help manage persistent pooling by channeling water away efficiently. For eco-friendly options, consider rain barrels to collect runoff or rain gardens filled with water-loving plants that naturally absorb excess moisture. Replacing hardscape materials with permeable alternatives like gravel also reduces surface runoff. These strategies not only protect your home’s foundation but also enhance lawn usability and reduce pest issues.
Using a sewer inspection camera, we can pinpoint the exact location of any blockage in a drainage system, along with the depth and cause. Whether it's tree roots, grease buildup, collapsed pipes, or foreign objects, we will know. This visual diagnostic method allows us to assess the condition of your pipes in real time, helping us determine the most effective way to fix it.
Many older homes still have original clay or concrete weeping tiles for drainage. In these cases, we inspect the system for signs of wear such as cracks, blockages, deterioration, or collapsed sections. While a well-installed perimeter drain can function effectively for decades, it’s not immune to issues. Over time, these pipes may become clogged with soil, invasive tree roots, or accumulated debris. When that happens, we use specialized equipment, like high-pressure hydro jetting systems or rotary cutting tools, to clear the obstruction and restore proper flow. Regular maintenance helps preserve the integrity of the drainage system and protects your home’s foundation.
Installing a perimeter drain typically costs between $65 and $85 per linear foot, depending on factors like soil type, accessibility, and landscaping. For an average-sized home, total costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000 for exterior systems, and $4,000 to $12,000 for interior basement drains. More complex installations, such as those requiring excavation around utilities, waterproofing, or landscaping restoration, can push the price up to $20,000 or more. Costs include labor, materials, soil removal, and system tie-ins to stormwater outlets. New construction or open access sites may reduce expenses, while tight spaces or finished landscaping can increase them.
A perimeter drain is an essential underground system designed to protect your home’s foundation from water damage. It consists of a perforated pipe, typically made of durable plastic, wrapped in a mesh “sock” that acts as a filter to keep out soil and sediment. This pipe is installed around the base of the building, following the contour of the foundation. The small holes along the pipe’s surface allow groundwater to seep in gradually, preventing pooling or hydrostatic pressure from building up around your home. Once inside the pipe, the water is channeled away from the foundation and directed toward a safe discharge point, such as a storm drain. This system works quietly and efficiently beneath the surface, reducing the risk of basement leaks, foundation cracks, and landscape erosion. When properly installed and maintained, a perimeter drain can provide decades of reliable protection against moisture intrusion.
While professional cleaning is crucial, there are a few things homeowners can do to support their perimeter drainage system:
These simple steps help maintain the flow of water from your home and reduce the chances of clogged perimeter drains.
While professional cleaning is crucial, there are a few things homeowners can do to support their perimeter drainage system:
These simple steps help maintain the flow of water from your home and reduce the chances of clogged perimeter drains.
If you’re unsure whether you need perimeter drain cleaning or suspect your system may be compromised, don’t wait for the next storm to find out. A professional drainage inspection service can assess your perimeter drain pipe, identify clogs or damage, and recommend whether you need repair or replacement. Whether it’s a minor blockage or a full-scale perimeter drain replacement, addressing the issue early can save you thousands in water damage and protect your home for years to come.
If you're in the Coquitlam area and need expert help with your perimeter drains, call us today. Our drainage specialists will ensure your system is set-up to move water away from the foundation and keep your home dry, rain or shine.
Call any time during office hours for a free consultation.
KCs Plumbing & Heating
17 Fawcett Rd #115
Coquitlam, BC V3K 6V2
(604) 873-3753
KCs Plumbing, Heating & Drain Services
Serving Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities areas
Open 24 Hours a Day
Phone: (604) 873-3753
