Scheduling a drain tile test can provide added insights into the general condition of your home’s foundation. Working with an established Milwaukee basement contractor can provide you with the most accurate information and the best guidance on how to manage any problems detected during this testing procedure. Understanding the basics of drain tile systems and testing can help you make the most cost-effective choices for your Milwaukee home.
What Are Drain Tile Systems?
Most homes have drain tile systems which are designed to direct water away from home’s foundation. Drain tile systems typically consist of several components, including the following:
* Perforated pipes (interior and/or exterior) that allow water to drain away from the foundation
* A gravel bed that allows water to seep downward to the drain tiles
* A channel cove system to allow water flow from the weep holes
* Bleeders to connect the exterior drain tile to the interior drain tile
* A sump pump and crock to propel water away from the foundation
If any of these elements do not function properly, water can build up under the basement floor, in the block hollows or along the exterior base of the foundation, which can cause seepage, efflorescence and/or mold. Consulting with an experienced basement waterproofing company can provide added information regarding the functionality of the drain tile system that exists in your basement and can ensure that any problems are identified and resolved quickly.
Elements of a Drain Tile Test
During your drain tile test, the estimator and technician will do the following things:
* Two or three holes will be opened in various areas of your basement floor to check for mud, standing water, roots, shale, iron ochre or any other type of interior drain tile blockage.
* Your estimator may also test the exterior drain tile system by performing a “spud” test.
* The interior drain tile system will be tested by running water through the holes that were opened up. This can reveal clogs and malfunctioning areas in your home’s drain tile system.
* Web or spoke-type drain tile systems may require a more extensive examination to determine where problems lie.
Once your drain tile test is complete, you can discuss the findings and consider any possible solutions and recommendations offered by your estimator. You will be provided with a full write up of the findings and results of the test.
Working with an established Milwaukee basement contractor like Accurate Basement Repair can provide you and your family with greater peace of mind when addressing foundation issues and leaks in your basement. By enlisting the help of these knowledgeable and experienced professionals, you can achieve the best and most dependable results for your Milwaukee home.

Basement Leaks at Lower Block

Basement – Drain Tile Test

Efflorescence Salt Stains

Drain Tile Types

Water Spud Test

In Southeast Wisconsin, we have the only Nationally Certified Structural Repair Specialist on staff and two Nationally Certified Waterproofing Specialists on staff.
Accurate Basement Repair is a member of the NAWSRC (National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors), NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), the Basement Health Association, the BBB (Better Business Bureau), WAHI (Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors), BIASEW (Building Inspectors Association of South Eastern Wisconsin) and Angie’s List.
We are proud to say that we have an A+ rating with the BBB and we won two Super Service Awards from Angie’s List in 2010 – one for foundation repair and the other for basement waterproofing. Our professional and knowledgeable staff will educate you on various self-help procedures to save money on your foundation and waterproofing needs. We are NOT a franchise. Our dedicated team works year round! We use high quality and well maintained equipment which will provide the lowest impact to your landscaping. Our team of trustworthy and competent staff attends regular training, seminars and/or trade shows, so they are able stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in the foundation restoration and waterproofing industry. We provide outstanding customer service throughout the entire repair process – from estimate to completion. And last, but not least… Accurate Basement Repair is the #1 referred foundation repair company by professional engineers, basement consultants, realtors, municipal building inspectors, home inspectors, lenders, property management companies and most importantly, our past customers.