Drain Tile Repair & Replacement in Milwaukee
Give Groundwater a Way Out.
Drain tile is the hidden system that keeps groundwater out of your basement, and in many Milwaukee-area homes, it stopped working years ago. Basement Specialists replaces clogged, broken and missing drain tile.
- Since 1981Locally owned & operated
- Free EstimatesWritten & no-pressure
- Warranty BackedUp to 20 years
- Licensed & InsuredFully bonded
- 4.7 Stars on GoogleFrom local homeowners
Drain Tile
The System You Never See Until It Fails
Drain tile is perforated pipe laid around the footing of your foundation, inside or outside the walls. It collects groundwater before that water can build pressure against your basement, then carries it to a sump pump or another outlet.
The problem is that it doesn't last forever. Many homes here still rely on clay tile laid 50 to 100 years ago in short sections that shift, crack and fill with silt. Tree roots work into the joints. Some newer plastic systems were too small for wet lots, and plenty of older homes never had drain tile at all.
When drain tile fails, the water it used to carry away comes inside instead. Replacing it is often the single biggest step toward a basement that stays dry.
What's Under Your Home
The Drain Tile Under Milwaukee Homes
Short sections of clay pipe laid end to end. Over decades they shift, crack and fill with silt and roots.
Lasts longer than clay but can still clog with fine silt or be too small for a wet lot.
Many of the region's oldest homes were built without it, so groundwater has nowhere to go.
What Causes It
Why Drain Tile Stops Working
Age, soil and roots all take their toll.
Warning Signs
Signs Your Drain Tile Has Failed
Failed drain tile usually shows up as water in the same spots, storm after storm.
- Water returning to the same spots
- Seepage along the base of walls
- A dry sump while the floor is wet
- Water through floor cracks
- A wet basement every spring
- No sump pump at all
- Muddy water in the sump pit
- Wet spots after nearby trees grew
How We Fix It
Drain Tile Options
InteriorInterior Drain Tile
Interior drain tile is the most common way we replace failed drainage. We cut a narrow trench along the inside edge of the basement floor, set new perforated pipe in clean, washed stone at the footing and connect it to a sump pit.
It's installed entirely from inside, so your lawn, driveway and landscaping stay untouched, and it intercepts water right where it causes seepage. The trench is patched with fresh concrete when we're finished.
Because new pipe and clean stone carry water freely, the system relieves pressure under the floor and along the walls the way the original drain tile was supposed to.
Floor Seepage
ExteriorExterior Drain Tile
Exterior drain tile goes along the outside of the footing during excavation. It's usually part of a bigger project, like exterior waterproofing or straightening a wall, when the foundation is already exposed.
Paired with a waterproofing membrane on the wall, it keeps water away from the foundation before it ever reaches the basement.
We'll tell you honestly whether interior or exterior makes more sense for your home, your budget and what else needs to be done.
Exterior WaterproofingWhat to Expect
Our Drain Tile Process
- 1Trace the WaterWe find exactly where and how water is getting in.
- 2Check the DrainageWe look at your sump, drain tile, downspouts and grading.
- 3Explain the FixA plain-English recommendation and a written estimate.
- 4Keep It DryWe install the solution and leave your basement clean.
Common Questions
Drain Tile FAQs
What is drain tile?
Perforated pipe along the footing that collects groundwater and carries it to a sump or outlet.
Why is it called tile?
Early systems were short sections of fired clay called tiles, and the name stuck.
How do I know if I have it?
A sump pit with pipes entering it usually means yes. Older homes may have none.
Can old tile be cleaned?
Sometimes, but cracked or collapsed clay tile usually needs to be replaced.
Does the whole floor get removed?
No. Only a narrow strip along the walls is cut and patched.
How long does it take?
Most interior systems take a few days, depending on the basement size.
What Homeowners Say
Trusted by Milwaukee-Area Homeowners
“We had Basement Specialists do foundation work for us, they were affordable, completed the work in a timely manner, and did a great job at cleanup. We even had some extra work done around the porch foundation which was reasonable and looks great. We would highly recommend them!!”
“We have used Basement Specialists a couple of times. They have been simply wonderful to work with. To start with, the office is responsive, and they were easy to schedule with. Dale showed up promptly…”
“Just had them do foundation work for us. They did a good job, they did put runners down. Even put some on the basement steps, even after I told them they didn't have to…”
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Floor Seepage
Sump Pumps & BackupsDrain Tile Giving Out?
Let's Get Water Flowing Again.
We'll check your drainage and give you a free written estimate.