On Apr 16, 9:28 am, wrote:
Hi.

I have a house built around 1979, I do not have the original plans for
the house and cannot get them from my town.
I do not know if I have perimeter drainage under the foundation.

I want to install a sump pump, but would it do any good if there is no
perimeter drainage?

If I go around 2 feet deep lay some crushed stone and install the sump
pump, would the water find it's way to the pump if it was installed in
one corner of the house? Or do you absolutely need pipes to ensure the
water all flows to the pump spot?

I was thinking of digging in a corner of the house to try and find out
if perimeter draining is installed, but that could be futile. If I do
find piping, there is no gaurantee that it will be in the right spot
to trace out if it carries the water away from the house. However,
there is one corner of the house where it would seem the most logical
spot for it.

Also a question, generally speaking, do ALL houses have perimeter
draining installed? Is that common practice? Was it common practice in
1979 as well?

Thanks in advance!

all houses are different depending on climate, soil, and budget of the
builder. you could simply hire your local plumber after checking with
your immediate neighbors in similar homes.
if the water is from rain, there are do's and don'ts for where your
town wants the water to go.
if there is underground seepage in spring that can be sump pumped into
a storm drain or sewer if permitted.
for homework, browse thru this site and see different climate designs
and lots of basement stuff too.
http://www.buildingscienceconsulting...rk/default.htm
http://www.buildingscienceconsulting...r_basement.pdf