We own a home that was built in the late 1930’s which has two basement drains. One drain is located at the bottom of the exterior steps to the basement and one is located in a corner of the basement itself. Both drains are located below the main sanitary line. Fortunately, the exterior drain has only failed to completely drain accumulated rainwater during two hurricanes and a flash flood and the interior drain easily handled the basement flooding that occurred during these occasions. I do not know where this water is draining and I am concerned about what could happen in the future if either of these drains failed. Is anyone familiar with the operation of these types of drains?

Thanks much for your interest.

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Originally Posted by craigbrooks

We own a home that was built in the late 1930's which has two basement drains. One drain is located at the bottom of the exterior steps to the basement and one is located in a corner of the basement itself. Both drains are located below the main sanitary line. Fortunately, the exterior drain has only failed to completely drain accumulated rainwater during two hurricanes and a flash flood and the interior drain easily handled the basement flooding that occurred during these occasions. I do not know where this water is draining and I am concerned about what could happen in the future if either of these drains failed. Is anyone familiar with the operation of these types of drains?

Thanks much for your interest.

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Hi Craig,

If the elevation of the floor drains are lower then the main then they drain into a dry well or just into the soil. If you're concerned consider installing a sump pump and pit in lowest point in the basement. Good luck, Tom