Foundation drain: know where it connects before altering it

Homes may have different historical arrangements between foundation drain, sump, sanitary, storm or combined sewer. Map the actual destination before work.

Decision triage

VERT / GREEN · JAUNE / YELLOW · ROUGE / RED

What the professional checks

The specialist checks camera/tracing, elevations, sanitary/storm/combined connections, valves, sump, public/private responsibility and local rules.

Official sources

Sources checked: 2026-08-24

Related path

Continue with the right tools

These links connect this page to the next useful checks and decisions without repeating the full content.

Plan a complete construction projectConnect feasibility, design, permits, concealed work, commissioning and closeout.Open →Check permit triggersPrepare the questions and documents to confirm with the local authority.Open →Check a contractorDocument licence, insurance, scope, payments, changes and warranties.Open →Update a construction costEscalate a historical cost using comparable index values.Open →Prepare pre-delivery reviewRecord documents, enclosure, systems, finishes and deficiencies before closeout.Open →

Tools related to this issue

V14

Systems to check before closing the work

V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.

Renovation dependenciesLoad-bearing walls and openingsPlumbing pressure and systemCode versions
V15

Remaining system checks not to miss

V15 covers issues that can block a project, cause a loss or become expensive once concealed.

Before closing wallsPrivate sewer/water servicePost-renovation commissioningCodes + climate by province
V16

Advanced diagnostics to cross-check

V16 connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.

Rainwater and greywaterPyrite, pyrrhotite and ochre
V17

Specialized systems to cross-check

V17 completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.

Seismic retrofitCulvert and ditchCrawl spaceUnderpinning and lifting
V18

Specialized diagnostics to verify

V18 connects systems that become costly or regulated when a primary project triggers them.

Radon mitigationLow-slope roof
V19

Edge systems to integrate into the project

V19 covers interfaces that become important when multiple home systems interact.

Green roofSIP/ICFStormwater infiltration
V27

Project risks and overlooked interfaces

V27 connects payment, water, envelope, ventilation and jobsite details that often create costly surprises.

Gutters, downspouts and roof drainage
V28

Finish and service details to verify

V28 connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.

Plumbing cleanouts and service accessCladding clearance above grade
V33

Invisible constraints before work

V33 checks electrical, legal, environmental and climate constraints that can block a project before demolition starts.

Permafrost and northern home foundations
V34

Use, excavation and construction constraints

V34 connects use permits, soil, excavation, neighbouring structures and public-space logistics before hard-to-reverse work.

Excavation shoring and adjacent structures
V47

V47 interfaces not to miss

These details are small on a drawing but can control water, structure or durability.

Building trapCast-iron stack