Hello, Long story short. The Form-A-Drain drain tile system around my home with basement (8' ceilings) is impacted with mud. We've tried everything to clear it; including Roto-Rooter self contained trailer w/ 4,000 gallons of water, it's own engine, and a pressure jet that put out something like 5,000 PSI. Problem was the jet couldn't snake around the square corners.

Does anyone have any ideas what they would do in my situation? What's the impact to the concrete footings (6-8" poured walls) without drainage? Is there any way to clear it? The builder has done allot to fix it, including separate drains on the egress windows, and so far rain water isn't coming inside the basement from the window wells filling. We extended/burried the downspouts 25' out from the house. Raised the window wells 12" by now, raised them twice. Now I have a good slope the correct direction 10' out.

I don't know what else can be done besides replacing the system, or if it hurts anyting not functioning. Just not happy I paid for a drain tile system that isn't functional.

Again, looking for suggestions, comments, etc.

Maybe I should make builder responsible? How much less is my house worth? He's put work every year into fixing water coming in the windows. This year he exposed 15' of footing and found the tile completely impacted. Then burried it saying he can't clear it, and says he's done all he's going to do.

Thanks
JohnEarl

The system needs #1 stone( 6" ft on top and 1 ft on the sides) to work properly and prevent mud from coming in .you have to dig all arround the perimeter,expose the forms and try flushing the system(no outside pressure,easier for the liquid/mud to go out the slots).
If this don't work, you can install a drain tile(w/sock)on the outside and connected to the system(I doubt the inside form is clogged), and if this still don't work, you have to cut the floor, dig in/out and replace the whole system.
Whatever you arrange with your builder is up to you guys.
Good Luck!

if #1 stone's about 3/4", yes,,, but it also needs silt fabric for trench lining, NOT a sock which'll clog eventually in hi silt conditions,,, bldg codes only require a 6mil (IF i recall correctly) 'dampproofing' coat', NOT waterproofing,,, as ext water levels rise, you can get int leakage thru the walls &/or cove,,, all the above being said, excavation & replacement's the only answer,,, BE CERTAIN the drains ' run to daylight ',,, its really simple - water runs downhill,,, if it can't, you need sumps & pumps to force it away from the foundation.

be especially vigilant as most home warranties only cover the 1st year of basement water leak claims.

All drainage systems require a min of 6" of 3/4" stone arround them to work properly, so either way(drain tile or silt fabric)will work fine,as far as damproofing,the term doesn't even exist,it is waterproofing, and the drainage system(properly installed and functioning) is designed so the water level stays below the drainage line,if water penetrates the walls is from the top, not from underneath(unless sump pump is broken).
Regards!