Cleanouts in Underdrains

[RHOeng]

What is everyone's thoughts on putting cleanouts in perforated pipe underdrains, some call french drains, behind retaining walls, building foundations, basement walls, underground garage walls, etc. where the walls turn 90 degree corners? Seems like it would be a good idea so they could be cleaned out with a fire hose. The building code is ambiguous in this area.

 

[cvg]

I don't think it would hurt. However, if their is filter fabric wrapped on the pipe, you shouldn't have much to clean out.

 

[LHA]

I have never heard of a CO on a footer drain. As cvg said, it can't hurt, but I can't see a reason to spend the money.

 

[LPJ]

Cleanouts are provided for low flow channel underdrains for basin designs in the State of New Jersey for maintenance purposes. The underdrain cleanout assembly has a cover located within the concrete low flow channel, but with the new Phase II storm water regulations requiring groundwater recharge, we now eliminate the concrete low flow channels. The cleanout assembly cover would now be subject to greater sedimentation deposit over the cover. The underdrains for the basin design are incorporated to lower ground water tables which can potentially reduce the proposed storage volume capacity of the basin. The cleanouts for the underdrains provide the access points for maintenance, which can be included in the Stormwater Maintenance Plan, required for Phase II regulations.

Hope the info helps.

 

[jroth4]

What are the common methods for maintaining a french drain at the foundation level? Mine seeems to be flowing very, very slowly compared to the past. It eventually drains to the sump, but, during heavy rains, water accumulates on the basement floor for a period of time. Is Roto-Rooter type treatment a possibility?

Thanks,

JR