We Provide Effective Solutions for Drainage Problems

Water in ducts is the most common complaint we receive from homeowners. So how do you know when water has entered your ductwork? If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you most likely have a drainage problem:

  • There are higher humidity levels in your home and you see moisture on your windows

  • There is a gurgling sound or the sound of rushing water when you turn your system on

  • You notice decreased air flow in your home – rooms that usually heat or cool quickly take much longer to do just that

  • You note a musty smell in your home

Understanding how you wound up with water in ducts and the remedies available is crucial to correcting the issue and preventing further damage.

A Guide to Achieving Cleaner, Healthier Air in Your Home
Picture of E-Book

Experiencing Problems with your underground air ducts?

Download our FREE guide today!

false water table

How Water Entered Your Air Ducts

When a home is excavated, a hole is dug in virgin, hard-packed soil to accommodate for the foundation walls and footings. This hole is larger than the footprint of the foundation, thus, creating a pan or saucer. Once the concrete is poured and the foundation is set, the area around the foundation is filled with loosely-packed fill dirt. This loose fill dirt is not as compact as the undisturbed soil around the foundation, so it creates a less resistant path for water to travel.

Water dropping within five feet of the foundation walls makes its way through the loose fill dirt, under the footing and foundation wall. This increases the normal water table found under the home.

Due to hydrostatic pressure, the water begins to rise and finds its way into your ductwork through joints and seams of your pipes and plenum, which are not designed to withstand that amount of pressure.

Factors that contribute to water in your air ducts

  • Clogged gutters or no gutters on the house

  • Heavy rain

  • Downspouts dropping too close to the house

  • Incorrect pitch of the ground (toward the house)

  • Melting snow

  • Naturally high water table

Call Us Today:

(708) 758-5070

Drainage Solutions

At Trenchless Innovations, we provide complete inspections and assessments of your underground air duct system and external conditions around your home to determine the most effective approach to solving your drainage problem.

Common steps are recommended below.

  • Extend downspout drainage lines a minimum of 5 feet from your house

  • Clean existing gutters or install new gutters on your house

  • Install a perforated sump pit and pump to assist with lowering the water table

  • Regrade the pitch around the walls of the foundation, creating a positive pitch that drains away from your house

Call us at 708-758-5070 to let us diagnose your home drainage problem and provide a long lasting solution.

Underground Air Duct Drainage FAQs

Some signs water has entered your ductwork in Chicago include:

  • There is excess humidity in your home. 
  • You hear sounds of water in your ductwork.
  • You notice moisture on your home’s windows.

If you suspect that water has entered your ductwork, you should have your home’s air ducts inspected as soon as possible to mitigate the issue. To get your home’s air ducts inspected, call us today. 

A few ways to tell if your underground air ducts are leaking in Chicago are: 

  • The quality of your indoor air has become worse. 
  • Your HVAC system has symptoms of reduced air flow.
  • You notice excess dirt or dust in your indoor air. 

To confirm whether or not your underground air ducts have a leak, you should have your air ducts inspected by a licensed contractor. To get your ductwork inspected, contact us today. 

A few signs you should have your underground air ducts cleaned in Chicago include: 

  • There is excess dust in your indoor air. 
  • Your monthly energy bill has increased dramatically.
  • You notice mold growth in your HVAC system. 

It is recommended that you have your air ducts cleaned by an experienced technician since they will be able to properly clean your air ducts without damaging them in the process. To get your air ducts cleaned, give us a call today. 

The size and complexity of the project, the kind of drainage system needed, and the cost of labor and materials locally are just a few of the variables that affect the cost of establishing a drainage system. Simpler systems can cost a few hundred dollars or less, but more intricate or large-scale installations might cost thousands. Accurate cost estimates can be achieved by assessing your demands and obtaining thorough quotes by consulting with drainage experts or local contractors.

Start by identifying the source of the issue, whether it’s poor soil drainage, improper grading, or blocked channels. Solutions may include regrading the landscape, installing drainage pipes, or creating swales. Planting water-absorbing vegetation and using permeable surfaces can also help. Professional consultation is advised for accurate diagnosis and effective solutions. Regular maintenance, such as clearing debris from gutters and drains, is essential for preventing future drainage problems.

Various drainage systems cater to specific needs in managing water runoff. Surface drainage systems, like swales and surface grading, guide water away from structures. Subsurface drainage systems, including French drains and pipe systems, manage groundwater. Storm water drainage systems collect and channel rainwater, often using catch basins and underground pipes. Green infrastructure, incorporating permeable surfaces and vegetation, aids in natural drainage. Additionally, erosion control measures, like retaining walls, help prevent soil displacement. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) focus on eco-friendly approaches. Each system addresses distinct challenges, offering a comprehensive approach to effective water management in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

To avoid drainage issues in underground air ducts:

  • Ensure proper installation with correct slope and drainage design.
  • Regularly inspect ducts for signs of leaks or blockages.
  • Clean ducts periodically to prevent debris buildup.
  • Maintain proper sealing around duct joints and connections.
  • Install drainage systems like sump pumps if necessary.
  • Address water sources near ducts, such as leaks or groundwater.