Do you need foundation drainage?
In this video, I'd like to hear your opinion: is foundation drainage necessary when groundwater levels are high, or can it be done without it?
Under the last video, otter512 wrote, "Why do you need this type of foundation that doesn't function without independent drainage?" He's concerned about the need for a pump, and was asked to build a strip foundation below the frost line to prevent heaving. This option seems feasible, but let's look at our example.
We have a ring drainage system with a receiving well. The only time water stopped flowing was when the street gutter was empty. Let's say we build a strip foundation below the frost line, avoiding heaving, and everything seems great.
BUT will all this water erode the foundation? Or won't it? Is drainage necessary or not? And how much can we save on drainage? Share your thoughts in the comments.