Foundation drains: age alone does not establish condition.

Which indications may warrant assessment?

• Recurring dampness or leakage at the wall-to-slab joint.
• Efflorescence, deteriorated materials or persistent odour near the base of walls.
• A sump pump that runs unusually often or receives no water during wet conditions.
• Access risers filled with sediment, crushed piping or visible roots.
• Surface water directed toward the foundation or poorly discharged downspouts.

Why the cause may be elsewhere

Water may enter through a crack, threshold, service penetration, negative grading or roof drainage, or may result from a sewer backup or condensation. A functioning foundation drain cannot compensate for every waterproofing and grading deficiency.

Camera inspection and other checks

A camera may document accessible sections, deposits, roots, breaks and deformation. It may not reach the entire perimeter, and standing water or sediment can limit visibility. Flow testing, tracing connections and observing the sump may supplement the assessment.

Maintenance or replacement?

Cleaning may help with some accessible deposits, but it cannot repair crushed pipe, poor slope or incorrect placement. Replacement generally requires excavation and should be coordinated with wall waterproofing, drainage stone, membrane and final discharge.

What a general inspection can conclude

The inspector observes moisture indications, surface drainage, access risers and the sump when accessible. A buried drain without access cannot be declared functional merely because the basement is dry on inspection day. Specialized assessment should be recommended when evidence or risk warrants it.