Synthetic materials for water drainage systems

Abstract

Synthetic rocks are used as a substitute for natural gravel to fill in a water drainage trench. The synthetic rocks may be used around perforated drain tiles in a basement water drainage system, or they may be used without such tile. The synthetic rocks may be of a size and shape that mimics the natural rock they replace, but they are preferably significantly lighter in weight. The synthetic rocks may alternatively be tubular or cubic shaped, for example, and may include one or more lumens or other passageways to facilitate the flow of water through and/or around the rocks. The synthetic rocks may be provided in mesh bags to facilitate placement in a water drainage trench.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method of preventing water from seeping up through the floor of the lower level of a building, said method comprising:
 a) providing a trench below the level of the floor of a building;   b) at least partially filling in said trench with a plurality of synthetic mini-tubes having a largest dimension of between about 0.5 inches and about 3.0 inches; and   c) providing a solid flooring material over said synthetic mini-tubes to substantially cover said trench.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein at least some of said synthetic mini tubes are contained in a mesh bag to facilitate placement of the pieces. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , and further including providing perforated or slotted drain tile in said trench to facilitate draining water from the building. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said mini-tubes have a specific gravity that is less than 3.0. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said synthetic rocks have a specific gravity that is less than 2.0. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said synthetic rocks have a specific gravity that is less than 1.0.