Rub-R-Drain: High-Flow Foundation Drainage That Replaces Gravel Systems

Every foundation waterproofing system needs a reliable way to get water away from the wall. For decades, that’s meant the same thing: hauling tons of gravel, laying perforated pipe, and hoping the system doesn’t clog with soil fines. It’s labor-intensive, costly, and not always effective.

Rub-R-Drain changes the game. This modular composite drainage and collection system uses a 3-dimensional, high-flow polypropylene drainage core wrapped in a non-woven filter fabric . Instead of shoveling rock, contractors roll out Rub-R-Drain to create a fast, efficient, and reliable subsurface drainage path.

Available in multiple widths with a complete set of fittings, Rub-R-Drain makes installation simple while delivering hydrostatic pressure relief that keeps foundations dry for the long term .

Why Choose Rub-R-Drain?

Contractors are turning to Rub-R-Drain because it solves the pain points of traditional gravel-based systems:

• No More Gravel Loads: Eliminates the cost and labor of trucking, hauling, and backfilling with stone .

• High Flow Capacity: In-plane flow rates of 30 gpm/ft width keep water moving even under soil pressure .

• Foundation Protection: Relieves hydrostatic pressure and prevents water from pushing against walls.

• Filter Fabric Protection: Non-woven fabric blocks soil fines while allowing water to pass freely .

• Durability: With 9,500 psf compressive strength, it resists crushing under backfill .

• Chemical Resistance: Safe to use where soils may contain salts, acids, or other contaminants .

• Easy Installation: Lightweight rolls with widths from 6” to 36” make for flexible design options .

With Rub-R-Drain, waterproofing crews save time, reduce costs, and deliver a system that performs better than gravel-based methods.

How Rub-R-Drain Works

Rub-R-Drain uses a cuspated polypropylene sheet formed under heat and pressure into a dimpled core. This creates continuous vertical channels that move water down to a collection system .

• Filter Fabric: Retains soil while allowing water to enter the core.

• Drainage Core: Maintains open flow channels, even under heavy soil loads.

• Hydrostatic Relief: Channels water away so it doesn’t build up against the wall.

The result: a foundation that stays dry without the headaches of traditional gravel drains.

Technical Performance That Contractors Trust

Rub-R-Drain is backed by ASTM testing for strength, flow, and filtration:

• Compressive Strength: 9,500 psf (ASTM D1621)

• Thickness: 1 in. (2.54 cm)

• In-Plane Flow Capacity: 30 gpm/ft width at 518 psf load, gradient 0.1 (ASTM D4716)

• Flow Through Fabric: 140 gpm/ft² (ASTM D4491)

• CBR Puncture Resistance: 250 lbs (ASTM D6241)

• Grab Tensile Strength: 100 lbs (ASTM D4632)

• Permittivity: 2.0 sec⁻¹ (ASTM D4491)

• UV Resistance: 70% retained strength after 500 hours (ASTM D4355)

These results prove Rub-R-Drain can handle real-world soil loads, deliver continuous flow, and protect against long-term clogging.

Rub-R-Drain vs. Gravel Drainage

Contractors who switch see immediate savings in time, labor, and material handling — with a system that simply performs better.

Where Rub-R-Drain Excels

Rub-R-Drain is perfect for:

• Residential Foundations – Keeps basements dry without truckloads of gravel.

• Commercial Projects – Faster installation on large sites.

• Retaining Walls – Prevents hydrostatic buildup behind walls.

• Sites with Poor Soil Conditions – Filter fabric prevents fines from clogging drains.

If the project calls for subsurface water management, Rub-R-Drain is the professional choice.

The Bottom Line: Drain Smarter, Build Stronger

Gravel drainage is outdated. Today’s contractors need a faster, cleaner, and more reliable way to protect foundations from water pressure.

Rub-R-Drain delivers:

• Lightweight installation.

• High-flow drainage performance.

• Proven ASTM-tested durability.

• Long-term reliability for waterproofing systems.

Stop hauling rock. Start installing smarter. Rub-R-Drain is the modern drainage solution that saves time and delivers peace of mind.

Keep Foundations Dry with Rub-R-Drain

Contractors across North America are upgrading to Rub-R-Drain for reliable foundation drainage without the gravel.