A footing drain is required to:

A footing drain is primarily designed to control groundwater levels around a foundation. Its main function is to prevent excess water from accumulating near the foundation, which can lead to various structural issues such as settling or heaving. By facilitating the drainage of water away from the foundation, a footing drain ensures that the structural integrity of a building is maintained, preventing potential damage caused by groundwater pressure.

While some choices touch on structural support or drainage functions, they do not directly align with the primary purpose of a footing drain. A footing drain specifically deals with managing moisture levels to protect the integrity of a foundation rather than providing support or being linked to roof drainage systems.