It’s important to protect your home from water damage. Water damage can cause structural issues to your home, mold growth that can lead to health issues, impact your home’s electrical and plumbing systems, and reduce your home’s resale value. Weeping tiles are a crucial component of residential drainage systems, collecting and redirecting water away from the foundation of your home.
In this post, we’re going to discuss weeping tiles installation and its role in keeping your home safe and dry.
What are Weeping Tiles?
Weeping tiles, also known as drain tiles, are a type of drainage system that protects a building from water damage by collecting and redirecting excess water away from the foundation. A weeping tile is a porous drainage pipe surrounding the perimeter of a home’s foundation. It is installed underground in a trench that slopes away from the building. The small holes along the top of the pipe allow groundwater to filter in, to be redirected away from the house into the yard, storm sewer, or sump pump.
There are two main types of weeping tiles:
- Exterior Weeping Tiles – An exterior weeping tile system is installed outside your foundation wall. It is buried underneath the soil and helps prevent moisture from penetrating your foundation.
- Interior Weeping Tiles – Interior weeping tiles are installed inside the basement, along the floor at the lowest points. It helps manage water that has already passed through your foundation walls.
How do you install a Weeping Tile?
The installation of a weeping tile involves:
- Excavation – The process begins with excavating the soil (digging a trench) around the foundation of the building, exposing the base of the foundation walls. After the trench is dug, about two to three inches of gravel are applied to the trench’s base.
- Pipe Placement – Once the trench has been prepared, a perforated pipe is laid at the bottom. This pipe is typically made from plastic or clay, featuring holes along its length which allow water to seep inside.
- Proper Slope – The trench is crafted with a gentle slope away from the building. This ensures that water flows naturally away from the foundation, following the path created by the weeping tile.
- Covering with Gravel – After the pipe has been positioned correctly, a layer of gravel is added on top. Gravel stabilizes the pipe, facilitates water flow and drainage, and acts as a filter, preventing soil from clogging the perforated pipe.
- Backfill – Once the weeping tile and gravel are in place, the trench is backfilled with soil to restore the surface. Proper compaction is crucial at this stage to prevent settling over time, preserving the function of the weeping tile.
- Landscaping – This step may include replanting grass, shrubs, or other landscaping elements that were disturbed during the excavation. Landscaping enhances the aesthetics of your home but also helps protect the weeping tile system.
Do Weeping Tiles require maintenance?
Weeping tiles are known for their low maintenance requirements and can typically last the lifespan of your building. Regular inspections and cleaning can help ensure your weeping tile is operating at peak efficiency. Here are a few things you can do:
- Check for Pooling Water – Walk around your property and look for damp areas, pools of water, spongy soil, and or water damage on interior walls. Any of these signs could indicate your weeping tile is clogged or not functioning properly.
- Check for Mold and Mildew – Mold, mildew, or foul, musty odors could indicate a malfunctioning weeping tile.
- Check for Slow Drains – If sinks, showers, or toilets are draining slowly, this could indicate a clog in your weeping tile. You can have a licensed plumber check for clogs.
- Check your Sump Pump – Pour water near the exterior foundation wall and see if the sump pump basin fills with water. If it doesn’t fill, the weeping tile pipes may be clogged.
- Redirect Downspouts – Ensure downspouts are directing water away from the house.
- Clean Gutters – Remove leaves and debris from gutters and window wells.
- Flush the System – Regular flushing with water can help prevent sediment and debris buildup.
- Clear Blockages – If you find blockages, you can often clear them using high-pressure water jets.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance – A licensed professional can inspect your weeping tile system to help determine if your system is functioning properly or if any repairs are needed.
A functioning weeping tile can work to keep your home dry and your home’s foundation intact. For more information, contact us today at Mr. Trenchless in Calgary.
