Drainage issues can be one of the biggest nightmares for a homeowner. The simplest way to defend your home is to ensure the proper installation of a weeping tile system. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about weeping tile systems so you can pick the type that’s right for your home.
How Does Weeping Tile Work?
What is a weeping tile system? Weeping tiles are plastic pipes that have small slits or holes to keep water out of your home. Where does weeping tile drain to exactly? When groundwater flows into the pipe, it’s either going to be forced away from the perimeter of your foundation or directed into a sump pump.
Types of Weeping Tile Systems
Exterior Weeping Tile (French Drain): A trench is dug around the perimeter of your home’s foundation and a pipe is laid along the bottom and covered in gravel. Any water will trickle through the gravel and into the pipe where it’s pushed away from the home.
Interior Weeping Tile: This type of system is laid beneath your basement’s floor and channels water into a sump pump which can then be pushed into a municipal drainage system.
Exterior Weeping Tile Installation
- Make a trench: The trench is approximately 1 foot wide and has to be deep enough to reach the footings of your home.
- Add gravel: You need to add two or three inches of gravel and the pieces must be less than one inch in size. This creates a natural filter preventing dirt, grass, and other materials from clogging up the system.
- Install the pipe: Use PVC pipe with holes drilled throughout to allow for proper drainage. Expert installers will wrap the weeping tile pipe in landscaping cloth to prevent roots from getting in.
- Cover it up: Add more gravel, dirt, and sod if you desire.
Interior Weeping Tile Installation
- Cut and dig: Cut out a section of concrete from your basement floor. Then, dig through the dirt below to create a trench that is at least one foot deep.
- Add gravel: Pour a layer of gravel at the bottom of the trench.
- Install pipe: Add your PVC piping that has holes or slits to allow for drainage. Ensure that the slits or holes are facing upwards. Then make the tile lead to your sump pump.
- Cover it up: Add a layer of gravel over the pipe. Let it sit for a day so everything can settle, then pour new concrete on top.
Weeping Tile Maintenance and Cleaning
You’ll need to perform regular inspections to see if cleaning or maintenance is required.
- Monitor your property for pooling water or soggy patches of soil and grass
- Ensure your sump pump has sufficient power and add a battery backup in case of a power outage
- Regularly clean your home’s gutters and maintain downspouts
Contact Us
For three years in a row, WaterGuard Plumbing has been the recipient of the Best of Homestars Award. We attribute this success to our excellent customer service and our ability to quickly and effectively help people protect their homes from flooding and excessive moisture.
WaterGuard Plumbing is Toronto’s best waterproofing service. Contact us today to book your appointment for all of your weeping tile installation and other plumbing needs.
