How Does an Exterior Weeping Tile System Work?

Here in Toronto, installing weeping tile systems on the exterior of the foundation wall is a must if you will be waterproofing the exterior of your home’s foundation.  Toronto is built on top of a large water aquifer, with hundreds of underground waterways.  Many areas of Toronto also have high water table issues, where a good thunderstorm can wreck havoc on a home’s foundation.  An exterior weeping tile system will remove the water buildup on the outside of your foundation and carry it away safely from your home.

When contractors dig out for a basement, they inevitably remove more earth than is strictly necessary. This could be because the soil is unstable, and they do not want it to collapse against a “raw wall”. It’s usually also to make space for a weeping tile system that can help keep the basement dry forever by removing water from outside your foundation wall so it cannot seep into your basement.

An exterior weeping tile system works in similar fashion as an interior weeping tile system, except that water is removed before it has a chance to seep into your foundation walls. Usually, an interior weeping tile is used when, for whatever reason, the exterior of the foundation cannot be dug out and waterproofed properly.

Finished Weeping Tile

Interior Weeping Tile

 

Once the exterior weeping tile system is installed, contractors backfill the space with the soil they dug out previously. Strictly speaking, they should tamp it down as the wall builds up to ground level – and then cover it with a sloping hard-standing to lead the water away from the foundation. Less diligent contractors simply pour in barrow-loads of loose soil at the end of the job, tidy up, request payment and go.  This will inevitably lead to water build up against your foundation, and eventually more water leaking through the foundation.

Installing an exterior weeping tile system is a fairly big job as you will need to dig out the foundation of your home, which is why it is very (and I stress very) important to have the exterior weeping tile system installed properly the first time as the only remedy for an improperly installed exterior weeping tile system is to dig out the foundation again and fix it.

4-weeping-tiles-foundation-300x199 (2)

Exterior Weeping Tile System

Water inevitably finds its way down into the ground to reach the outside of a basement wall, no matter what a homeowner tries to do. If it’s not percolating down through the backfill, then it’s seeping between the strata towards it anyway. When that happens, you have only two defenses:

        1.  A solid, crack-free, fully waterproofed intact                      structure comprising walls, floor and sometimes concrete ceiling.

        2.  A set of weeping tiles installed all around the outside of the foundation, to lead ground water                  away before it causes damage.

 

*Weeping tiles are an essential belt-and-braces feature of any well-designed basement. That’s because earth expands, shifts and contracts, and inevitably challenges the structure’s own defenses.

 

Diagram of How exterior weeping tile system works

Exterior Weeping Tile System Diagram

How Do Weeping Tiles Work?

Don’t be confused by the term “weeping tile”. Weeping tiles are not tiles at all (although they were once perforated pipes made from clay). These days, weeping tiles are made from 4” diameter plastic pipe regularly punched with holes. The idea being that ground water will find its way into them through the holes, and then follow a gentle incline until it discharges naturally (or enters a sump pump for pumping out).

Before the plastic pipes are buried, they are covered with a long open “sock” or overlapping socks made from rot-proof permeable material. This prevents the earth from clogging up the holes, much in the same way as the original weeping tiles may have kept the underground ditches clear.

Weeping tile systems also need to be graded properly so that water in the pipes will make its way towards the final discharge point.

 

Header-Plugged-With-Gravel-Needs-to-be-Replaced 2 (1)Having Weeping Tile Problems?

This is most likely because the long, open socks (or holes in old clay pipes) have become clogged. These days, this can largely be avoided by covering the pipes with fine gravel. Unfortunately, when they do clog there’s little option but to dig them up and lay in new ones. If installed properly, an exterior weeping tile system should work fine for many years.

 

Have questions about installing an exterior weeping tile system or repairs to your existing system?  Nusite Waterproofing has been installing and repairing exterior weeping tile systems in Toronto for over 30 years.  We have an A+ Rating with the BBB and are a top rated waterproofing company in Toronto on Homestars.  We offer free, in-home estimates and inspections and can point out where and how water is entering your basement.

Why is Water Seeping through My Basement Floor?

Do you have water seeping through your basement floor?  Many homes in The Bay Area do, this is largely due to the age of the homes here as well as the fact many parts of The Bay Area sit on top of high water tables from the many underground rivers that flow under it.

Basements are an inevitable target for water. That’s because they’re underground, and there’s almost always moisture somewhere nearby waiting to get into your basement through a crack or seam.  If you think of an inground swimming pool, that’s what a basement is, except it’s trying to keep the water out instead of in. While a well-built, properly water-proofed basement could remain dry almost indefinitely, many others fail, because the foundation was not properly waterproofed in the first place or the repair job was more of a band aid rather than a long-term waterproofing solution.

 

Reasons for the Problem

There are several causes for wet basements. These can occur simultaneously. For purposes of simplicity we separate them below.

  • Ground Water – This either filters down from rainwater accumulating above, or through horizontal strata in the ground. If your basement damp problem worsens in rainy months, this could be a likely cause.
  • Backed-Up Sewer Pipes – Many older Canadian homes still have storm water run-offs connected to their sewer lines. If your damp problem traces to an overflowing toilet, then you need to modify your drainage system.
  • Leaking Pipes – Some plumbers have a habit of concealing pipes in walls. All pipes have to pass through walls anyway. If your floor stays damp throughout the dry season, then you should call in a plumber to do some tests.

Your problem will most likely be caused by rain water filtering through the earth surrounding your foundation, and coming up against your basement walls and floor where the hydrostatic pressure may be quite intense. If you believe this is the case, your solution depends on a combination of prevention and cure to stop your basement leaks.  When there is too much pressue trying to get into your basement, simple waterproof paint or sealants tend not to work very well.

Before beginning, first tape a sheet of plastic over your basement floor making sure to seal the edges and any joints. Lift it up two weeks later. If the floor’s still damp the water’s rising through it. If not, the problem could be in your walls and you need to look elsewhere.

Preventing Water From Seeping Into Your Basement

There’s little you can do about groundwater travelling horizontally through the ground. You have to deal with it when it arrives, usually with an interior weeping tile system. However if it’s filtering down from the surface overhead, then that’s a completely different matter. Investigate the following:

  • How effectively is the rainwater discharged from your roof? Is it lead away through channels, or pooling in the vicinity of the basement?  Proper runoff from downspouts can help keep water away from your foundation.
  • Does the ground slope steadily away from your home allowing a gentle yet effective runoff?  Grading the spoil to run away from your foundation will help keep water away form your foundation.
  • Turn off your water supply at the entrance to your property. Does the meter stop when everything’s turned off onside? If not there could be a leak in your supply main that’s filtering underground.

Possibilities

Wait a few weeks after implementing the above solutions, preferably during a dry period to let the ground dry out. If there’s still moisture rising through your basement floor you have two options open to you:

  • Remove the surrounding earth and install a weeping tile system that stops the ground water in its tracks.
  • Install a french drain just inside the basement walls, and pump the water to the outside where it can trickle away harmlessly

Water entering your basement through foundation cracks is hardly a DIY project. The work is onerous, and you need protective gear to avoid infections from mold and water borne illnesses.  Besides, is this really the way you want to spend a month of weekends? Look at hiring a professional contractor that has expertise in basement water issues.

Why is Water Backing Up From My Basement Drains?

 

It’s one of every homeowner’s worst nightmares… water coming up from the basement drain. Most homeowners forget about the drain in their basement all together until there is a problem.  Here in Toronto, many of the homes were built decades ago and have issues with water entering their basement.  Many areas of Toronto also sit on high water tables which also make the water issues worse than many other areas.  When you walk down your basement stairs to find water in your basement (a little or a lot) you know there is a problem even if you don’t know exactly what it is.

When your basement drain is backing up it is the telltale sign that you have a clogged sewer line.

Clogs in Your Piping System

Clogs in secondary pipes will cause problems in isolated parts of your house. For example, if the clog is in the lines for your bathroom sink you might notice the sink not draining or the bathtub backing up when you run the water, but you can use water in the rest of your house without a problem. When the clog is in your main line any water that you use in the house is going to cause a problem. Your main line is the one that all water and waste existing your house is running through, so when it backs up in one place it is backing up to all the others.

Warning Signs

Obviously if you have water backing up your drains it becomes obvious that you have a problem, but depending on what is causing the clog in your line there might be warning signs you can watch for before you have a major problem on your hands.

  • Gurgling – Many times when a clog is building in your main sewer line you will be able to hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilets and/or sinks.
  • Odor – If your sewer line is becoming clogged you many notice a sewer odor coming from your drains.
  • Slow draining water – the start of a clog can cause the water to drain more slowly from your sinks tubs.

These are warning signs that you don’t want to ignore. If you notice these signs it is best to be proactive about the problem before you have a complete clog that is backing up into your home.

What is clogging my drain?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to know what is causing the clog in your sewer line, but here are some common culprits:

  • Tree Roots – This is the #1 reason that main sewer lines gets clogged. Trees need water to grow and it’s the job of the tree roots to find that water supply. Roots can expand up to seven times the height of the tree, so if your house is surrounded by mature trees you could have a potential problem on your hands. During drought conditions the roots of trees grow out searching for water and they just might find your sewer line. Each root has smaller hair-like roots growing off of it and they find their way into your pipes from small cracks in the joint. Eventually the roots completely clog the line causing a backup inside your home.  Roots can also wreck havoc on exterior weeping tile systems.
  • Blockage from items that were flushed – Clogs can be caused from anything that is flushed down your toilet that is too much for your sewer line to handle. Some of the main culprits of this are toys flushed by children, thick toilet paper, paper towels and feminine hygiene products.

How do I fix a clog in my sewer line?

  • If you have water backing up into your basement the first thing you are going to want to do is shut off the water. Any water that is being used is going to add to the problem.
  • The second thing you want to do quickly is get any standing water out of your basement and get everything clean and dry. The longer water (or other material that has backed up into you basement) stands in your basement the greater the risk of mold. You need to get everything dry and if you have a finished basement with carpet and drywall and you had standing water in your basement, chances are it is going to need to get tossed to prevent the spread and growth of mold.
  • Snake the basement drain – Use a snake/auger to try to unclog the line from your basement drain. If the problem is right in the pipe you may be able to clear the line from inside of your house. It is important to understand what type of auger you are using and to know what your pipes are made of. Using the wrong tools for the job can cause further damage to your pipes that will be costly to repair.
  • Locate the exterior cleanout – Most houses will have a cleanout located near the exterior of the house, it is typically a white pipe sticking up out of the ground with a cap on it. You can try to snake the main line from this location to break up the clog. If your clog is caused by tree roots a simple hand auger is not going to get the job done, you will want to use a mechanical auger.

WARNING: If you are able to clear a clog from invasive tree roots with a mechanical auger you may have taken care of your immediate problem, but the roots will grow back. If tree roots are the cause of your problem there are options to kill them with chemicals or in some cases it is best to use a camera to determine the location of the problem, dig out the roots, and replace the section of pipe.

Call a qualified basement water specialist – Some problems are better left to the professionals. If you have tried the simple steps above to clear your line and have not been able to resolve the issue it is best to call a professional. Nusite Waterproofing has been repairing basement drain problems in Toronto for over 30 years.  Our licensed and professional waterproofing experts can provide a free in-home inspection and estimate.  Contact us today to learn more.

Do I Need a Weeping Tile System?

Here in Toronto, installing exterior and interior weeping tile systems is a very popular option as it can effectively divert water away from your foundation.  Also, improvements to the technology and installation methods have greatly increased their reliability as they traditionally had problems with getting clogged after a number of years.

So why use the term Weeping Tile?  I wish somebody would embargo the term ‘weeping tile’ because perimeter drains are neither tiles, nor do they weep (in fact they do the opposite). In times gone by, they were like that though, or we wouldn’t have the term.

French Drain-Weeping Tile System Image

In case you’re curious, I’ll mention that Romans used to cover their ditches with broken roof tiles. These stopped them blocking, while allowing the rain to filter through. If you looked underneath, I guess it looked as if the tiles were weeping.

A Weeping Tile system can be installed on the exterior of your foundation or in the interior of your foundation along the perimeter of your foundation walls.  Exterior Weeping Tiles will divert water away from your foundation so water never gets a chance to enter your foundation while an Interior Weeping Tile system will divert water away from after it has entered through your foundation, so this is more of a water management system rather than a true waterproofing solution.

Modern Weeping Tile Perimeter Drains

These days, perimeter drains lie at a point where underground water collects and makes a nuisance of itself. You’ll often find them at the bottom of outside basement walls, where they prevent water seeping through to the inside of your foundation. The weeping tiles are actually plastic pipes, with longitudinal slits on top designed to siphon the groundwater away.

Of course, if you just did that, then the earth would block the slits in no time at all. This is why builders wrap the pipes in ground-retaining cloth, and then cover them over with the same gravel chip you find in concrete. This belt-and-braces approach is necessary because digging up blocked perimeter drains is an expensive, time-consuming and messy business.

Weeping Tile System Diagram

How to Know You Need Them

Setting hindsight aside for a moment, you’ll know you need a weeping tile-type perimeter drain if you see water seeping in through the bottom of your basement. Typically, it will come through the crack where the walls rest on the floor. If the wall shows signs of damp higher up, then you have the makings of a dam outside.

Now that you know how these things work, you know that you should have a perimeter drain installed at the bottom of your exterior basement wall before the builder fills the space with rubble. The raw materials are not expensive and are quick and easy to lay down, so insist on it.

It is absolutely essential (the strongest words that I could find) to have a plan where the groundwater goes to after you collect it. If you are lucky, conditions will allow it to soak away naturally. If not, then you must leave a pit with a sump pump at the bottom.

A good long-term waterproofing solution is to properly waterproof the exterior walls of your foundation along with installing an exterior weeping tile system.

What to Do if the System Doesn’t Work

If you find water accumulating in your basement by seeping in from outside, then either you do not have a weeping tile system, or it’s blocked. You have three options, namely:

  1. Put up with the problem (bad idea, this can affect your property value)
  2. Did up the garden and install a new perimeter drainage system
  3. Chip out the floor against the walls, and install weeping tiles inside the room

There are pros and cons to both options 2 and 3. In theory, option 2 is the correct one, although there may be practical considerations that prevent it. If so, then 3 is really the only way to go. You’ll have to accept the fact that you will end up with less usable space, and will also likely end up hiding your interior perimeter drain behind some paneling.

Leaking Foundation?

These are several ways a basement can leak and if the problem isn’t solved it can lead to major long-term damage to your foundation. A proper water drainage system is needed to help fight off basement leaks and this is sometimes a simple solution and at other times it can be a big task. Nusite Waterproofing has been providing basement waterproofing and foundation repairs services in Toronto for over 30 years.  We offer a free in-home written estimate and inspection.  Contact us today to schedule your estimate.