Weeping Tile System
A weeping tile system consists of a porous pipe that is used for underground water collection or discharge. It is also called as a perimeter or drain tile system. The pipe contains weep holes or small slits in it. It is placed in a trench around the outside perimeter of the home or under the basement floor. The pipe is usually buried with aggregate larger than the slits. The water in the surrounding soil above the weeping tile flows into the weeping tile. The soil is prevented from falling into the pipe through the slits, by the aggregate rock particles. The pipe, installed at an incline, then carries the water away from the home or to a sump pump where it is pumped away.
A weeping tile system is often used for draining the water near basement foundations, as part of basement waterproofing. It can be used anywhere where the soil needs to be drained.
Weeping Tile Types
There are two types of weeping tile systems, interior weeping tile system and exterior weeping tile system.
- Interior weeping tile system – It is installed under the basement floor. The pipe directs the water to a sump pump and from there it is pumped out to an exterior storm sewer. Following steps shows how to install an interior weeping tile.
- Cut through the concrete floor and dig a trench.
- Pour the gravel.
- Lay the pipe.
- Backfill and replace the concrete floor.
- Exterior weeping tile system – It is used to manage water at ground level before it can get into your basement. The pipe is installed in a trench that is sloped away from the home. It redirects water to a safe distance away from the home. Following steps shows how to install an exterior weeping tile.
- Dig a trench.
- Pour the gravel.
- Lay the pipe.
- Backfill the trench.
Weeping Tile Maintenance
Regular maintenance is required to keep your weeping tile system working properly.
- Clean out debris and leaves from gutters and window wells and redirect downspouts away from the home.
- Verify that your sump pump is functional.
- Check your property for pooling water or soggy soil.
A drainage problem, at its initial stage, is often difficult to uncover. Many problems go undetected for years. It becomes obvious only when a foundation crack appears. Once you have determined that there is a real drainage issue, it is important that you fix it and take necessary precautions to prevent it from happening again.
