Proper weeping tile installation for your Burlington home can stop basement floods and damage, safeguarding your property and investment. Yet, understanding the right and wrong steps for weeping tile installation can be a challenge for many homeowners.
If you’re thinking about finishing your basement or using it for storage, you’ll want it to stay dry and usable. If it’s not reliable, you might not feel safe storing valuable items like photos or furniture there. To help you choose the right system, we’ve listed some dos and don’ts of weeping tile installation that other homeowners have learned from their experiences.
Dos of Weeping Tile Installation
1. Conduct Thorough Research
Before beginning a construction project, it’s crucial to know the local rules and get the right permits. In Burlington, homeowners have to follow building codes and get permits for weeping tile installation. Doing research early can save time and avoid legal problems later on.
2. Install the Weeping Tiles Away From Muddy Areas
Placing the weeping tile directly in mud or soil can cause some of that material to wash into the system over time. As this mud builds up, it can block the drain, making it harder for the drainage system to work right. This can lead to water gathering around your home’s foundation, raising the chance of water damage and structural problems later on.
To ensure proper and effective weeping tile installation, it’s important to make sure it’s above this soil layer. This stops the drainage system from getting blocked with dirt and debris, which can stop it from properly removing water from around your home’s foundation.
3. Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement
Contractors sometimes install a weeping tile system with a “gravity drain” to let water drain without mechanical help. For this to work, the drain must slope downhill. If your basement is underground, it’s unlikely this will work for you.
A sump pump system can work for any home. The pump can always pump the water away, no matter how deep underground your basement is. Sump pump systems also clog less than gravity drains. The water gets pumped out quickly, so there’s less time for sediment to build up. Plus, a sump pump can handle more water than a gravity drain.
4. Hire a Licensed Contractor
Selecting the right contractor for weeping tile installation in Burlington is crucial. Find someone familiar with the soil and weather conditions. An experienced contractor will assess your property’s needs and recommend the best weeping tile for effective drainage, helping prevent basement flooding and damage. Ultimately, entrusting this task to a skilled contractor ensures a smooth process and peace of mind for homeowners.
Don’ts of Weeping Tile Installation
1. Leaving a Gap Around Your Basement Floor Perimeter
Whether your basement walls are leaking or not, it’s important to have a system in place to collect any water that enters through cracks, concrete seepage, or basement windows.
Many contractors tackle this issue by creating a large open gap around the perimeter of your basement floor. While this idea is correct, the approach may not be the most effective.
A better solution involves incorporating a wall flange into your drainage system. This flange extends above the floor by 3/8″, protecting the drainage channel against dirt and debris.
2. Installing Weeping Tile Along the Exterior of Your Foundation
Some contractors insist on waterproofing basements from outside the foundation. This involves excavating the entire basement to install weeping tile along the foundation base. This process is costly and disruptive, affecting your yard and landscaping.
Additionally, dirt may clog the drainage system over time, requiring further excavation to fix. However, interior weeping tile installation offers a cheaper and less disruptive alternative. It doesn’t disturb your yard or landscaping, and the job can typically be finished in a day or two.
3. Installing Generic PVC Weeping Tile
Many homeowners are drawn to the lower cost of PVC pipe materials compared to modern drainage systems, but Basements Plus strongly advises against using PVC for basements. Instead, they recommend modern weeping tile systems, which install faster and have a lower failure rate. Despite the initial appeal of PVC’s lower price, opting for it can lead to additional costs in the long run.
Large PVC systems require more extensive floor excavation and deeper pipe installation, resulting in increased debris removal and additional concrete restoration. While PVC may appear cheaper initially, the added expenses of extra work and concrete restoration negate any potential savings. Choosing modern weeping tile systems proves to be a more cost-effective and efficient solution for basement drainage needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Failing to Address Grading Issues
Improper grading around your home can direct water towards the foundation, undermining the effectiveness of your weeping tile system. Ensure that the surrounding landscape is properly graded to promote drainage away from the home.
2. Overlooking Backfilling Techniques
Proper backfilling is essential to provide support and stability to the weeping tile system. Improper backfilling can result in settlement and damage to the pipes, compromising their effectiveness.
3. Underestimating Ventilation Needs
Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and mould growth in your basement. Ensure that your weeping tile system is designed to allow for proper airflow and ventilation to keep your basement dry and healthy.
4. Neglecting Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump is an essential component of a comprehensive waterproofing system. Neglecting to install a sump pump or backup system can leave your home vulnerable to flooding and water damage during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
5. Ignoring Long-Term Impacts
Consider the long-term effects of landscaping, construction, or tree planting near your weeping tile system. Roots can infiltrate and damage pipes, while changes to the landscape can affect drainage patterns and water flow around your home.
Expert Tips for Success
1. Invest In Quality
Quality materials and professional installation are worth the investment for long-term peace of mind. Choose reputable contractors and high-quality materials to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your weeping tile system.
2. Monitor Moisture Levels
Regularly monitor moisture levels in your basement and around your foundation to detect any potential issues early. Keep an eye out for signs of water infiltration or drainage problems and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
3. Educate Yourself
Take the time to educate yourself about weeping tile installation and maintenance. Understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with your contractor.
4. Build A Relationship With Your Contractor
Establishing a positive relationship with a reputable contractor can provide peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands. Regular communication and ongoing maintenance can help ensure the continued effectiveness of your weeping tile system.
5. Consider Additional Waterproofing Measures
In addition to weeping tile installation, consider other waterproofing measures such as exterior waterproofing membranes or interior drainage systems for added protection against water infiltration.
Weeping tile installation is essential for Burlington homeowners to protect their homes from water damage and maintain a dry, stable foundation. These dos and don’ts help homeowners to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. For expert assistance with weeping tile installation in Burlington, call All Canadian Property Services at 905-971-3466.