Installing Outside Weeping Tile: A Guide?

This article provides a step-by-step guide on installing exterior weeping tile (french drain) in your home. The process involves digging a trench along the outside perimeter of your home’s foundation, and then laying the perforated tiles. This method is typically done at the footing level, and is the most common type of weeping tile system.

When installing exterior weeping tiles, it is important to know how to install it safely, where you want it installed, and what type of installation you want. Getting approval is crucial for a well-functioning weeping tile system, which is essential for preventing water damage and maintaining the structural integrity of your home.

Weeping tiles are placed in a trench around your home, while interior tile is most often used if the exterior tile has failed. To install weeping tile above the “mud zone”, clear the area and protect grass with plywood or something similar. Dig a trench, pour gravel, lay the pipe, and backfill the trench.

In case your basement leaks or your weeping tile needs to be replaced, this page on weeping tile installation is for you. By following these steps, you can enjoy a dry, clean yard drainage system.

Can I connect weeping tile to sewer?

Excess inflow and infiltration are common causes of sanitary sewer backups and basement flooding. Infiltration occurs when water from surrounding soils enters the sewer via cracks in pipes and leaky connections, while inflow occurs when clean rainwater enters the sanitary sewer via direct connections. Weeping tiles, which were connected directly to the sanitary sewer system before the 1980s, are a major source of inflow. In London, Sherwood Forest, a neighbourhood built in the 1970s and 1980s, was identified as a major contributor to basement flooding events.

The City of London commissioned a study to address this issue, finding that addressing the point at which rainwater enters the sanitary sewer system would be the most cost-effective method. The report indicated that a $2 million investment in source control methods would have a greater impact on flood reduction than a $10 million investment in upgrading protective infrastructure.

To address this problem, the City of London embarked on a pilot program of disconnecting inflow sources. Computer modeling selected 65 homes in the target Sherwood Forest neighborhood, and affected homeowners were notified through mail, phone, and public meetings. To enhance citizen cooperation levels, a full-cost recovery was allocated and an additional $1000 payment was made to offset future maintenance needs.

Working with private-side sewer connections required working directly with homeowners, requiring police record checks, liability insurance requirements, and comprehensive insurance coverage for employees. Additionally, obtaining buildings permits for each individual house required coordination with the city’s building division. Working inside private homes also required signing individual agreements and flexible schedules for contractors.

How much gravel on top of weeping tile?

To install a weeping tile drainage system, lay coarse gravel at the bottom of the trench to create space between the ground and the pipe. This layer should be 4-5 inches around the pipe to prevent clogging by wet soil. Next, lay a PVC pipe in a trench with gravel and create holes through which moisture enters the pipe. Install the pipe just below the house foundation to avoid water accumulation. Consider where the water will flow from the weeping tile pipe, using a sump pump or the city’s storm system. Consider the method of connection and connection points before installing the pipe.

Does drain tile need gravel?

Drain tile systems are crush-resistant plastic pipes perforated with holes to allow ground water in. They are typically installed after the foundation footer of a new home is laid. The pipe is then covered with washed gravel, ensuring it filters water while not entering the perforations. A porous fabric is then applied to the tile, allowing water in and keeping soil out. Finally, soil is placed on top of the covered pipe to complete the system.

Installing a drainage system during the early phase of new home construction is a wise decision for peace of mind. However, if your existing home starts to show signs of water problems, it is important to consult with a professional plumber to ensure the proper installation and maintenance of the system.

What is the problem with weeping tiles?

Weeping tile can clog due to tree roots or soil, leading to damage and misalignment over time. If left unrepaired, it can cause major floods. Signs of weeping tile problems include a musty smell, mold or mildew on walls and flooring, stained or peeling drywall, and pressure on the foundation due to slow water drainage. This can cause wall cracks, damp areas beneath windows or flooring, and soft ground around the home. It is crucial to address these issues to prevent major floods.

How to put drain tile in wet yard areas?

The article discusses a solution to yard drainage issues, specifically a drain tile installation. The author, a big brother, decided to install a drain tile system to help his sister’s yard dry out and prevent flooding. He rented a gas-powered trencher, capable of digging a 9″x2 1/2″ trench, for $50. The trencher was a walk-behind unit with a large disk blade, and the author made two passes of 70 feet each in opposite directions about a foot apart.

This allowed the machine to throw the excess dirt out of the digging area for later use. The project was completed after an overnight storm that dumped at least 3″ in a few hours, leaving the back yard nearly empty. The author also replaced the dirt and sod, hauled off excess dirt, and seeded or watered the remaining area. The article highlights the importance of proper drainage and proper maintenance in a home’s drainage system.

Does weeping tile need gravel?

The installation process for an interior weeping tile involves a 12-inch wide opening around the foundation floor, followed by a 1 to 2 feet deep trench on the gravel below. Washed gravel is added to fill the area. Drainage problems can be difficult to detect and can go undetected for years. They become apparent when the foundation cracks. Weeping tile installation is labor-intensive and requires expertise from a waterproofing company.

The exterior prevents water from reaching the basement, while the interior handles water that has already entered the basement. It is crucial to address drainage issues promptly to prevent foundation cracking.

How deep does a weeping tile need to be?

Weeping tile is installed below the frost line to ensure its effectiveness year-round. The frost line is the deepest point the ground freezes in winter, usually a few feet deep. A standard recommendation is to install weeping tile 6 to 12 inches below the basement floor to capture and redirect water effectively. A slight slope is recommended to encourage water flow away from the foundation and towards a proper drainage outlet.

Local building codes and regulations may provide specific guidelines for the depth and installation of weeping tile in your area. For determining the optimal depth, consult a qualified drainage contractor or engineer.

To fix a weeping tile, it is essential to maintain your perimeter drain, as water damage is the leading cause of home, condo, and tenant insurance claims. Common problems include clogged and damaged weeping tile pipes, water stains or cracks in the basement wall, mold, mildew or musty smells in the basement, and pooling water around basement windows and the exterior of the home.

Does weeping tile go on or beside footing?

A weeping tile system is a drainage system installed around a home’s foundation walls, providing a point for draining water that has accumulated at the base. This system drains to the storm sewer or a sump pump liner, preventing basement foundation walls from sitting in a puddle of water for their entire life. Concrete absorbs water due to its porosity, and groundwater naturally wicks through the concrete and mortar joints, causing saturation and weakening over time.

Installing new weeping tile around the footing of a home can enhance footing drainage and prevent homeowners from having major basement waterproofing work done due to unknown leak causes. Many basement leaks are not influenced by the drainage efficiency of the weeping tile and can be remedied by other less expensive means. For example, a hole in a foundation wall will leak regardless of the weeping tile’s effectiveness.

Replacing weeping tile does not guarantee a dry basement, as unless foundation walls are waterproof, a leaking basement will usually continue to leak. Most basement leaks are not the result of faulty or clogged weeping tile systems, and many new homes with new foundations and weeping tile installations still have basement leaks.

How much slope for weeping tile drainage?

When installing Drain Tile, it is crucial to slope the pipe 1/8″ per linear foot, ensuring a drop of 1″ every 8 feet. This is essential for heavier rains and sewers, as it can handle some water and sewage from the home. A slope of 1/8″ per linear foot is the most effective for both installation and operation of the system. If the slope is too much, the pipes may not be able to run far, requiring more Sump Pits to pump water out. For a basement with 160 LF in perimeter, two pits are needed to ensure the Drain Tile stays with the footing, as running beneath the footing can cause dirt to wash out and cause structural issues.

What goes on top of a weeping tile?

Geotextile filter cloth is used in exterior waterproofing installations to prevent weeds, silt, or dirt from pushing through the gravel and clogging weeping tile. This heavy-duty, environmentally friendly material is long-lasting and ideal for waterproofing applications. Geotextile fabric allows water and air to pass through the soil layer to the stone layer, while preventing other elements from entering the pipe. This prevents clogging and ensures a clean and safe environment.

How deep should you bury drain tile?

The depth of drains in agricultural drainage is crucial for the hydraulic head and distance between the drains and the restrictive layer. Shallower drains require narrower spacing for the same drainage coefficient. The depth to the restrictive layer is the combination of the drain depth (W) and the depth from the drain to restrictive layer (D). This depth affects the flow patterns of water to the drains and the required drain spacing. A shallower depth to the restrictive layer will require narrower drain spacing.

The drain spacing calculator assumes that the drains are above the restrictive layer. If the layer is very shallow and the drains cannot be placed above it, a more detailed design procedure is required. If the depth to the restrictive layer is unknown, an arbitrarily deep depth (e. g., 10 feet) can be used to estimate a drain spacing. Depths deeper than this have less influence on the drain spacing results.

The minimum water table depth (H) is typically set to 1 foot, as most agricultural crops cannot tolerate a water table within 1 foot of the soil surface for more than 24 hours. Values less than 1 foot result in wider drain spacings, and values greater than 1 foot result in narrower drain spacings.