Signs of Weeping Tile Problems in Hamilton, Ontario
When your weeping tile system is working correctly, your home is protected from structural instability, foundation cracks and possible basement leaks. But when it fails, it’s not long before you will find yourself in significant trouble during a heavy Hamilton rain or flood.
Here are the major warning signs to look for in your weeping tile system and what to do if you notice any weeping tile damage.
What is a Weeping Tile?
Unlike the name suggests, a weeping tile is a six-inch plastic pipe with several small holes or slits. Located along your home’s footing and around its outer edge, it’s responsible for collecting water from the soil near your foundation wall and taking it to the sump pump pit.
Sometimes they stop working properly. A common cause of clogging in weeping tile is tree roots. Debris such as soil can also get trapped in the pipes and create blockages over time. As weeping tiles age, damage and misalignment can occur.
Regardless of how your weeping tile damage was caused, it will soon lead to a major flood if left unrepaired.
Signs of Weeping Tile Problems
When mildew forms or stagnant water collects in your weeping tile system, a musty smell will develop. Mould or mildew may also form on walls and flooring, so check for stained or peeling drywall.
When water doesn’t drain away from your home quickly enough, your foundation will come under pressure. This can lead to horizontal, vertical or diagonal walls cracks in your basement or crawlspace and damp areas beneath basement windows or flooring. The ground will be soft around your home and likely feature pooling water.
Have a sump pump? If the pit still has a lot of water in it after heavy rainfall, this could indicate a clogged drain tile.
How to Maintain Your Weeping Tile System
Weeping tile damage is never good. To avoid the headache and stress of a potential flood, preventative maintenance is needed.
Inspect your property for soft ground and soggy soil and look for leaks in your basement. Pay attention to mouldy odours and the formation of mildew along joists, walls and flooring.
Check that your sump pump is operating correctly by running a garden hose close to your exterior foundation. If the sump pit does not fill, this usually means that the weeping tile is blocked or broken.
If you notice any of the signs of weeping tile problems, contact a foundation expert in Hamilton right away.
Contact a Foundation Expert in Hamilton and Burlington
Wondering if you have a weeping tile problem?
The best way to know if you have issues with your weeping tile is to contact a foundation expert. Using a video camera inspection, a thorough examination can be completed, and the exact location of any blockages can be identified. If any clogs are identified, a drain snake or rooter can be fed into the pipe to remove the blockage.
If there is excessive damage, the weeping tile system may need to be excavated and replaced.
Let us inspect your weeping tile to ensure your foundation remains strong! Contact our residential waterproofing specialists today for more details.
