Sump Pit / Weeping Tile / Backwatervalve Installation

Weeping Tile Installation​

Weeping tile is a perforated plastic pipe that is placed on the footing around the entire exterior perimeter of the house at the bottom of the foundation wall. In older homes, this pipe might be made of clay or concrete material. The purpose of weeping tile is to collect excess water drainage down the exterior concrete wall. This prevents water pressure from building up against the concrete wall and diverts the water before it is absorbed by soil causing the soil to swell.

 

After the water enters the weeping tile it drains to the sewer at the catch basin or the sump pit in newer homes. Solid pipes are laid under the basement floor from the sewer or pit to each foundation wall and connected through the footing to the weeping tile. This system is unique to Winnipeg. A different weeping tile system is used in other cities.
 
Weeping tile is affected by foundation shifting, basement floor heaving, sewer backup and shrinking and swelling clay. Honestly Handy will be able to advise you on any repair or maintenance required. We also break out concrete and install new weeping tile if your house doesn't have it.  

 

Sump Pits and Pumps Instllation​

Sump pits are plastic containers with approximately 20 gallon (90 liters) capacities which are placed in a convenient location in the basement with the top of the pit at floor level. In newer homes, the pit is installed when the home is built. The weeping tile lines discharge into the pit and the water is pumped outside by a submersible pump near the bottom of the pit. The main purpose of the sump pit is to discharge weeping tile water outside instead of into the overloaded sewer system during heavy rains.

 

Many homeowners with houses where the weeping tile system drains into the sewer have installed sump pits. This pit is connected under the floor to the catch basin. During heavy rains and flooding the sewer backup valve will close preventing weeping tile water from entering the sewer. This water is diverted to the pit and pumped outside. This only happens when the sewer backup valve is closed.

 

The concrete basement floor is normally 4 inches thick. The floor is underlain by approximately 4 inches of pea gravel on top of the clay base. The gravel allows excess water to move freely laterally relieving pressure under the floor. Some contractors and home owners drill small holes in the top 4 inches of the sump pit to allow any water under the floor to seep into the pit. Caution must be exercised to ensure that these holes only drain the pea gravel. Do not drill holes more than 4 to 5 inches from the top of the pit. Some pits on the market have holes most of the way down the inside of the pit.
 
These holes will allow the clay under the floor to dry out in dry years causing the soil to shrink. This can lead to telepost pads settling, clay under footings shrinking and creating hollow spots under floors. This can happen no matter how airtight the pit is. Honestly Handy will be glad to explain your sump pit options to you.

 

Backwater Valves​

A backwater(or backflow) valve is installed between the catch basin trap and the main sewer line to the house. There are many designs but the device is essentially a one-way flap that lets water flow out, but not back in. In the event of a sewer back-up, the valve closes to prevent the sewer water from entering the basement. Pop-up valves are usually installed along with backup valves. These are located at the bottom of the catch basin. The principle is simple yet effective. Water rising in the pipe lifts a float that blocks the drain opening. Contact Honestly Handy for options about preventing sewer water back-up in your home.