Weeping tile and sump pumps

Maintenance of your weeping tile and sump pumps is an important part of preventing your basement from flooding.

Depending on the age of your home, you may have weeping tile or weeping tile and a sump pump. Most homes built after 1988 have a sump pump, used in conjunction with weeping tiles.

How your water gets to our stormwater drainage system

Stormwater on your property should be channeled towards the stormwater drainage system. This is done through surface drainage (swales and grading). To protect your home from flooding, weeping tile is often used. Weeping tile is a perforated plastic pipe or clay pipe that surrounds and protects the foundation of your home. It sits on a bed of gravel, allowing excess groundwater to seep into it. This water is channeled to either the sump pump if you have one (in your basement) or directly to the drainage system.

If your home was built before 1989, it is likely that you only have weeping tile installed.

As part of the weeping tile system, most homes have a backflow flapper and a U-shaped “P” trap (similar to the ones found under a sink), to help prevent wastewater from flowing into the weeping tile system should a sanitary back up occur. The flapper is designed to remain closed and will only open when the weeping tile is draining. After years of use, the flapper and “P” trap can build up with debris and cause the flapper to cease in one position and/or cause a blockage in the “P” trap. When this happens, the weeping tile will not drain, and water can accumulate around the foundation, increasing the risk for water entering the basement through cracks in the foundation or floor.

Installing or replacing weeping tile

Contact the City of Edmonton, by calling 311, to ensure you get the correct permits if you are considering installing or replacing the weeping tile.

How to maintain the weeping tile flapper and “P” trap

Locate the weeping tile cleanout. It typically can be found in your basement within one meter from the foundation wall on or under the concrete floor.
Remove the cover plate to access the backflow flapper and “P” trap. The flapper normally rests at a 45-degree angle and the “P” trap is beneath it. Note the orientation of the cover plate prior to removal.
Access the “P” trap by lifting the hinged flap of the flapper. If the flapper cannot be easily opened, remove any visible debris, and lubricate the hinge. Note the flapper can also be fully removed for cleaning, along with its hinge pins.
With the flapper opened or removed, clean the area with a hose, or by using a wet vacuum.
Lubricate the flapper hinge (if not performed in Step 3) and re-install or close the flapper.
Reinstall the cover plate in the same orientation it was removed.

If you are unsure, call a qualified plumbing technician for assessment and assistance.

Keep your system healthy

Check and clean the weeping tile valves periodically.

Contact a plumber or qualified contractor for assessment.

Contact the City of Edmonton at 311 to ensure you get the correct permits if you are considering installing or replacing weeping tile.

Sump pumps

The sump pump is located in a shallow pit in your basement. Its job is to help protect your home from flooding by channeling groundwater away from your home.

Maintenance on sump pumps should be completed by a qualified plumbing technician.

Be aware

If water from your sump hose discharges too close to your foundation, the water may end up back in your system, possibly compromising your foundation.

Things to consider

Consider installing an alarm and backup power system in case of failure.
During the winter, disconnect the exterior discharge hose to prevent it from freezing and causing a blockage.

Ensure your sump pump is operating properly

Test your sump pump according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Check and clean your sump pump by removing all the debris at the bottom of the sump pit or barrel.
Ensure power is running to the pump.
Pour water into the sump pit or barrel for your sump pump to begin working.
Check the discharge hose outside your home to ensure that water is flowing from the hose.

If the pump isn't working

Listen for strange noises coming from the motor.
Check for oil in your sump pit or barrel. If you see oil, it may indicate a failed pump seal and the pump may need to be replaced.
If your sump pump is activated by a float device, make sure its movement is not restricted by debris or the electrical cord.

If you are not sure, call a qualified plumbing technician for assessment and assistance.

Replacing your sump pump

If your sump pump is being replaced, consider the volume of water the system must handle, the amount of grit in the system, and size accordingly. Installing an under sized pump may overwhelm the sump pump, which can cause flooding in your home.