A proper perimeter drain / weeping tile system helps keep your property clear of flooding, preventing waterlogged lawns and damage caused by errant water. We install new drainage systems, remediate old ones, and grade the land as required.
A perimeter drain system is an integral part of keeping your home dry and safe, and is designed to prevent water from getting into the basement. However, drainage pipes (or ‘weeping tiles’) can become damaged or clogged over time.
We can help! Once we’ve dug down to get to the old drain tile, we’ll remove what has broken/failed, and replace/retrofit with new code-compliant materials and pipe.
From digging right through to back-filling, Island Efficient Excavating handles every step along the way to install, repair, or replace your drainage system.
Signs of a Damaged Perimeter Drain
When your home’s drainage system is compromised, excess water may put pressure on internal walls and basement floors. If your drainage system is failing, you may see the following signs:
- Cracked or buckling walls
- Peeling paint
- Mold growth
- Efflorescence accumulation on foundation walls
- Backed up downspouts
- Rainwater pours over the edge of gutters
- Soft spots in the ground near the foundation
These signs may be hard to see, and may even take years to develop, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of a drainage failure.
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, we recommend that you contact us ASAP. Whatever you do, don’t ignore it.
Over time water damage can lead to structural failures that require major repair and renovation work. The earlier the problem is fixed, the more money and hassle you’re likely to save.
Clay Tile Drains in Older Homes
Perimeter drain failures are even more common in older Nanaimo homes, where the drain systems are often built from segmented clay ‘tiles’. These tiles, which look like short terracotta tubes, become brittle over time, eventually breaking down and even collapsing.
And as these tiles do not have sealed connections (by design, allowing water to ‘weep’ between the tiles), it’s easy for roots to get into the system, choking the water flow and causing damage to the tiles.
In fact, regardless of the drain pipe material, most drain blockages are caused by plant roots as they grow down to find water.
Property Grading / Re-Sloping
Another major cause of leakage through your foundation wall is due to an incorrect slope of the landscape or hardscape around your home.
The slope should always fall away from the foundation of your home. This prevents an accumulation of water from overwhelming your drainage system and/or putting pressure on your foundation walls.
We can help you get a better understanding of the slope of your landscape, and how it impacts your drainage system. We’ll grade your property to ensure that excess water runs off properly, away from your foundation.
Low-Impact Excavation
Our excavators are equipped with articulating booms that allow us to dig right along your home or business. The narrow width of our excavators also means that we only require 6 feet of clearance to get the machine to the job site.
When we work near homes – especially ones with established landscaping – our rubber-tracked excavators are perfect for the job. Because these machines produce low ground pressure, when combined with our experienced operators we’re able get the job done with minimal impact to the property.
Getting Started
Getting started on your Nanaimo perimeter drain project is easy! All you have to do is contact us with details about your project.
We’ll book you in to discuss your needs and make sure we'd make a good fit. Then we’ll provide a clear estimate, no obligations, no hassle.