Everything You Need to Know About Installing Weeping Tile

While it’s possible to take care of some waterproofing jobs on your own, installing weeping tile is very labor-intensive and may require the expertise a professional waterproofing company can provide. Below is a guide explaining everything you need to know about weeping tile. By understanding the terminology and the process, you can make educated decisions on how best to proceed with weeping tile installation.

What are the Weeping Tiles?

Weeping tiles are porous 4-inch pipes used to discharge underground water. They were originally named at a time when terracotta tiles were used for drain pipes. Today’s products are plastic pipes with weep holes or small slits designed to redirect water away from the home. The weeping tile system was developed by Henry Flagg French from Massachusetts. He wrote a book about the subject in 1859 and earned notoriety for solving the drain clogging problem of the era.

HOW DOES WEEPING TILE WORK?

Weeping tiles are installed in a trench either around the exterior of a building or beneath the basement floor. The system allows water to enter the pipe through the perforations and flow away from the structure via gravity or into a sump pump system.

• Exterior system: Positioned at the base of your foundation to intercept water before it can enter.
• Interior system: Installed under the basement floor slab to catch water that has made its way inside.

This simple yet highly effective method protects your foundation from hydrostatic pressure and long-term water damage.

For more insights, read Internal vs. External Waterproofing.

TYPES OF WEEPING TILE SYSTEMS

Weeping Tile Installation Cost

The cost of installing a weeping tile system in Toronto can vary depending on the size of the property, the type of installation (interior or exterior), and the difficulty of the project.

The necessary materials for weeping tile installation include:

• Weeping tile pipe: This is the most important part of the system.
• Backfill material: Used to fill the trench around the pipe.
• Filter fabric: Lines the trench to provide strength and filtration.
• Perforated drainpipe: The main component for collecting and redirecting water
• Landscaping fabric: Used to separate gravel from soil and prevent clogging

Interior Weeping Tile Installation

Installing weeping tile systems inside is usually cheaper than installing them outside. In Toronto, the price for installing interior weeping tiles is usually between $70 and $230 per foot. A full system costs around $3,000 to $10,000.

Exterior Weeping Tile Installation

Because so much digging is required, exterior weeping tiles or French drain systems cost more. In Toronto, installing exterior weeping tiles can cost anywhere from $200 to $450 per foot of foundation wall. A full external system usually costs between $10,000 and $20,000, but it can cost up to $30,000 for bigger or more complicated jobs.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several things can affect how much it costs to put weeping tile:

1. Accessibility: Places that are hard to get to may have higher labour costs.
2. Depth of Excavation: Digging deeper holes takes more work and supplies.
3. Property Size: Usually, bigger properties need more complex systems.
4. Additional Waterproofing: Extra services like fixing foundation cracks can increase the price.
5. Material Choice: High-quality dirt and drainage pipes can make the system last longer but cost more.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Sump Pump Installation: $565–$3,500
• Window Well Drainage: $1,600–$3,800
• Foundation Crack Repair: Varies by scope and accessibility
• Basement Waterproofing Membranes and Materials: Cost depends on type and surface area

Get the full breakdown on our Basement Waterproofing Cost page.

EXTERIOR WEEPING TILE INSTALLATION PROCESS

STEP 1 – DIG A TRENCH

STEP 2 – POUR THE GRAVEL

STEP 3 – LAY THE PIPE

STEP 4 – BACKFILL THE TRENCH

INTERIOR WEEPING TILE INSTALLATION PROCESS

STEP 1 – CUT THROUGH THE CONCRETE FLOOR AND DIG A TRENCH

Using a circular saw with concrete blade and chipping hammer, the basement floor is cut out. The opening should be approximately 12 inches wide and run around the entire foundation. Remove all concrete slabs sections to access the gravel below. Then dig a trench one to two feet deep where the concrete has been removed. Stop digging when you get to the footer.

STEP 2 – POUR THE GRAVEL

There will be some gravel below the concrete floor, but you’ll need to add enough washed gravel to fill the bottom of the excavation area.

STEP 3 – LAY THE PIPE

Similar to an exterior installation, a fabric-covered PVC pipe should be used with holes or slits to allow for drainage but resist clogging.

Place the slits upward, install sufficient weeping tile to cover the entire perimeter and end it at your sump pump.

STEP 4 – BACKFILL AND REPLACE THE CONCRETE FLOOR

Once the tile has been connected to the sump pit, cover the entire trench area with gravel. Let it settle for a day, pour the concrete and smooth it with a trowel.

As you can see, both exterior and interior weeping tile installations are labor-intensive. Unfortunately, that also means it can be costly. An exterior, full-perimeter job can run between $8,000 and $15,000 with sump pump and accessories. Luckily, a four-wall project is not always needed and can reduce the cost significantly. Interior weeping tile can be installed for half the price of exterior and will eliminate the need for removing landscaping or other obstructions. The good news is that once the work is complete, you can enjoy a dry, trouble-free basement for years.

HOW TO USE WEEPING TILE FOR BACKYARD DRAINAGE?

Basements aren’t the only places that suffer from water accumulation—your yard can be just as vulnerable. If your lawn turns into a swamp after every rainstorm or your walkways stay soaked for days, a French drain system with weeping tile could be the solution. This system works by redirecting surface water away from problem areas using the same principles as basement waterproofing.

Here’s how it works:

• A trench about 12 inches deep is dug with a slight slope
• A perforated weeping tile pipe is placed at the bottom
• Gravel is added around and over the pipe
• Coarse sand is layered on top to aid filtration

As water seeps into the ground, it filters through the sand and gravel, enters the pipe, and is redirected away from your property. This approach is especially useful for lawns, patios, and driveways affected by pooling water. For more solutions like this, see our guide on common exterior basement waterproofing problems.

WINDOW WELL WEEPING TILE

Window wells are essential for allowing light and air into your basement, but without proper drainage, they can easily become collection points for rainwater or melting snow—leading to basement leaks or flooding.

To integrate a window well into your existing weeping tile system:

1. Remove the window well form
2. Excavate the soil around the window to reach your home’s horizontal weeping tile
3. Use a utility knife to cut into the pipe and insert a 4-inch T-connector directly below the window
4. Attach a vertical 4-inch PVC pipe to the T-connector and extend it up to the base of the window
5. Cap the vertical pipe with a drain cover
6. Backfill the entire area with gravel, leaving 3 inches of soil at the top, but staying 1 inch below the windowsill
7. Reinstall the window well form and fill the well itself with a foot of gravel

This simple addition dramatically reduces the risk of water seeping through basement window frames.

WEEPING TILE MAINTENANCE

To ensure your weeping tile system continues functioning efficiently for decades, routine maintenance is essential. Minor neglect can lead to clogged pipes, foundation pressure, and eventual water damage.

Here’s your maintenance checklist:

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and redirect downspouts away from the house (see why)
• Keep window wells clear of leaves and consider installing covers
• Regularly test your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning, or install a backup system
• Investigate any slow-draining sinks or toilets for deeper drain issues
• Walk your property for signs of soggy soil or water pooling after rain

For deeper drainage concerns, consider booking a drain camera inspection.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR WEEPING TILE IS PLUGGED?

The PVC pipe that comprises the drainage system for your home can become blocked by tree roots or soil. If this happens, water doesn’t drain away from your home fast enough and presses against the foundation. The added pressure can lead to cracks and leaks. A thorough inspection of your home and property can help alert you to plugged weeping tile before it becomes a major concern.

• Look for horizontal, vertical or diagonal cracks in your basement or crawlspace walls.

• Search for damp areas or pools of water under basement windows or floor.

• Pay attention to a strong, musty odor – a sign of mold or mildew.

• Look for stained or peeling drywall; mold or mildew on walls and flooring.

• Run a garden hose near your exterior foundation wall. Watch your sump pump pit. If the weeping tile is working properly, the pit should fill with water. If not, it’s likely blocked or broken.

HOW TO CLEAN WEEPING TILE?

If your weeping tile emits an odor or backs up during storms, a simple cleaning may restore its flow. Here’s a basic DIY approach:

1. Plug the floor drain with a plunger head to create pressure
2. Attach a hose to a nearby sink or faucet
3. Fill the weeping tile system with warm, soapy water until the pipe is fully saturated (don’t overflow)
4. Let the water sit for 30 minutes to loosen debris and neutralize odors
5. Release the plunger to flush the system
6. Repeat as needed, then rinse with clean water

If odors persist or water remains backed up, professional cleaning or repair may be necessary. Learn more about clogged drain services we offer.