Not necessarily. If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with an older drainage system, replacement may be recommended—but repairs can often extend its lifespan for many years. We start with a thorough inspection to identify problem areas and determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Having a sump provides easier access for maintenance and can help extend the life of your drainage system by doing regular maintenance. It also collects all debris before it discharges into the municipal infastructure reducing their system from backing up. When upgrading or replacing a drainage system, a sump installation is required to meet most current code requirements.

Regular maintenance on your drainage system is the number one action you can take to greatly reduce the risk of flooding. We’ll assess your property and recommend a maintenance schedule tailored to your system. It depends on your home’s age, drainage materials, surrounding terrain, and soil conditions. For systems prone to blockages from tree roots, iron oxide, debris buildup, or ground settlement, annual maintenance may be recommended.

You could have a blockage in your perimeter drainage. The most common causes are a tree roots, collapsed tiles, debris in the line, iron oxide in some areas, or just natural aging of the system.

Others include:

• Your sump could be blocked or plugged by debris
• Your storm outlet could be blocked
• You could have a crack in your foundation, or your foundation could be porous.
• Your pumps (If you pump your drainage) could have failed due to improper maintenance, a failed float, mechanical failure or a power outage.

We start with a video diagnostic inspection. You will receive an exact diagnosis of all your drainage problems, which allows for a quick determination of the best solution.

If we find that you are required to replace your drainage system, the following steps are taken to successfully complete the job in a timely and professional manner:

1. A drainage or plumbing permit is taken out from the local municipality. This ensures that your job is completed following the most up to date plumbing codes.
2. Temporary removal of any landscaping items, like trees, shrubs or sidewalks to allow easier access to your foundation
3. Excavation along your foundation down to your house footing. This is where your drainage tile is. The drainage tile is removed, and the trench is properly graded allowing water to flow naturally to your sump.
4. We pressure wash the foundation wall and repair any cracks or honeycombing. (Refer to foundations section) We then apply two coats of foundation damp-proofing material. If you live in an area with high or excess ground water, a dimple membrane is installed since damp proofing is only effective against three pounds per square inch of water pressure.
5. Perforated PVC pipe is installed around the full perimeter of your house. Drainage rock is installed over top of your PVC pipe.
6. Solid PVC pipe is strategically installed to collect all roof and ground water before it discharges into the district storm connection.
7. If you have a district storm connection,  a solid pipe is installed to connect your sump to the district storm connection.
8. A district plumbing inspector completes a full inspection of the installation before the site is backfilled.

Most projects last ten to fourteen days but it may vary slightly based on your particular situation.

If you suspect that your drainage needs to be assessed, call us at 604-988-4545 and we will send one of our qualified service technicians for a no obligation quote.