
Kaidan Kaidan
3 months ago

Weeping tile is the perforated drain pipe that runs around the footing of your foundation. It collects groundwater before it can push through basement walls and floors, and carries it to a sump pit or, in many older Toronto homes, straight into the sewer. Over decades clay weeping tile cracks, fills with silt and roots, or collapses, and water starts finding its way into the basement.
POM Plumbing installs, repairs, cleans and inspects weeping tile across Toronto and the GTA. We camera-inspect the system, recommend interior or exterior replacement, and connect it to a sump pump or disconnect it from the sewer to qualify for the City of Toronto subsidy.
New drain installed inside along the footing, routed to a sump pit.
Excavation to the footing, new pipe, membrane and gravel.
Silt and roots flushed out with jetting where the pipe is still sound.
Condition check through the sump or cleanout.
Foundation drains disconnected from the sewer and redirected to a sump pump.
New sump pit, pump and battery backup.
| Interior weeping tile | Exterior weeping tile | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Inside, along the footing under the floor edge | Outside, at the footing |
| Excavation | Floor perimeter cut | Full depth outside the wall |
| Wall waterproofing | Dimple membrane inside | Membrane on outside of wall |
| Disruption | Inside the basement | Landscaping, walkways |
| Typical cost | $70 – $150 per linear foot | $120 – $300 per linear foot |
| Best for | Finished-floor removal, tight lots | Active wall leaks, full waterproofing |
Many older Toronto homes have weeping tile connected directly to the sanitary sewer, which adds water to the system in storms and can contribute to basement flooding. The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy offers up to $400 for weeping tile severance and up to $2,250 for a sump pump, plus up to $300 for battery backup, for eligible homes. See our subsidy guide.

Old clay weeping tile often lasts 30 to 50 years before it clogs or collapses. Modern perforated PVC with a filter sock and clean stone can last many decades, especially when connected to a sump pit that can be inspected and cleaned.

Typical Toronto prices before tax.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Weeping tile camera inspection | $250 – $450 |
| Weeping tile flushing / cleaning | $400 – $1,200 |
| Interior weeping tile (per linear foot) | $70 – $150 |
| Exterior weeping tile (per linear foot) | $120 – $300 |
| Weeping tile disconnection with sump pump | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Related: sump pumps, backwater valves, battery backup and flood restoration.
With our company, you can be assured that we are fully licensed and insured to work on your plumbing and sanitation systems, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.
We stand behind our work and offer the best warranty in the market. This means that you can be confident in our repairs, and if anything goes wrong, we'll be there to make it right.
We have over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, which means that we have seen it all. Our knowledge and expertise allow us to provide top-notch service to our clients every time.
We understand that plumbing repairs can be costly, which is why we offer affordable pricing without sacrificing the quality of our work. When you choose us, you can get the repairs you need at a price you can afford.
A perforated drain pipe around the foundation footing that collects groundwater and carries it away from the basement.
Interior systems typically cost $70 to $150 per linear foot, exterior $120 to $300 per foot.
Exterior tile with membrane stops water at the wall. Interior tile is less disruptive outside and often more affordable.
If the pipe is intact, silt and roots can often be flushed out. Collapsed clay tile needs replacement.
Water at the wall-floor joint, damp walls and a sump that never runs during rain are common signs.
In many older Toronto homes, yes. A camera inspection confirms how it is connected.
The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy offers up to $400 for severance, plus sump pump and backup subsidies for eligible homes.
Interior systems usually take two to four days; exterior systems three to seven days.
Yes, if the tile is not connected to the sewer, a sump pump removes the collected water.
Old clay tile often lasts 30 to 50 years; modern PVC systems last much longer.