Drain tile is the perforated pipe system buried around your foundation that channels groundwater safely away from your basement. When it fails, water finds its way in, often through cracks you didn't know you had.
We install and replace drain tile systems across the Lower Mainland for homeowners, builders, and renovators. Our crews work on new construction, planned replacements, and emergency situations where water is actively entering a basement.
01 · Warning signs
Signs You May Need New Drain Tile
Drain tile typically lasts decades, but eventually wears out. Common warning signs include:
- 01 Water in your basement, even small amounts after heavy rain
- 02 Damp basement walls or efflorescence (white mineral deposits on concrete)
- 03 Cracking in foundation walls
- 04 Standing water in your yard near the foundation
- 05 An older home (50+ years) where drain tile has never been replaced
02 · Services
Drainage Services We Offer
Our drainage work covers the full picture, not just the pipes themselves.
Drain tile installation and replacement.
Full perimeter systems for new construction or replacement of failing systems.
Perimeter drains and weeping tile systems.
Different names for similar systems, all using modern perforated plastic pipe.
French drains.
For redirecting surface water from low spots, wet areas, or springs in your yard.
Sump pump installation.
For properties where gravity drainage isn't possible, including backup systems for critical applications.
Foundation waterproofing.
Membrane application to foundation walls, often done while drain tile is being replaced.
03 · The process
About the Replacement Process
Drain tile replacement is more involved than installation. The system is typically buried 6 to 8 feet deep around your foundation, so reaching it requires excavation around the whole house.
We minimize disruption to landscaping where possible and restore the site after work is complete. When we have the foundation walls exposed, it's also the best time to apply waterproofing membrane, which can save significant cost compared to doing it as a separate project later.
04 · Service Areas
Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley.
Drain tile services across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Richmond, Port Coquitlam, and surrounding Lower Mainland communities. We have particular experience in older Coquitlam and North Vancouver neighbourhoods where drain tile replacement is common.
05 · FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drain tile installation cost?
Pricing depends on access, depth, and the size of your foundation. We provide written quotes after a site visit.
What's the difference between drain tile and weeping tile?
They refer to similar systems. Historically, weeping tile meant clay pipe sections that allowed water to weep in. Modern installations use perforated plastic pipe and are sometimes still called weeping tile out of habit.
How long does drain tile last?
A properly installed system typically lasts 30 to 50 years, though sediment buildup and root intrusion can shorten that significantly.