Homeowner Information
Welcome to the Mr. Basement Homeowner Information Center. Here you'll find helpful information about foundation repair, basement waterproofing, weeping tile systems, underpinning, sump pumps, and common foundation problems affecting homes in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. Our goal is to help homeowners understand their foundation and make informed decisions about protecting their investment.
Weeping Tile Information & Basement Drainage Facts
Manitoba Weeping Tile & Foundation Drainage Facts
*Links take you to the official manitoba government website or to relevant websites*
Manitoba Building Code – Foundation Drainage Requirements
The Manitoba Building Code provides requirements for foundation drainage systems, including perimeter drainage (weeping tile), connections, and discharge methods.
erimeter Drainage (Weeping Tile)
Perimeter drain pipe or tile must drain to an approved location such as a sewer, approved drainage ditch, or dry well through proper connections.
Drainage connections around foundations are required at spacing according to building code requirements.
Where perforated pipe is used, the perforations must be installed facing downward.
Common Weeping Tile Products
Perforated Drain Pipe
Common foundation drainage systems use perforated drainage pipe installed around the footing of a foundation.
Common materials include:
4-inch perforated PVC drainage pipe
Flexible corrugated drainage pipe
Filter sock wrapped drainage pipe
Solid PVC discharge pipe for sump connections
Drainage Stone / Aggregate
Foundation drainage systems typically use clean granular material around drainage pipe to allow water movement while reducing soil blockage.
The drainage material helps:
Allow groundwater to reach the pipe
Reduce sediment entering the drainage system
Improve long-term drainage performance
Sump Pit & Pump Systems
The City of Winnipeg recognizes sump pit drainage systems as part of foundation drainage systems. A sump pit collects water from weeping tiles around the basement and a sump pump moves the water away from the home.
Typical components:
Sump basin/pit
Primary sump pump
Backup pump system
Discharge piping
Check valve
Backup power system
Winnipeg & Manitoba Foundation Conditions
Many Manitoba homes are built in areas with fine-grain soils. Manitoba building regulations include specific foundation drainage requirements for these soil conditions.
Foundation drainage systems are designed to manage groundwater and reduce water pressure against foundation walls.
Foundation Waterproofing Products
Common products used with exterior foundation drainage:
Waterproof Membrane
Applied to exterior foundation walls to reduce water penetration.
Drainage Board
Provides drainage channels between the foundation wall and surrounding soil.
Protection Board
Helps protect waterproof coatings during backfilling.
Filter Fabric
Helps prevent soil from entering drainage systems.
Homeowners Can Verify Manitoba Requirements
Official references:
Manitoba Building Code – Foundation drainage requirements
https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/078-2023.php?lang=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com
City of Winnipeg – Sump pit drainage systems
https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/drainageflooding/lotgrading/sumppumpdischarge.stm?utm_source=chatgpt.com