Is a wet basement always a perimeter drain problem?

No. Gutters overflowing, downspouts dumping water next to the house, or ground sloping toward the foundation cause many wet basements. Check those first.

Can a perimeter drain be cleaned instead of replaced?

Often, yes, if it's silted up rather than broken. A camera inspection tells you which.

Perimeter Drains & Sump Pumps · Victoria, BC

Perimeter Drains & Sump Pumps in Victoria, BC

Almost all of Victoria's rain falls between fall and spring. When it does, a working perimeter drain and sump keep that water away from the foundation and out of the basement.

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What a perimeter drain does

A perimeter drain is a perforated pipe laid around the footings of the house. It collects groundwater and carries it to a sump, a storm connection or a rock pit, depending on the age of the house and the municipality's rules.

Signs of trouble

Damp or white chalky marks on basement walls, water seeping in where the floor meets the wall, a musty smell, standing water near the foundation after rain, or a sump pump that runs constantly or not at all.

Clay soils hold water

Clay is common in the north part of Victoria and in low spots across the region. It drains slowly, so water sits against foundations for days after a storm. Older perimeter drains made of clay tile or early plastic can fill with silt or roots and stop working.

Inspection and cleaning

A plumber can run a camera through the perimeter drain from a cleanout to see whether it's blocked, broken or crushed, and flush it if it's just silted up. Replacement means digging along the foundation, so finding the real problem first matters.

Sump pumps

Test the pump each fall by pouring water into the pit and watching it start and stop. Make sure the discharge goes where it should and the float moves freely. A battery backup keeps water moving if a winter storm knocks out the power.

Get it checked before the rains

Fall is the time to find drainage problems, before months of wet weather. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

Is a wet basement always a perimeter drain problem?: No. Gutters overflowing, downspouts dumping water next to the house, or ground sloping toward the foundation cause many wet basements. Check those first.
Can a perimeter drain be cleaned instead of replaced?: Often, yes, if it's silted up rather than broken. A camera inspection tells you which.

Other plumbing services

Emergency PlumbingBurst pipes, overflowing toilets, sewer backups and water through the ceiling.Leak DetectionHidden leaks in walls, ceilings, floors and buried water service lines.Drain CleaningBlocked sinks, slow tubs, gurgling toilets and floor drains that back up.Sewer Lateral RepairOld clay and cast-iron laterals, roots, breaks and full replacements.Hot Water TanksGas and electric tanks, leaks, pilots, tankless and heat pump models.Poly-B Replacement & RepipingPoly-B, galvanized and leaking copper replaced with modern pipe.Fixtures & RenovationsTaps, toilets, showers, secondary suites and kitchen or bath renovations.

Need perimeter drains & sump pumps in Victoria?

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