Best way to fix weep holes too close to ground?

[nigelfds]

Hi what is the best way to fix weep holes too close to ground ?

There are a couple of places where it is too close, all along the same outdoor wall.

Pictures attached:

[JacobZ]

Hi @nigelfds,

I'm sorry to say, but this concrete should never have been poured at that height. At present, it is covering the damp-proof course, which sits below the weepholes and is likely trapping moisture against the bricks that are above the damp-proof course. It is also acting as a pathway for water to travel directly into the wall if water pools against it. 

Unfortunately, the only great long-term solution to this issue is to have the concrete removed so that the weepholes are not covered. You could then have the earth lowered and concrete repoured so that its top edge sits below the damp-proof course. 

Obviously, this is not exactly a simple solution, but it would be the best option for your home long term.

The only short-term measure I could recommend is ensuring that the weepholes do not become further blocked by things like dirt, twigs or leaves, by regularly cleaning the area.

Let me know if you have any further questions. I would be happy to assist further if required.

Jacob

[nigelfds]

Hi JacobZ thanks for your reply.

The previous owner had the concrete installed and was not picked up in the B&P.

Do you think adding a channel drain along that wall would help ?

[EricL]

Hello @nigelfds 

There was recent discussion about this very topic - How to direct water away from house? by @Sameer. The original recommendation was to install a channel drain. My best advice is to make sure that the cement pathway is sloped away from your house. The purpose of the channel is to intercept any rainwater that might flow towards the wall of the house.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Sameer]

Hi @EricL and @nigelfds -- I now plan to install a strip/channel drain with a minimum depth of 100mm on two slabs to collect rainwater and direct it to the stormwater pipe. I am just thinking how far it is to excavate from the retaining wall to make a channel drain. Or just very close to the retaining wall. If you keep a distance from the retaining wall, most of the water will drain into the strip drain, but a small area between the drain and the brick wall will still get wet.

In short, channel drain is fine. And lastly, there was no moisture, etc., before I did the home inspection in mid-November, and the previous owner was living in it without a channel drain, so water comes towards the brick but then flows out towards the slope and does not pond along the wall.

I have tested throwing a bucket of water with a splash, and the water flows towards a slope along the brick wall. A few lower bricks beneath the window shade were wet and then dried up.  Also found a bit of green algae/fungus on a few bricks, but I scraped it off.

[EricL]

Hello @Sameer 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the channel drain installed.

Eric

[Sameer]

Hi @EricL, what do you recommend for the channel drain: how far in from the brick wall it should be made, or just next to the brick with no distance between the channel drain and the brick wall? 

Another idea in my mind is to ask a concrete cutter to remove half of the side slab along the brick wall of the house, and, for beautification, just put sling stones for landscaping, but it will be a complex solution. 

[EricL]

Hello @Sameer 

In my response to your original thread, I suggested a distance of 200mm from your brick wall and to use Everhard 3m EasyDRAIN Polymer Grate And Prejoined, but I also advised that you that you should speak to your your plumber for any local rules and regulations in regards to drain channel distance.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric