How to Clean a Weeping Tile

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Things You'll Need

  • Plunger

  • Hose

  • Water source

  • Liquid soap

Cleaning the weeping tile can be done with soapy water to remove the odor and debris

Weeping tile is a type of piping used for underground drainage. Water above the weeping tile flows into it and gets drained into a storm sewer or sump pump. It's normally used to prevent basements from being flooded. Unfortunately debris is left behind causing the drain to backup leaving a bad odor and in some cases overflow onto the basement floor. Flushing or cleaning the weeping tile can be done with soapy water to remove the odor and debris; but a water source must be present in your basement such as a laundry sink or washer faucet.

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Step 1

Block the sewer at the floor drain. It's located under the catch basin, where the water collects. The easiest way to do this is with a plunger. The plunger must be larger in diameter that the drain at the bottom of the catch basin. Firmly wedge the plunger's head into the drain.

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Step 2

Hook up a hose to your water source. Most people connect it to their washer faucets.

Step 3

Fill the catch basin with water and liquid soap. The catch basin and weeping tile must be completely filled. Do not allow the water to overflow.

Step 4

Allow the soapy water to sit for 30 minutes. This will neutralize the odor.

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Step 5

Remove the plunger and the water will drain.

Step 6

Repeat this process a few times and then rinse out the basin with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Warning

The plunger's handle should be long enough to reach.

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