RETAINING WALL WEEP HOLES APPEAR INADEQUATE / NOT PROVIDED: Weep
holes in retaining walls are extremely important because they help
relieve the excess moisture from the soil behind the wall. Excess
moisture causes the soil to "push harder" against the wall and
can in extreme cases cause the wall to crack or even topple. Keep
existing weep holes cleared. Some weep holes appear to be places where
grout is missing between the blocks (if it is a block wall) New weep
holes may have to be provided. Drilling through the wall with a special
drill, sometimes referred to as a "roto-hammer," which can be
rented from almost any Rental Yard, is one way of providing weep holes.
These holes are ordinarily 1 to 2 inches in diameter, are placed as low
on the wall as possible and are spaced at least every 24 to 36 inches
horizontally and in one or two rows There are other ways to provide
proper drainage behind a retaining wall and your particular wall may be
so provided. This item is marked when the inspector cannot readily see
the method of moisture relief. You are advised to continue to
investigate the method, if any, by contacting previous property owners
and/or the Building Department in your municipality Contact a Concrete
Contractor who specializes in retaining walls and/ or bulkheads for
additional information and assistance if necessary.
The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660