PERIMETER DRAINAGE DUNCAN BC

Vortech has specialized in perimeter drainage repairs, installations and services dating back to 1995 and has built a reputation as a leading provider in this field.

Vortech carries a complete line of excavators often using two and sometimes three machines for one project. Different size machines offer different benefits, be it for digging elevations or limited site and yard access.

Home drainage is a specialized trade on it’s own. A slight grade deficiency in piping can mean total success or complete failure in our wet season. Having the benefit of over two decades of repairs and installations and not ONE drainage installation call back, yes that’s a fact, you’re in good hands with Vortech.

We believe you’re only as good as the people you hire and the equipment you use for these projects. Vortech invests in state of the art pipe cameras, Hydro-Jetters and carry a line of excavators all having a specific function for drainage applications. We complete many projects throughout the year from complete home drainage replacements to annual maintenance and servicing to ensure your homes system is free of obstructions and doing the job it’s intended to do…remove roof and ground water away from your homes foundation system. Drainage is piping and piping is plumbing and we have always been of the opinion that only certified plumbers should perform the installations to ensure grades are met and installations completed as per the BC BUILDING CODE. Give Vortech a call to discuss your drainage concerns.

Below are examples of a few recently completed projects.

Storm water lift station

Your perimeter drainage system will have an outflow pipe that collects all the roof and drain tile storm water and disposes to either a municipal storm connection on the street or a yard ditch or embankment.

The elevation of this outflow is critical to assure all storm water is removed efficiently from your home or building. Should grades not be sufficient due to negative pipe grades a lift station and pump may be required.

These series of pictures illustrate a system recently installed using a sump and pump system. A high water alarm was as well installed to assure notification to the home owner should the pump or float system fail. The discharge from the pump has been delivered to the yard ditch.

This system will provide adequate storm water management with little servicing requirements.

Standard Perimeter Drain Replacement

These series of pictures demonstrate a standard perimeter drainage system upgrade. We provide dozens of these annually for clients. On this project we have a full below grade basement which experienced water ingress into the living space. After a thorough inspection using our camera equipment we determined the original concrete tile to be collapsed and expired. An upgrade using 4″ PVC drainage for the footing drainage system is required along with a separate solid PVC system for the rainwater collection from the roof.

We proceed with removing the entire concrete walkway across the front of the home carefully and disposing. Excavation is performed to the footing elevation and on this project we are close to 9ft in depth followed by the drainage system install.

We now have access to the foundation wall, this part is critical that all fractures or hairline cracks are addressed properly. the home has a “cinder block” foundation and is typically more porous than a concrete foundation, as such we like to take coverage a step further. A spray on coat of tar emulsion is applied followed by dimple board which acts as an additional barrier between the earth and the building, this may be considered overkill however two barriers will always be better than one and now’s not the time to try and save a few dollars, this foundation wall will be protected for the next 100 years maybe even 300!. We back-fill using generous amounts of drain rock often bringing to finish grade. On this project we worked with the municipality to provide access to the rear of the property to allow for further excavation and outflow install.

With an in house journeyman carpenter we completed a “temporary” set of steps to allow for emergency exit of the home and will proceed with a completed concrete walkway and custom built handi-cap ramp in the spring.

What To Do If Your Basement Floods

If your basement floods stay out of the flooded area and consider the larger dangers of flooding. For example, basement flooding can put anyone in the area at risk of electrical shock, gas leaks, pollutants, chemical exposure and structural damage. If you have flooding insurance now might be a good time to call your insurance representative to discuss your coverage options.

Call Vortech Plumbing & Drainage Immediately

Basement flooding is a sign of serious damage to a drain tile system that needs to be dealt with immediately. As the homeowner there’s not much you should be doing besides limiting the reach of the flooding and avoiding the area. Vortech Perimeter Drainage in Duncan BC, will definitely prioritize your situation if you’re dealing with an emergency flood and assure our qualified technicians arrive on time and treat your home with this emergency priority.

Prevent Basement Flooding

We often experience an influx of calls during the wet season of patrons struggling with bad basement flooding. Regular maintenance of your drain tile system will prevent basement flooding that could cause serious damage to your home. Our inspection fee is quite minimal compared to the cost of replacing a damaged basement and contents and insurance costs, so we encourage our clients to maintain and periodically view their homes perimeter drainage system.

At Vortech we invest in state of the art pipe camera’s, rooting augers, Hydro-Jetters for flushing and excavators should a dig be required. Let 20 years of BBBA+ service work for you.

The pictures below demonstrate a couple of recent drainage jobs completed of the dozens performed annually. This home had water entering through the foundation wall and flooding their below grade basement. We used spray emulsion as well installed a plastic foundation membrane for added foundation protection followed by a code compliant footing drainage system and solid system for the rain water leaders and gutter system. This home will be replaced before they ever have a drainage issue again! Vortech certified. Perimeter drainage Duncan BC.

With in house excavators, state of the art pipe cameras, hydro-jetters, pipe augers, Vortech has always invested in equipment that provides options and cost effective solutions for our clients. With 20 years of onsite drainage experience let Vortech evaluate and determine the best solution for you. Drainage IS plumbing, Vortech delivers certified perimeter drainage in Duncan BC, the Cowichan Valley and surrounding area residents.

What our customers say:

"I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Charles and the crew at Vortech. I have used their services on two separate occasions and both times I was impressed with their professionalism and excellent customer service. This is a professional, trustworthy, and reliable company that I highly recommend to everyone. They give upfront and honest quotes. They come prepared and their work is fast, efficient, and dependable. Based on prior experience, this is not a given in this industry. So before you go with the big name alternative, consider giving Vortech a call instead. I will never call anyone else."

Nissa Bell

Victoria B.C.
I had a serious drainage issue on my property. I called Charles from Vortech Plumbing and Drainage and he promptly assessed the situation and provided a logical and affordable solution. What a refreshing change to deal with a true and knowledgeable professional who quotes a fair price and then honors it!. No surprises and no hidden charges. The work was done quickly and to a very high standard. I will highly recommend Vortech.

Cathal Walsh

Duncan, B.C.
Sometimes you just luck out... Having just purchased a new home in Maple Bay we had the very good fortune of being steered to Vortech Plumbing by a friend. We had a drainage problem and needed it fixed. At first, we all assumed it was a simple job but as the digging got deeper and the problem became more complex we realized just how lucky we were to have Charles and his crew working on our behalf. Charles and his men were excellent; pleasant, hard working, as tidy as you can be working in mud, and always willing to explain what they were doing and why. Charles briefed us at each step of the way and made sure we were comfortable with their progress and direction. The end result was much better than we had hoped for and we're very happy with the work and the clean up. I would not hesitate to recommend Charles and Vortech Plumbing and Drainage (and already have) to anyone in need of drainage or plumbing work. The problem will be solved efficiently, effectively and with open and honest communication. Have a great day Charles.... and thank you.

Carolyn Daley

Maple Bay, B.C.
Vortech Plumbing and Drainage was selected to do a perimeter drain on the West and North sides of the Crofton Community Centre. This was a huge project with a depth of 15" feet on the west side of the building. Installing a six inch perforated system around the footings as well as a surface drain system collecting parking area water and eavestrough water. At the same time as backfilling the installation of a rain screen and two inch styrofoam insulation was applied to the foundation. The project started in the second week of July and was completed by the end of August allowing the hall not to cancel any bookings. During the whole project Vortech was in daily contact and open to sugestions, working well with both his subtrades and myself to keep the job on target and overcome some of the hidden obstacles as they surfaced. The job was fruitful for the community centre and a pleasant experience for me. I have already earmarked Vortech for two other projects knowing the workmanship is of a high standard.

Phil Devitt

Community Hall Coordinator/treasurer