How do weep holes work?
Weep holes are added to brickwork to allow any moisture or condensation collecting in the external wall cavity to drain out.
Weep hole maintenance
Weep holes should be visible at all times. Do not store goods up against weep holes. Make sure that garden plants, mulch or stones are not concealing weep holes or are placed too close to weep holes. Items up against a weep hole can provide easy access to the internal structure of the dwelling for termites and pests.
Trim back foliage and check that soil, mulch, stones, paths and timbers are at least 75 mm below a weep hole.
Undertake a visual inspection of your weep regular intervals throughout the year.
Hot water services and air-conditioning units should be installed in positions that do not block the clear view of weep holes so regular inspections can take place.
Timber decking should not conceal clear visibility of weep holes if possible. Observation access areas can be installed if this cannot be avoided.
Download our fact sheet on “Why weep holes are important”
