Retaining wall built without weep hole

[the drunk master *|*]

I posted this question in another forum but didn't get a response so I was hoping I'll get one here.

We're in contract on a new construction house that has a huge retaining wall and the way it is built seems very different from what I have seen. The mason claims that because the wall uses porous blocks it does not need weep holes. The wall uses a layer of sand right behind the block and then landscape fabric between the sand and the earth to keep the sand from washing away when water drains out. This wall is only about a year old and does not show any failure signs yet but it is large and would cost a lot to fix. In the state we are moving from all walls must have weep holes so I am nervous about this design. Has anyone encountered a porous block retaining wall built this way, and do you think this design is actually correct? Thanks for the help.

 

[stev3njr]

you're right, a huge wall like that needs proper hydrostatic relief.
Forget the mason's claims and have a quick check of the official stamped building plans for your specific house
the plans must include the engineer's approved design for the retaining wall, including the drainage system (pipe, gravel, etc.)
if the wall was built differently than what was approved, the builder is liable. this is the only way to get peace of mind

 

[Alan]

I posted this question in another forum but didn't get a response so I was hoping I'll get one here.

We're in contract on a new construction house that has a huge retaining wall and the way it is built seems very different from what I have seen. The mason claims that because the wall uses porous blocks it does not need weep holes. The wall uses a layer of sand right behind the block and then landscape fabric between the sand and the earth to keep the sand from washing away when water drains out. This wall is only about a year old and does not show any failure signs yet but it is large and would cost a lot to fix. In the state we are moving from all walls must have weep holes so I am nervous about this design. Has anyone encountered a porous block retaining wall built this way, and do you think this design is actually correct? Thanks for the help.

Some are built that way and relies heavily on the quality of the internal "chimney drain" rather than visible holes. But if you're really not comfortable, please go ahead and have it checked for your peace of mind.