Water in basement

6/1/2012 at 10:13:17 AM

I would call a foundation waterproofing contractor to look at it. You may only need the cracks repaired.

These type of leaks does not mean you have a big problem.

Thanks,

Ben

6/1/2012 at 10:17:39 AM

Shannon

You can thru the process of digging all the outside and putting weeping tiles and so on, you may want to look at a product called cn2000 with this product you can waterproof your basement from the inside. We are at present applying this product to the tunnels under the parliment buildings, we have done the three gorge damn.

Gary

6/1/2012 at 10:27:04 AM

Hello Shannon,

By the statement "getting a new sump pump" I assume this means you already have a drainage system in your home. The fact that there is water entering through cracks, and the base of your walls shows that your system is not working as it should. If your sump pump is running, and installed correctly this is usually a sign that your weeping system may be clogged. When this happens the water finds the easiest path to travel, which unfortunately is usually into your home through cracks, and up the footing through the base of the walls.

Many older homes have clay tile installed along the footing as a drainage system which overtime clog up with sediment and soil. Even newer weeping tile have this possibility, especially when there is not a "sock" covering it. Before you spend the money to install of whole new system I would suggest a "weeping tile flush" which can clean out any obstructions.

This process often solves the problem, and prevents needing to spend money on more extensive solutions. However if your system has not been properly installed, a new one would need to be to ensure no future water issues.

6/1/2012 at 10:48:22 AM

First you need to find out where the water comes. Water drainage at the house and foundation, roof checking. important, the cause is to find and repair. Then you can start repair internally.

6/1/2012 at 10:57:07 AM

Your Drain tile is likely blocked !

Happens often .With time.debris and tree roots can get into the big O, and block it right up.

You have three options.

1. Get in a company that seals basements.They will use methods such as concrete injection, to seal all cement joints and cracks.

2. Get a plumber in who has a camera on a cable.He/she should be able to find the blockages , and mark out the problem areas.You, or a contracter can then dig to the problem area, fix it, and cover it back up

Wet basement problem solved ! (Least expensive)

3. Get a company in to quote you for replacing the drain tile ! This can be prohibitivly expensive so get at lease 3 quotes.

Some plumbing companies have tools like the Pipe Genie, see at www.pipegenie.com.

If you have a lovely cement walkway around your house,this machine in the right skilled hands, can save a lot of mess and distruction !!!

Hope this helps.

6/1/2012 at 11:43:40 AM

As a professional waterproofer and based on your description of the problem I would definitely say there is a problem with your sump pump set up. If your sump pump is installed in a concrete pit or anything else but a properly perforated sump basin then rising water from beneath the home cannot freely enter the sump pit for discharge.

What you are experiencing when heavy rain falls or snow melts is a higher than normal water table which in turn creates hydrostatic pressure undert the basement floor. As the water rises if looks to find the path of least resistance to continue on and that path is first at the base or seam of where your basement floor and foundation walls meet. Because this is not one continous poured concrete form (meaning wall and floor are literally joined which is not in any house) this creates a seam for water to enter the basement. As the water continues to rise faster than it enters through the base it will then begin to penetrate the actual basement floor. This is called "capillary action".

My first action would be to have the sump pit and pump looked at to insure they are properly set up and working correctly. I am confident the problem is related directly to the sump pump and pit as we have resolved thousands of the same issue over the years.

Chris

PCS Basement Waterproofing Specialists

6/1/2012 at 9:07:23 PM

Hi Shannon,

Sorry to here about your water issues.

First I would establish why the water is coming in. It sounds like you have no storm drains on the property. If so, the weepers would be going to a sump pit in the basement and then mechanically pumped out to the outside.

Depending on how old the house is the weepers might be clogged up with dirt and not collecting the water to the sump pit.

It sounds like this is the problem.

2 ways to fix.

1. dig outside and install new weepers and damproofing.

2. Cut conc. slab at perimeter walls and install new weepers and gravel and connect to sump pit.

Also, Check that pump is not clogged up and in good running form.

6/1/2012 at 9:44:57 PM

Hi Shannon

Your homes tile system is designed to direct all the drainage water to your sump pump. If it is not functioning correctly you absolutely need to replace it. It is also your cheapest ($150) route of correcting the problem. If that doesn't do it you will need to excavate and most likely replace the tile system which is very expensive. Most contractors now a days provide quotes free of charge and its best to get a couple.

Take care.

Jeff

6/2/2012 at 8:32:43 AM

Start with the sump pump, cheaper the installing weeping and may solve the problem.

However, you could do both from the inside of the basement. Repairing to foundation walls properly from the outside will cost a lot of money .

In this case the cheaper method, may be the best one