When we have prolonged rain, water leaks into our basement from around the sewer line. The pipe itself is fine. Our builder tried to 'patch' from the inside, but this had little impact. I have dug the pipe up on the outside of the foundation. There are no cracks or anything. It just seems that when the ground gets sachurated, water leaks in around the pipe. Enough comes in that I need to 'catch' it and direct it into our sump hole (luckily right near the pipe!). Any ideas on how to address this? I tried a roof sealant that did not hold.

 

There are polyurethane expansion foaming sealants used to fill cracks to a waterproof condition. This is a differant product than the foam insulation.
Larger cranks and holes, may want to look at hydraulic cement. It expands as it dries.
Usually, best fix is done from outside as once water penetrates wall, it is at max pressure.


Hope this helps....

 

Thanks. I'll look around for that type product. Do you know of any specific ones?

 

Sioux Chief makes one and Home Depot has it as well.
Paint over the hydraulic after it dries with dam tite.

 

Slow progress. Our weather has not cooperated. I have been able to clear out most of the old work around the pipe. Because of this, there is perhaps a 1/4 to 1/2 inch area around the pipe that will require filling. Is this a large enough gap to use the 'hydraulic' concrete that expands? Or should I stick with the 'polyurethane expanding foam' approach.

It was also recommended elsewhere that I use a submersible caulk over the joint. Any thoughts here?

Thanks and I'll post as I continue. Meanwhile, the rains are coming again so I will work to stay dry inside first before I can proceed!

 

The larger gaps are great for the hydraulic cement.
Only thing I use caulk for is exposed areas. Could be a great product, but I haven't used it.

 

Definitely, a problem like this must be fixed from the outside (unless your willing to channel the water directly into the sump pump). In fact, all basement leaks s/b preferably fixed on the outside. The problem you described sounds like it occurred when the sewer lines were installed. Either they weren't sealed properly, or weren't sealed at all.

A few years ago, I had a leaking basement, despite having poured concrete walls. The problem was that the contractor never properly sealed two walls at the 90 degree joint. Something so simple that turned into a nightmare for me!. Despite having french drains, whenever it rained the water level would rise & water would seep from the joint onto the beams of the basement landing (about 4 feet off the ground). The water then travelled 2-3 feet away from the french drain before dripping onto & covering the basement floor. Finally. I got someone to drill a 1.5 inch hole at the joint, about 2 feet above the floor. He then stuck a pvc pipe in the hole & hooked it up to the washing machine drain pipe to channel the water. Fortunately, I haven't had a problem in over 5 years! So, it these problems can be fixed, & fixed cheap! Good luck.