Another wet basement thread: solution?


  #1  
Old 04-17-18, 09:05 AM
R
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Another wet basement thread: solution?

Location: Maine
House: 1920 2 story colonial, full basement
Basaement: full, cement floow unfinished

So, my house is sitting downhill from what must be a high water table/large bit of ledge causing water to bubble up into the basement via the cement sill that transitions to the bulkhead.

Here's the basic layout of the basement:


I'm wondering: since remediating the water issue is TOO costly at present,(I've had a contractor estimate it for me)
Currently, I've got two lengths of pressure treated 2x4 trying to corral the water into the sump, and it's working...mostly..except my basement just flooded because of excessive rain.

Question:
Would it work to cut a channel in the concrete, several inches wide, a 1/2 inch deep from the transition to the sump pump , and construct a solid way for the water to ensure it makes it into said channel, to avoid this flooding?
Or is that foolish...
I'm a computer guy by trade, so forgive me...

thanks for any input!

Cheers,
Rich
 
  #2  
Old 04-17-18, 09:51 AM
PJmax's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Jersey
Posts: 64,811
Received 3,922 Upvotes on 3,518 Posts
You said downhill. Is your house built into the side of a hill ?
 
  #3  
Old 04-17-18, 09:57 AM
R
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Not so much the side of a hill: but on the downward side of a .."slope"
I cannot tell you the degree.. it's certainly not a hill, per se: but enough apparently,
to cause the water to run down, & into the house.
There's also a large willow tree right in the middle of the slope(backyard)...so that probably tells us
about the water content I suppose!
 
  #4  
Old 04-17-18, 10:41 AM
P
Group Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NC, USA
Posts: 27,592
Received 2,144 Upvotes on 1,920 Posts
What is your sump? Is it the yellow dot that is not labeled or is it the yellow dot that says floor drain?

Cutting channels into the concrete could work if your elevations allow so I would get a long straight edge and level to check your floor before committing to cutting channels. It also seems like it would only solve part of your problem since you have a perimeter drain channel on your drawing and the lake area in the middle. The channels you marked from the red wall would only protect a portion of the room.

I have had luck bolting steel/aluminum angle to the floor to guide water. First I pressure wash to thoroughly clean the slab. Then I layout the angle on the floor and drill holes for anchor bolts. While it's on the floor I mark it's location. Lift up the angles and apply a thick bead of water sealant or foundation damp proofing "tar". Then bolt the angles in place. It works but because the angles stick up above the floor they are a trip hazard. On the plus side they can be removed in the future if needed.
 
  #5  
Old 04-17-18, 11:22 AM
R
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
sump is unmarked, and in the "outer" room..
Interesting , with the angle bit you did...
 
  #6  
Old 04-17-18, 01:28 PM
W
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 6,395
Received 63 Upvotes on 55 Posts
Is the bulkhead covered and drained away from the house?
 
  #7  
Old 04-17-18, 01:54 PM
S
Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: usa
Posts: 1,239
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
your solution will work as long as wtr runs downhill
 
  #8  
Old 04-17-18, 05:27 PM
R
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Wirepuller38
Is the bulkhead covered and drained away from the house?
Bulkhead has a cover, but not draining away by any means..
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: