Basement Water

Hi All,

Before I get started, I'd like to say I apologize if there is already a answer to my question somewhere in the forum. I've gone through a bunch of them and I don't really see it.

Anyway. I've got an old house, built in the 1950s. The basement doesn't have a sump pump but a pipe that sticks up that is slighty lower that the foundation of the house. I guess the idea is when water builds up under the house, it will come up through that pipe. Our driveway is at the same level as the bottom of the foundation. If fact, the basement was originally a garage. THe house is on a slope and by the time you get to the other side of the house, the basement is underground.

So our basement is good as far as water except when it really rains. When we have one of those rains that pours for a day or two, water seems to come up through the floor. I believe this is because the drainage pipe can't keep up with the water.

So assuming I can't afford to have a company come in and seal it from the outside, what are my options. Should I seal the floor?

I know there is no way from the inside to 100% waterproof my basement, but I'd like some opinions on what I can do to help.

Thanks ver much.

Jeff

 

Have you checked the downspouts do they get the water away from the home ??? That slop behind the home have you have a small ditch to make the water go on the side of the home?? Id work on the outside first .

 

maybe this should've been a new post but I couldn't figure out how to do it. .. sorry for asking more questions and not giving answers....

I have an old row house in Philly. Water used to come in and collect but since construction started next door basement is almost completely dry! Anyway, there is still some dampness on the walls, esp in a couple spots. General question: is first step to doing any finishing down there getting an (indoor) french drain and sump pump? i mean, I feel like i could try to fix how the dampness gets in but realistically, does it just make sense to go w/ the definitive solution (ie. french drain and sump)? thanks in advance

 

The fact the dampness is on the walls, not the floor tells me the french drain would not work in your case. The only time a interior french drain and sump pump will work is if the water is primarily coming up through the wall/floor joint. If your dampness is on the wall, you need to figure out just how it's getting in. Crack in the foundation wall maybe? Pictures speak a thousand words if you could post them.

 

thanks, that's helpful. I'll try to get some pics. There's definitely some spots where the water may be getting into the walls, especially where the air conditioning pipes come through.

The thing is, it's about 75 inches from the floor to the ceiling joists so a contractor who has looked at the basement says we should bust the concrete floor, dig down 12-18" and repour a floor. So I'm thinking this is the time to do the French drain -- unless it's not necessary.

 

If you are going to bust out the floor anyway, then yes I would definitely do it. Pretty cheap insurance if the floor is being removed already.

 

so after almost an inch of rain, this is all the moisture I got (first picture):

http://phillywill.blogspot.com

That isn't puddle of water under the pipe in the first pic, it's damp brick dust.

The next pic shows a particularly problematic spot under the front steps where the brick has eroded, leading to the damp brick dust.
The third pic is what most of the walls look like: up to four feet of stone and then exposed brick foundation.

So, the water that's seeping in at that spot during heavy rain...Would regrading the outside front concrete solve it? Or plugging up the spot on the inside where it's coming in (I'm guessing probably not a good idea)?

And, lastly, I think I probably WONT bust through the poured concreate and may frame the room w/ drywall. If that's the case, is it necessary to put a skim coat over the stone or leave it alone since it will be out of sight? (and same question for the brick) Thanks in advance for any help.

 

sorry, the correct link to the pics is http://basementfix.blogspot.com

thanks again