I just renovated my basement and the other day we had record rains when some seeped in. For the most part ( other than the time FEMA was involved) I have only had small amounts of water enter my basement. I would like to try to limit this even more so by maybe putting in a french drain or even digging around the outside of the basement walls and applying that black waterproof stuff.

Just wanted to get some recommendations from the pros on where I should start.

 

Ideally you would have the water problem solved before finishing. Since you have finished the area you need to move quickly to stop the water and get the room dried out.

I would excavate around the perimeter of your home down to the bottom of your footer. Pressure wash the basement walls. Apply a damp/waterproof coating or membrane. Lay perforated drain pipe in the bottom of the trench with the holes facing down. The drain pipe should extend out to daylight so it can drain freely. Then put a dimpled plastic drainage sheet on the basement walls or back fill your trench with clean #57 crushed stone or similar. And, while all that is going on I would have a dehumidifier running inside the basement to try and get things dried before mildew sets in.

 

Thanks. Could you explain how a drain pipe holes faced down works? I've read this before but didn't understand why. Are their also holes at the top or is this only for rising water?

 

Water can flow in any direction. If you place the pipe with the holes up your trench will have to fill up about 4" deep before water can find it's way in. With the holes on the bottom any water in the bottom of your trench can find it's way in.

Don't think of the drainage pipe like any normal pipe where you are trying to keep something inside. In this application the pipe is just an easy way for the water to get out. The path of least resistance to the exit and away from your home.

 

Ok, I got it. Great explanation.

​​​I did some measuring today looks like I will have to dig down around 3 ft to get to the bottom of the footer. I live in a raised ranch so the front of the house is a little awkward to get at because of the overhang.

I'm also having a hard time trying to figure out how I would bring the pipe out to the surface after going down 3 feet.

 

If you don't have enough topography on your site to exit to daylight you can use a sump and pump. Gravity is best as it works 24/7 no matter what but a sump and pump is often the only option on a flat lot. When picking a sump I would think if you will want like a second pump in the sump as a backup.

 

Can you confirm all your downspouts direct far away from the foundation, especially in this area? It's amazing how many moisture issues can be fixed by redirecting roof runoff!