Waterproofing Basement

So a while ago we thought we could contain the wetness in the front part of our basement through an endoscope by a plumber, a French drain in the back, two sump pumps in the back and middle, another item that helps with back up from the pipe to the street.  Not enough!  It appears we need sealing and probably a French drain in the front now.  I'd hoped we could get by, but yesterday's melted rain came pouring through our basement, which is finished and which we use as our projector/TV room.

That said, can anyone recommend companies who specialize in this?  Thanks--


We had quotes from Gold Medal and Vulcan. Both recommended French Drain. The analysis from Gold Medal was more thorough and accurate.... also more expensive -- not a surprise since it involved more work.

We sold the house instead of ordering the work.

Both will give a quote and then at the time of visit or later, will offer a lower price for whatever reason they can come up with. Wait for the lowered quote.


You indicate there was damage in the main pipe. Are you sure the back-stop is still working? It guess it would result in smelly water if that was the problem.


Also, since you have water in the basement, consider a call to a company that can perform a mold test. Do this after you have completed the water repairs. The test will cost a couple-a hundred.


I hope this helps.



It's been so long since we had this done that I've forgotten who but I do remember one contractor trying to sell the labor of leaving little "bridges" of our floor over the trench that gets filled with pipes and gravel.  Total BS.  The crew who did the work dug a trench and put in gravel leaving an opening all the way around our basement wall.  Never had a water problem afterwards.

Two tips.  Spend good money on a really good sump pump pay attention to it's warranty and expected life.  We had ours so long that it needed replacement. Make notes.  Also try to be sure the pipes that are used to exit the water from your basement are insulated.  During one really bad cold spell ours froze and the system started backing up as the water couldn't be expelled.  Fixed it with a hair dryer and that allowed it to pump its self out.  

Best Regards,

Ron Carter


Sump pump warrantee ---  Grainger sells pumps with lifetime warrantee. I don't recall the brand.


have you looked into a perimeter drain?


FormerlyJersey Jack, no we have no main pipe problem.  We have two excellent sump pumps, that's not the issue.  We have had a landscaper, whom we've used in the past, and whom I totally trust, show us how the area in the front and side of our house is slanted and creating a kind of pouring sideways into the house.  So some things might be corrected via diversion outside and piping.  But I want to also have an internal assessment.  

Steve--what is a perimeter drain?


Essentially a french drain on the outside of the house (ours goes to a dry well away from the house).


My usual comment about sump pumps:  When it storms and you need them the most, you are likely to lose electric power, rendering them useless.



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