Systems For Basement Waterproofing / Crawl Space Waterproofing

Your Now that we’ve examined ways to prevent water from entering your basement externally, let’s look at ways to waterproof your basement internally.

Internal French Drain System- trench drain

This system helps drain the gravel beneath the basement floor to a sump pump basin and collects wall runoff through gaps between the wall and basement floor that drain into the perforated pipe laid beneath the basement floor. The basement floor is broken up to form a trench along the perimeter of the basement wall and  a perforated pipe on a gravel bed. The pipe is then covered with concrete and any water collected drains into the sump pump or drainage basin. Depending on the linear footage, an average job cost could run from $5,000 to $9000.

Interior Wall Sealants

Basement walls are constructed of concrete blocks, cinder blocks or cast concrete or precast concrete sections. Concrete is naturally porous as the curing process leaves micro capillaries as the water “bleeds” to the surface from the curing process. To prevent water intrusion requires sealing the interior surface of the basement wall with sealants to prevent water intrusion. Currently sealers containing Silane/Siloxane do an excellent job of waterproofing for minor dampness and condensation issues. Prior to sealing, foundation cracks, gaps, any joints and floor to wall joints should be repaired or caulked. 

Sump Pump

As the final part of the basement waterproofing system we need a way to transport any captured water – enter the sump pump. A sump pump keeps your home dry by automatically pumping and channeling water away from the foundation or out of the basement. If the sump pump fails, your basement can flood, causing expensive damage to your home and valuables. It’s important to have a reliable sump pump that can help you protect your home in even the wettest weather.

The concept is simple, a sump tank is installed in the basement or crawlspace floor that collects the water from exterior and/or interior perimeter drain tiles or french drains and pumps the water to the home’s exterior drainage system.

There are generally two types of sump pumps—pedestal and submersible. In the case of the pedestal pump, the motor is mounted above the sump—where it is more easily serviced, but is also more conspicuous. The pump impeller is driven by a long, vertical extension shaft and the impeller is in a scroll housing in the base of the pump. The submersible pump, on the other hand, is entirely mounted inside the sump, and is specially sealed to prevent electrical short circuits. Pedestal sump pumps usually last longer (25 to 30 years) if they are installed properly and kept free of debris. They are less expensive and easier to remove. Submersible pumps will only last 5 to 15 years. They are more expensive to purchase but can take up debris without clogging

Another option to consider is a battery operated backup pump. If during a heavy rain storm the power goes out, so does your sump pump … leaving you with a flooded basement or crawl space. With the installation of a backup sump pump which is battery operated, as soon as the power cuts off the backup pump takes over to handle the pumping chores. The decision to install a backup system will depend on the individual home owner’s situation so it’s best to discuss with your CCSS consultant as part of your basement or crawlspace project.