basement water weirdness

[Anonymous]

When it rains really hard we get rain the pours in one spot in the basement. When it is raining really hard it is almost like a faucet and comes in quickly. We had issues during the hurricane. However, last week when it was raining really badly one night we did not get a drop of water. OK eventually we did get some water, but only enough to soak one towel and it was much later and not coming in at various points during the height of the rain. I kept checking and expecting a flood, but it was totally dry. So I am pretty sure it depends on the direction the rain is coming as well as how hard it is raining.

It is not a water table issue because even when the water table is still high after it has rained and our sump pump is kicking in, the water does not come in. It only comes in if it is still raining outside.

I obviously need to call someone to look at our basement and solve our water problem, but has anyone ever dealt with anything like this? Any recommendation on who to call in Northern VA?

[Anonymous]

checkbook did a good article on this, the consensus was that most companies tried to scam them and only 1 offered a proper exterior solution.

[Anonymous]

We had a storm runoff problem and interviewed several drainage and waterproofing cos. that's probably who you want. But beware PP is right that a lot will try to cheat you into spending thousands on a fix that may or may not really fix the problem.

Is the spot where the water comes in at grade level or below ground?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a storm runoff problem and interviewed several drainage and waterproofing cos. that's probably who you want. But beware PP is right that a lot will try to cheat you into spending thousands on a fix that may or may not really fix the problem.

Is the spot where the water comes in at grade level or below ground?

OP
It is below ground. we do have some sort of drainage system around the house. All the down spouts go into it and the water comes out on the street.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like maybe that drainage system is failing at that spot? When it's raining, go outside and have a look at what's happening--is water pouring or pooling near that spot on the outside? From a failed rain gutter above, a leaky downspout, pooling from nearby higher ground (poor grading)? If you don't see it, does this drainage system that runs to the street have any buried pipe, could that be leaking? Or maybe is something leaking inside the wall, from a roof/attic leak?

[Anonymous]

Check basement insulation in your basement.