Ugh- water leak in basement.

[Anonymous]

I've got a leaky basement in my 90 year old house. Don't want to do a pump and wary of waterproofing rip-offs (BTDT). Anyone know any masons who could just rebuild the wall from the inside? TIA

[Anonymous]

Wait, so you don't want a solution, just someone to build a new wall inside the old?

I know you're frustrated, but this is a huge system, lots of normally dry basements will be wet. If you build a proper interior drain system to a sump pit you will stay dry, even when the water defeats all exterior measures. Or, if a once a year storm isn't worth the $4k or so that costs, then you can hand pump or wet vac.

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with a sump and weeping system? All new homes are required to have it regardless of water issues.

[Anonymous]

OP. if you live in Virginia try Newborg Drainagr to tell you how the water is getting into the house. Could be simple fix

[Anonymous]

It isn't that simple and even rebuilding will be expensive. You need to shift the grading near the leak so the water runs away from the house. We did do a concrete patch on our leaking wall years ago and it worked well (but we also diverted the water). Then about two years ago I did dry lock and no problems since. You could try that if you are handy or willing to give it a go.

[Anonymous]

It might be an issue of grading. It also might be an issue of gutters and water drainage around your house or even your neighbor's. Our basement flooded in heavy rains like this until we realized that our neighbors drainage was too close to the property line. Snake your outside drains too.

[Anonymous]

Hello, OP here. I meant take down the wall and rebuild it. I have had pumps before and would rather fix the problem- plus I've found waterproofing companies shady in my experience. Good idea on the regrading around the house. We have re-routed gutters already. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

NP here. Noticed a wet patch near basement wall this afternoon. Called Newborg per DCUM recs and they won't even schedule a consultation because they are so booked up! And they won't recommend any other company! Any other good companies out there to help figure out why water got there?

[Anonymous]

How bad is the leak? We had a small one and we just used hydraulic cement and patched it and then dry lock and its been fine 5 years later.

[Anonymous]

Lots of leaks happen because the gutters are overflowing or too small. Flashing on the roof may be missing or worn out.

New gutters are at least 6 inches. Many older gutters are 4-5 inches.

Grading also plays a factor in water coming in the house.

I woudl check all these things before I go and rebuild a wall.

Not sure what your aversion is to a sump pump and fench drain.

[Anonymous]

We had a good experience with Basement Technologies. Helped us figure out the cause of our leak, and that it was an easy fix. They don't do exterior fixes themselves however, only interior options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's wrong with a sump and weeping system? All new homes are required to have it regardless of water issues.

Is this actually true on new homes here in Washington Metro area? And by weeping system, is that metal grid or french drain?

I don't go visit new homes, but are you sure it's required?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a good experience with Basement Technologies. Helped us figure out the cause of our leak, and that it was an easy fix. They don't do exterior fixes themselves however, only interior options.

Thank you for the rec.