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Wet basement suggestions

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Doctor Of Cerumen
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So I have a walk out basement. We aren't pushed for space but wanted to make it a media room or pool/ping pong type situation. The house was built in 1924. When we get a lot of rain, like we have recently, I get water in one particular spot. It used to be a lot of water. But my local contractor put new drain pipes on the downspouts to carry water away and that made a huge difference. But it still happens now and again though not as much. Rest of the basement is dry. Should I look into a commercial solution? There are a lot of companies that appear to handle this problem. Any experience with them? My contractor mentioned a sump pump. Not sure what to do. Don't want to overspend but don't like always wondering if my basement will be wet when it rains heavily. Thoughts??
 
I live in SW Virginia. Just off 81 north of Bristol.

I don't think it's grading but don't know. Since it's a walk out basement my house is built on a sloped lot.
 
JamesSokolove said:
had the same problem....a dehumidifier in the room solved it
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This is what I was going to recommend. Growing up we had a similar basement and it too would have standing water. Once we got a dehumidifier it would take care of it. Now during days like we've been having, it would have to be emptied more frequently.
 
Just call a company that deals with the problem and have them give you an estimate of what they think you should do. If it's affordable hire them, if not atleast they will have told you what the problem probably is. They will probably suggest waterproofing your foundation on the side the water comes in and and more external draining. The dehumidifer should help but wont do much to help with lots of rain or downpours.
 
Inspection mentions water staining but no area of active water or standing water. It may have just been very dry for the few days leading up to the inspection.

Already have a dehumidifier down there. It's more water than just a musty odor, it's actual step in and get your feet wet amount of water.

I guess I will just get a professional company out and see what the damage will be. I just hate the idea of overpaying for something but do want the job done right.
 
BacktoBack said:
The house was built in 1924.
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This is your biggest problem. Obviously we have much better drainage technology now than 90 years ago. My great grandmother's house had the same issue in her basement and was built around the same time. My cousin, who now owns the house, coated the walls with DryLok and installed a sump pump. That was the most economical fix for him. He still occasionally gets a little water, but the pump takes care of it in minutes. IMO, if you like the house and plan to stay there for an extended period of time, I'd go with a commercial waterproofing specialist. It'll cost more $$ but at least then it'll be taken care of and you'll have that piece of mind.
 
I feel for you. My house is 1911 and we live in the flood zone of DC. We've spent a lot of money trying to do anything we can. The most recent fix was external. We regraded the back area, installed a membrane that attached to the house and extends out and installed a micro-channel drain. That was attempt #4 at fixing this, and so far seems to be working. But you really should hire a landscape/drainage specialist to come out and take a look. Not a general contractor since they are likely to fuck things up (mine did). You need someone who specializes in these kinds of things.
 
wfudkn said:
I feel for you. My house is 1911 and we live in the flood zone of DC. We've spent a lot of money trying to do anything we can. The most recent fix was external. We regraded the back area, installed a membrane that attached to the house and extends out and installed a micro-channel drain. That was attempt #4 at fixing this, and so far seems to be working. But you really should hire a landscape/drainage specialist to come out and take a look. Not a general contractor since they are likely to fuck things up (mine did). You need someone who specializes in these kinds of things.
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Care to share roughly what that set you back? I am afraid I am looking at a lot of money. Not sure if I should do as another poster suggested and take the economical approach, sump pump and deal with occasional water.
 
BacktoBack said:
Care to share roughly what that set you back? I am afraid I am looking at a lot of money. Not sure if I should do as another poster suggested and take the economical approach, sump pump and deal with occasional water.
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The regrading, membrane installation, installation of the drain and also replacing the sand/dirt that was between our backyard pavers with "gator sand" (which is a waterproof sand-like substance) came in around $2,700. If this doesn't ultimately work it's going to cost us many many thousands of dollars to fix.

ETA: the most expensive part of all of that was probably the drain, but that was necessary for us because of the layout of our backyard and the fact that our basement is mostly below ground. If your basement is a walk out then the drain probably won't do anything for you.
 
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Call the county and see if they will send someone out. I live in Clemmons and I have an area in my back yard that washes out and errodes. Talked to my landscaper and they called Forsyth County Coopertive Extension, they came out and assesed my situation. Basically, I have a river coming through my back yard during heavy rains, I do not have issues with it entering the house, but they recommended better grading and then installing a "rain garden". They said they would even design it for free.
 
Good suggestion, but I think it is also cheap to bust a trench in the concrete in the floor against the wall where the water comes in. Bury a sump pump and then put a grate (couple inches wide)over the trench. A friend of mine did this himself in less than a day. Rent a cement cutting circular saw, small jackhammer and grab a shovel. Might cost you $300.
GSOWakeFan said:
Just call a company that deals with the problem and have them give you an estimate of what they think you should do. If it's affordable hire them, if not atleast they will have told you what the problem probably is. They will probably suggest waterproofing your foundation on the side the water comes in and and more external draining. The dehumidifer should help but wont do much to help with lots of rain or downpours.
Click to expand...
 
Had this problem a lot in my later high school days, its a blessing later in life, trust me.
 
there are a few things you can do...

if the drain spouts worked a little you may want to consider a french drain around the house or areas that appear to be the source of the leakage. usually it is where there is a slope, even if it is minor...just redirect around the house. if you are going to put something in the basement that will damage you may want to seal the basement...but contact someone first. it can be expensive.

my house in 1930 in Nashville and we have a sump pump and i am in the process of angling the floor to run directly into the reservoir. it's a pain! the dehumidifier will only keep the basement from getting moldy, etc.
 
Same issue with our house in Ga. Put new downspouts in, kept the gutters cleaned, used a dehumidifier and it's dry 99% of the time. We've had one in there once after doing all that. Contractor said the next step would be to put in a french drain outside the house and down 2-3 feet. (think a trench with gravel and lined with plastic on one side drain water away from the house. That was a cheaper alternative than the sump pump and cut the cement inside.
 
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