Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Waterproofing a Hastings Home to Increase Resale Value

Our customers called with a problem that many people have - during heavy rains or the spring thaw, their basement had a few water leaks. Nothing major, and mostly confined to one side of the house. The water wasn't causing any serious problems, so they just kind of let it be. And then they decided to sell their house. The basement is like a giant bullseye to prospective buyers and home inspectors. Anything below grade can be an expensive headache to repair, so people are either reluctant to buy or start making demands for concessions or credits and etc, etc, you don't want to have to deal with it. And neither did they, which is why they called. We installed a full perimeter of WaterGuard and tied it into the existing sump pump (which was working fine, but only when the water actually made the journey over to it), and to finish it off we used CleanSpace on the wall where most of the water was originating to help keep ambient moisture at bay.

No Path to Existing Sump Pump in Hastings Basement

The sump pump already in place in the basement was perfectly fine. The problem was that it only worked if the water actually made it over there. Which, it rarely did. As you'll see in later photos, we tied the WaterGuard system into this sump.

Water Damage on Block Wall

Most of the water issues were sequestered to the side of the house that had a block wall (the other three were poured walls). Here, you can see the discoloration and warping associated with leaks.

Water Damage Surrounds Hastings Basement Fixtures

Water problems are bad enough - puddles, musty smells - but it's worse when the water has something to ruin. Water could cause the fixtures in this corner, including the hot water heater, to rust and malfunction. It also isn't great to have standing water near so many electrical appliances.

Failed DIY Attempt to Repair Leaking Wall Crack

This is likely one of those rubberized paints advertised to seal superficial wall cracks. Spoiler alert: They don't work. Water is more powerful than even the fanciest spray paint.

Water Damage in Basement Bathroom

You don't want to step out of the shower into more water. Water damage is visible on the right side of the bathroom.

Existing Sump Pump and Discharge Line

This sump, while not the prettiest, was perfectly serviceable. It just needed a way to actually get water to it.

Secondary Sump Pump in Hastings Basement

No wonder they didn't really think the water issues were a big deal - they had two sump pumps! And both were fine, it was just a matter of actually funneling the water to them.

WaterGuard Installation in Progress with Inspection Ports

We install inspection ports (that little gray lid you can see in the middle of all the tape) in order to provide access to the system after the new concrete is poured.