Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Saint Joseph, MI Basement In High Water Table Waterproofed

This homeowner called to see what he could do about his wet basement. The home sits in an area with a high water table leading to a higher probability of water in the basement after thawing or rain storms. This has been proven time and again. Our team installed a WaterGuard french drain system by excavating concrete along the perimeter walls and placing a drain on home's footer. The concrete was then replaced over top of the drain. Incoming water flows into the drain and is directed to his new TripleSafe sump pump for removal from the home. The TripleSafe system has three pumps inlcuding one that operates on a battery backup so that the basement can stay reliably dry at all times.

Evidence Of Past Flooding

Dark areas of concrete show areas of consistent puddling. These perimeter walls will be the most important area for us to address.

Wall Stains Show Another Point Of Entry

Staining on the walls in this corner serves as proof of water entry along these walls. Quite often, white walls like these are created with moisture blocking paints but rarely do we see them work all that well for homeowners over time. The water eventually leaks through.

Storage Is Lifted Off The Ground

Continual flooding has led this homeowner to put his possessions on raised platforms to prevent them from water damage.

Excavation Begins The Install Process

Concrete is removed along the perimeter walls to expose the footing. The drain will be set right on the footing to gather water as it enters at this seam or flows down the wall from wall cracks.

Weep Holes Drilled In Walls

Weep holes are drilled in the walls to help facilitate water flow into the drain so that it can be quickly and safely removed from the home.

TripleSafe Sump Pump Installed

A TripleSafe sump pump is installed in this basement. The unit features a 1/3 hp pump that handles the majority of the work followed by a 1/2 hp pump installed slightly higher to provide support in the event that the first pump can't keep up or fails. A third and final pump operates on a battery backup in the event that the power goes out. The unit has an airtight lid, floor drain, and a WaterWatch alarm to alert the homeowner if the water is dangerously close to backing up into the room.

Perimeter Prepared For New Concrete

Once the WaterGuard drain is in place along the perimeter, stone is added and leveled around it in preparation for concrete to be replaced over top.

Concrete Is Replaced

Once the stone is leveled out, concrete is replaced over top creating a seamless transition between the new concrete and the existing floor.

Discharge Line Runs Away From Home

The discharge line carries water safely away from the home where it's not likely to cycle back into the basement. A lawnscape outlet blends into the yard and is easy to mow around. IceGuard fixtures next to the house provide an outlet for water in the event that the discharge lines freeze during cold weather.