Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Waterproofing a Basement in Spring Lake, MI

Our customer called when water started coming in through the base of his basement walls after the first January thaw. This had happened in the past, to the point that they were squeegeeing the floor to direct the water to the sump pump. Uninterested in that kind of labor again, he called us to take care of the problem for good. We installed a full perimeter system of WaterGuard below-floor drain and replaced the old sump pump with a SuperSump. We also replaced the old windows in the basement.

Efflorescence Under Windows

Note the efflorescence - aka the white powder - on the wall beneath the window. Efflorescence occurs when water travels through concrete blocks, dissolving minerals present and bringing them to the surface. When the water evaporates, the mineral deposits are left behind. This sign of water issues is usually just a nuisance, but over time it can degrade the blocks.

Water Staining on Floor

There is pervasive water staining on the walls and floor. The water's main entry point was the cove - the place where the wall and floor meet.

Cracked and Water Stained Floor

The floor had a crack running across it, which can happen for a variety of reasons and can become another source of water influx.

Sump Pump Can't Keep Up

This sump pump has a few problems. First, it has no cover (unless you count those boards? We don't), which leaves it vulnerable to damage and being clogged with debris. Second, there's no reliable way for the water to get to it. Remember how we mentioned the squeegee directing water? That's basically the best bet unless you have a perimeter system.

Puddles on Basement Floor

Water was coming in rapidly at the cove and puddling on this basement floor.

Installing the SuperSump Pump

By tying our drain system right into the sump pump, we can ensure that water makes it without need of a squeegee.

Cross Tile Connects WaterGuard Across Low Points

When a basement has multiple low points, it can be difficult to take water efficiently to a sump pump. But by installing cross tile, we can circumvent needing to transport it all the way around the perimeter and just cut across the basement.