Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Basement Water Drainage in a Battle Creek, MI Home

Our friend Brenda in Battle Creek, MI began experiencing water seepage where the wall meets the floor, and also through her basement floor. This problem is often due to hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic Pressure refers to water pressure and is a major cause of basement water problems. Water weighs slightly more than 60lbs. per cubic foot. If the soil around your basement becomes saturated with water, there could be tens of thousands of pounds of hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. Upon receiving Brenda’s call for help, we examined the issues in her basement and recommended WaterGuard to remedy the problem. Installed along the home's footing, beneath the concrete, WaterGuard collects water along the base of the perimeter walls and safely directs it to a sump pump for removal from the home. Additionally, we installed a Triple Safe sump pump to enhance the function of the WaterGuard. TripleSafe is a safeguard feature that includes the use of three pumps to ensure this basement will stay dry, even in power outages and severe weather events. In the case of heavy water or primary pump failure, the second and more powerful pump will kick in, if there is a power outage the battery powered UltraSump will take over. With this installment, the water issues that have plagued Brenda’s basement should surely be a thing of the past.

The Water Troubles are Evident

Brenda was worried about water seeping into her basement where the wall meets the floor. The watermarks on this floor and door are strong visual evidence to support her claim.

There's no Guaranteed Level of Safety with This Sump Pump

The old sump pump system shown here sure could use an upgrade! It's a great idea to update your old sump pump before it decides to randomly quit, leaving you with the hassle of a basement full of water. This sump pump is also missing one of the key elements of an effective sump pump system, an air tight lid. Without an airtight lid, moisture from the sump pump is disbursing throughout their entire basement.

Let's Make Room, WaterGuard Coming Through

To begin the WaterGuard installation process, the concrete is removed. Once the concrete is removed, the WaterGuard drain can be set into place.

The Triple Safe Transformation Begins

Triple Safe to the rescue! The Triple Safe sump pump system being installed contains the key missing components that Brenda's previous sump pump did not have, an air tight lid, floor drain, pump stand, and a pump alarm. These are the essential features needed to help keep a basement dry.

It's Time for Drainage Stone

Now drainage stone is laid around the WaterGuard, this increases the effectiveness of the installment and allows for maximum water drainage.

Watch your Step, There's Wet Cement!

Next, to seal the deal the concrete is replaced over top. The wall flange creates a small gap that allows moisture from the walls and cove joint to freely flow into the drain.

This System is Now Complete

Once the concrete has been replaced, this floor is once again seamless. The WaterGuard system goes virtually unnoticed and is now a welcomed asset to the home. The Triple Safe sump pump is level with the floor and close to the wall making it minimally invasive of the useful space in Brenda's basement.