Basement Leaks

[Mechathan]

Hi there, We are having problems with leaks coming from the wall of basements mostly are seepages during rainy days caused by minor breaches on the retaining walls. Our conultant commented that these do not impair the structural integrity of the walls and is still structurally sound. The difficult part is we cannot locate the source of the seepage as they surely originates from different locations, where existing walls are already cladded. Sealing the breaches might cause another water seepage to other location. The conultant also suggested to provide a drain canal with perforated drain pipes and be routed to a sump pit but embedding it inside the wall with gravel envelope. This maybe possible but might create another problem to us.

Are there any new technologies/systems/alternatives to eliminate this problem? Thanks a lot.

Mechathan

 

[concretemasonry]

Your engineer did propose the best technology. The most positive way to prevent leakage is to remove the water and reduce the pressure that adds to the leakage. You should also make sure you have adequate control and drainage of the surface water.

Eliminating the moisture condition will decrease the actual pressure on the wall.

Getting rid of the moisture is and has been the best way to prevent water penetration since your basement probably was not built to be waterproof.

 

[Mechathan]

Thanks Concretemasonry. Do we have any website that we can view for the details? Thanks again.

Mechathan

 

[Mechathan]

Also, will a crystallization or Flexible cementitious water proofing do the trick? Thanks.

Mechathan

 

[concretemasonry]

Those are really patches and you can chase leaks around the basement. Those type of materials might help on the wall portion, but do noting to help the joint at the floor and wall.

Getting rid of the water using drain tile is really the best method since it also eliminates some of the water under the slab. Also correct any exterior drainage patterns.

A basement is just a part of a house that a builder built in a swimming pool.