Replies

1. 
   jpainter | Apr 20, 2004 04:58pm | #1

   Mike:

   Step one is to determine the source of the water-- is it ground water rising to the level of the basement walls, or is it surface water coming in from poor grading, poorly designed downspouts, a new road or driveway surface, etc.?

   It is probably safe to say that in the majority of cases it is surface water that is the issue.  First make sure the gutters are not clogged and that they are sized properly.  (if there are no gutters, then move on to grading issues).  As an experiment, purchase some cheap corrugated black pipe and install them on all the downspouts, making sure they lead at least 10 feet from the house.  See if the problem abates during the next rainy period.

   A quick and dirty check of grading can be accomplished by tying a string line to the house, pulling it tight, and attaching a string level.   Have a helper measure the relative distance to grade at least 10 feet out, and repeat around the house.  Is there enough pitch?

   Finally, is there new construction of roads, driveways, or developments near by that has altered the flow of surface water?

   As for fixes, proper grading, buried pipe leading to daylight for the downspouts, and sometimes french drains can fix the surface water problem.  If the issue is groundwater, you'll need an expert to help-- old stone foundations can't generally be "sealed" and they don't like being disturbed for the installation of drains and sumps.

   J Painter

1. 
   banjo | Apr 25, 2004 02:57pm | #3

   The owner suggested excavating and pouring a thin concrete wall against the stone foundation (The foundation is limestone that was dry stacked with no mortar, therefore several feet of dirt has accumulated over the years inside the cellar).  The concrete will not prevent dampness but it should keep dirt out as well as support the old wall - somewhat.  What do you think about this sollution in combination a with black pipe drain.  I suppose that with a smooth concrete wall we could also seal it from moisture with some kind of vapor barrier (black roofing tar, expensive rolls ofwhatever that stuff is... what is best?).  Also, how deep should we go with the pipe? 

   Thank you so much for your help.

   mike

1. 
   WayneL5 | Apr 25, 2004 05:17pm | #5

   Footing drains should be installed so that the top of the high end of the pipes is an inch or so below the bottom surface of the slab.  With a slight slope the lower ends of the pipes end up beside the footing.  It's much better for the drains to drain by gravity "to daylight" rather than to a sump which depends on a pump to keep it empty.

   Probably the best waterproofing is the sticky rubber shield which comes in a roll.  It's outstanding at bridging cracks in the foundation.

   It's not an easy job to pour a wall against an old foundation.  It won't "stick".  You'll have to have someone who knows how to do this properly.

2. 
   rez | Apr 20, 2004 05:10pm | #2

   31449.1   37277.1   36826.1       22713.1     977.41       6267.1     6381.1     25740.1      35959.1      

   Hiya Mike. I see you are a first time poster so Welcome to Breaktime.

   Here are some old links to a number of different thoughts from previous Breaktimers along your subject line.

   These threads might help you get your feet wet. (pun intended)

   Holy Cow!

   Alright, but the next time I'm charging ya.

   
   

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   Edited 4/20/2004 10:11 am ET by rez

3. 
   DanH | Apr 25, 2004 04:10pm | #4

   If you install proper surface and subsurface drainage (all the way down to the bottom of the footing) then there will be no water problem. If the foundation has been there this long then likely something has changed recently to cause the drainage problem.