Location: Long Island, NY
Project Scope: Repair water intrusion along the entire floor perimeter of the basement (~120 linear feet)
The Problem
A homeowner in Long Island reported significant water intrusion along the entire perimeter of their basement floor—approximately 120 linear feet. Water was seeping in at the foundation wall/floor joint, particularly at the South-West corner, posing risks of mold, structural damage, and long-term moisture issues.
Diagnosis
Our inspection revealed the following:
- Hydrostatic pressure forcing water through the cinder block walls
- Pooling water at the South-West corner
- No existing interior drainage or sump pump system
The basement needed a comprehensive waterproofing strategy to prevent further damage and improve the home’s structural health.
The Solution
To stop water intrusion and redirect moisture away from the foundation, we executed a full basement waterproofing system with the following steps:
1. Interior Drainage Trench
- Cut a drainage trench along the entire perimeter of the basement floor.
- The trench was designed to collect water entering through the wall/floor joint and direct it to the new sump basin.
2. Sump Pump System
- Excavated the South-West corner to install a new sump pump basin.
- Installed a duplex sump pump system—two independent pumps with separate electrical cables for increased reliability.
3. Discharge to Daylight
- Installed a 1.5″ PVC thru-wall ejector pipe.
- Dug a 6″ trench extending 25 linear feet into the backyard, discharging water to daylight via a pop-up emitter.
- Connected the pop-up emitter with a 1.5″ to 3″ coupling for secure transition to the main discharge line.
4. French Drain Installation
- Laid a 4″ perforated PVC pipe on a deep gravel bed.
- Wrapped the system with a soil separator to prevent clogging from sediment or soil.
- Connected the drainage trench directly to the sump pump basin.
5. Weep Holes in Foundation
- Used diamond drill bits to create weep holes in every below-grade cinder block.
- These holes relieve pressure and allow any trapped water within the blocks to enter the drainage system.
6. Concrete Restoration
- Refilled the trench with 3″ of 4,000 PSI high-strength concrete.
- Finished with a smooth trowel to match the level of the surrounding basement slab.
Drainage system installation in progress
Results
This comprehensive system now effectively captures and removes any water entering the basement. The duplex sump pump setup offers enhanced redundancy, while the French drain and discharge system eliminate water buildup at the foundation. The homeowner now enjoys a dry, structurally sound basement with added property value and peace of mind.
Key Benefits
- Permanent solution to basement water intrusion
- Professionally installed French drain system
- Reliable, redundant sump pump setup
- Prevention of mold, mildew, and structural issues
- Durable and seamless concrete floor restoration
Need Help With Basement Waterproofing in Long Island?
Zavza Seal LLC provides expert waterproofing solutions tailored to your home. If you’re facing water intrusion or want to prevent future damage, contact us today for a free, no-obligation assessment.