In Brooklyn, NY, many homes face water problems during heavy rain. This project focused on fixing water that was entering a basement through a stairway bottom landing.

Zavza Seal was called to inspect and solve this issue with a long term drainage solution.

Problem

The homeowner reported water coming into the basement near the door by the stairway bottom landing. After inspection, we found:

• The drainage system was not large enough to handle heavy rainwater
• Water was collecting at the bottom landing area
• The slope and concrete surface were allowing water to flow toward the basement door
• There was no proper stormwater pit or discharge system in place

Because of these issues, rainwater had nowhere to go. It was entering the home instead of draining away.

Solution

Our team designed a complete drainage and concrete replacement system to stop water intrusion and redirect stormwater properly.

1. Concrete Removal and Excavation

We removed and disposed of the existing concrete slab at the bottom landing. Then we excavated the area deep enough to install a proper drainage system.

2. Installation of Drainage System

At the center of the landing, we installed:

• A new 18-inch stormwater pit with a galvanized steel grate
• A 22-gallon structural foam polyethylene dry well
• A 12-inch gravel base for proper water flow

We also installed:

• A mesh layer under the steel grate to block debris
• A soil separator placed around compacted gravel (not at the bottom) to keep water flow smooth

3. New Reinforced Concrete Slab

We poured a new 4,000 PSI concrete slab that was:

• 4 inches thick
• Steel reinforced for strength
• Properly pitched toward the drain center

This ensures water flows into the drain instead of toward the basement door.

4. Drainage System Check

We also inspected the upper level drainage system because it may be connected to the lower landing. This helps ensure the full water flow path works correctly.

If any issues are found, we will recommend additional steps to maintain the system and support the long term performance of our work under warranty.

After the project was completed, the stairway landing no longer holds standing water. During rain, the water now flows directly into the new drainage system instead of moving toward the basement door. This has greatly reduced the chance of water entering the basement.

The new concrete surface is stronger and built with the correct slope, which helps guide water to the drain every time it rains. Overall, the homeowner now has a safer, drier, and more reliable entryway.