Water entering a basement through an exterior stairway is a common problem in many Brooklyn homes. When rainwater cannot drain fast enough, it often collects at the bottom landing and eventually finds its way through nearby doors and into the basement.
Our team at Zavza Seal was called to inspect a property in Brooklyn, NY where the homeowner was experiencing recurring water intrusion during heavy rainfall.
Problem
The homeowner noticed water entering the basement through the door located next to the exterior stairway landing. During our inspection, we found that the existing drainage system did not have enough capacity to handle the amount of water flowing into the area.
As rainwater collected at the bottom of the stairs, it created pressure against the doorway and increased the risk of basement flooding. The existing drainage components required evaluation, and the overall system needed a more reliable way to collect and discharge water away from the home.
Without improvements, the problem would likely continue to worsen during storms and periods of heavy rainfall.
Solution
To create a long-term solution, our team designed a complete drainage upgrade for the stairway landing area.
We began by removing the existing concrete slab and excavating the area to access the drainage system below.
The existing dry well was carefully inspected. If found to be in good condition, it would be cleaned and restored to full operation. If it lacked capacity or showed signs of failure, it would be replaced with a new structural foam polyethylene dry well designed for long-term durability and improved water storage.
To improve water management, we installed a new high-efficiency one-third horsepower sump pump inside the dry well. This pump actively removes collected water and helps prevent flooding during heavy rain events.
A new discharge line was installed through the concrete and routed through the foundation wall. The pipe was then extended underground to the front flower bed, where water is safely released through a pop-up emitter away from the foundation.
To improve surface drainage, we installed a heavy-duty cast iron dome grate drain at the center of the landing. This type of drain helps prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from blocking the system while allowing water to flow freely into the drainage structure below.
The drainage system was surrounded by compacted gravel and a soil separator to promote proper water flow while preventing sediment buildup.
Once the drainage improvements were completed, we poured a new steel-reinforced concrete slab using 4,000 PSI concrete. The new slab was carefully pitched toward the center drain so water naturally flows into the drainage system rather than toward the basement door.
As part of this project, the homeowner also received Zavza Seal’s 40-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Result
After the project was completed, rainwater was no longer able to collect at the bottom of the stairway landing. Instead, water now flows into the upgraded drainage system, where it is collected and safely discharged away from the home.
The new sump pump provides an additional layer of protection during heavy storms, while the improved drainage components help keep the system operating efficiently year-round.
The homeowner now has a safer, drier basement entryway and greater confidence that the property is protected against future water intrusion.
Why This Solution Works?
This project combined several layers of protection into one complete water management system. The upgraded drainage, sump pump, dry well improvements, underground discharge line, and properly sloped concrete surface all work together to move water away from the home before it can become a problem.
By addressing both surface water and subsurface drainage, this solution provides long-term protection against basement leaks and flooding.