Project Overview:
Zavza Seal completed a basement water intrusion project in Queens, NY. Water was entering the basement from the staircase landing. The planned repair focused on collecting the water at the bottom of the basement stairs and moving it away from the home through a new drainage and sump pump system.
The Problem:
Water was entering the basement through the staircase landing. The existing setup did not provide a proper way to collect and move the water away from the basement.
The basement doorway was also sealed behind a 4-foot-high barricade, which limited access during the inspection. The staircase and rear yard were not accessible for additional photographs.
Our Solution:
Zavza Seal planned a drainage system designed to collect water at the bottom of the basement staircase.
The concrete landing at the foot of the basement stairs was to be excavated to make room for a collector basin with a grating. A 1/2 HP sump pump would then be installed with a 1 1/2-inch PVC ejector pipe.
The discharge pipe would run up to the top of the stairwell wall and then continue horizontally along the side of the yard for approximately 30 linear feet. It would connect to a collector basin at the rear of the yard.
This system is designed to give water entering the basement a controlled path away from the staircase and basement area. Proper drainage and sump pump systems are commonly used to manage basement water and reduce the risk of continued seepage.
The Result:
The proposed drainage solution addresses the water intrusion at the basement staircase by collecting water in a dedicated basin and directing it away from the home.
Because parts of the property were inaccessible during the initial inspection, the work description was based on the available site conditions. A follow-up visit could be completed to refine the scope if needed.
Why Basement Drainage Matters?
Basement water can come from seepage, surface water, or poor drainage around the foundation. The EPA recommends addressing sources of moisture and using appropriate drainage methods to control water around basements and foundations.
A properly planned sump pump system can help move collected water away from a basement and reduce the chance of water building up in the lower level.