How Zavza Seal Solved Persistent Water Intrusion at a Brooklyn Home
The Problem
A homeowner in Brooklyn, NY was experiencing ongoing water intrusion through a door located at the bottom of an exterior stairway. During heavy rain, water would collect on the stair landing and pool in several areas of the backyard.
After a detailed inspection, the Zavza Seal team determined that the existing drainage system did not have enough capacity to handle the amount of runoff coming from both the stairwell and the backyard. As water accumulated, it created a risk of basement leaks, property damage, mold growth, and foundation deterioration.
Without a proper drainage solution, the problem would likely continue to worsen over time.
Our Solution
To permanently address the water management issues, Zavza Seal designed a comprehensive drainage system that would capture, redirect, and safely disperse stormwater away from the home.
Stairway Landing Improvements
Our team began by removing the existing concrete slab at the bottom of the stairway.
We then excavated the area and installed a high-strength structural polyethylene drainage basin on top of a 12-inch gravel base. Inside the basin, we installed a new ½ HP high-efficiency sump pump designed to quickly remove collected water.
To transport water away from the stairwell, we installed an underground drainage pipe that connected the sump system to a newly constructed dry well in the backyard.
To complete the stair landing restoration, we:
- Installed compacted gravel for stability
- Poured a new steel-reinforced 4,000 PSI concrete slab
- Carefully pitched the slab toward the center drain
- Installed a durable cast-iron dome grate drain to reduce the risk of clogging from leaves and debris
Backyard Dry Well Construction
To manage excess water from the drainage system, our team constructed a large custom dry well in the backyard.
The project included:
- Removal of existing concrete flags
- Excavation for an approximately 1,200-gallon dry well
- Installation of a reinforced concrete footing
- Placement of a gravel drainage bed
- Construction of cinder block dry well walls
- Installation of a reinforced concrete cover slab
- Installation of a cast-iron dome grate for surface water collection
The excavated soil was also reused to improve grading conditions in the backyard and help support future drainage improvements.
As an added service, our team performed exploratory water testing to identify the best location for a future exterior French drain system.
The Result
The completed drainage system now provides a much more effective way to manage stormwater around the property.
Project Results
- Water intrusion at the stairwell entrance was eliminated
- Standing water on the stair landing was resolved
- Backyard drainage capacity was significantly improved
- Water is now safely redirected away from the home
- Risk of mold growth and moisture damage was reduced
- The property gained a durable long-term drainage solution
The homeowner now has greater protection against heavy rainfall and groundwater buildup, helping preserve both the home’s structure and interior living space.
Why Proper Drainage Matters in Brooklyn?
Many Brooklyn homes face drainage challenges due to aging infrastructure, limited yard space, and heavy rain events. When water is not properly managed, it can lead to basement flooding, foundation damage, and costly repairs.
Installing properly designed drainage systems, sump pumps, and dry wells helps homeowners protect their investment and maintain a dry, healthy property.
If you are dealing with water pooling, basement leaks, stairwell flooding, or drainage issues around your property, Zavza Seal can help. Our team specializes in custom drainage and waterproofing solutions designed for New York homes.
Contact Zavza Seal today to schedule an inspection and learn how we can help keep your property dry year-round.
