Problem:

A Brooklyn property owner contacted Zavza Seal after ongoing water intrusion issues began affecting multiple areas of the home. Water was entering through a vent penetration at the roof line, pooling near the basement entrance, and leaking into the vestibule area. In addition, the main sump pump was not functioning, the backup pump never activated, and the existing sump system was improperly installed with a makeshift basin that offered little protection. Over time, these issues increased the risk of flooding, structural damage, and moisture related deterioration throughout the basement and crawl space.

Solution:

Zavza Seal performed a full evaluation of the property and developed a targeted repair plan focused on sealing active leak points, correcting improper installations, and upgrading critical drainage systems.

Vent Penetration at Roof Line

• Removed three to four deck planks to access the roof line.
  
• Sealed the joint between the vent and roof line to prevent water intrusion into the utility room.
  
• Reinstalled the deck planks to restore the area.
  

Front Drains

• Tested both front drains.
  
• Confirmed they were operating properly and required no repairs.
  

Basement Entrance Awning

• Identified that the existing awning was improperly designed and directed water toward the basement door.
  
• Installed a new awning designed to effectively divert water away from the entrance and living space.
  

Sump Pump and Backup Sump Pump System

• Removed and disposed of the existing sump pump.
  
• Demolished and removed the makeshift sump basin.
  
• Excavated to prepare for a properly sized large capacity basin.
  
• Installed an injection molded, perforated polyethylene sump basin with soil separator.
  
• Installed a new combo sump pump system with a 1/2 HP primary pump rated at 4,320 gallons per hour.
  
• Installed a 12V battery operated backup pump capable of pumping 3,600 gallons per hour.
  
• Added a 12V 100 Ah maintenance free AGM deep cycle battery.
  
• Installed all fittings, plumbing, and discharge connections.
  
• Programmed the controller and configured WiFi monitoring for remote alerts and real time system data.
  

Backyard Drain and Sump Pump

• Inspected both systems.
  
• Confirmed they were in proper working order and required no action.
  

Ejector Line Backyard

• Verified the ejector line was functioning correctly with no repairs required.
  

Front Staircase and Staircase Landing

• Addressed water penetration into the basement vestibule and pooling near the entrance.
  
• Cut and removed the bottom two inches of the EIFS system to allow trapped water to escape.
  
• Replaced the removed section with 6,000 PSI waterproofing cement and specialty sealers.
  
• Carefully ground the staircase landing using diamond blades to create positive slope away from the door.
  
• Applied specialty stone sealer and joint sealants as determined on site.
  
• Painted the repaired wall section using owner approved paint.
  
• Sealed and waterproofed all joints near the entrance door to complete the repair.
  

Results:

After completion, the home was fully protected against recurring water intrusion. Leak points at the roof line and entrance were sealed, surface water was redirected away from vulnerable areas, and the new sump pump system provided reliable protection with modern monitoring and backup power. The homeowner gained long term peace of mind knowing the drainage and waterproofing systems were properly designed and professionally installed.

Why This Matters in Brooklyn, NY?

Brooklyn homes are especially vulnerable to water intrusion due to aging construction, tight lot lines, and heavy rainfall. Addressing multiple entry points and correcting improper drainage systems is essential to protecting basements and living spaces from long term damage.