Wet Basement Floor
Water infiltration occurred through cold joints and cracks in the foundation slab, where hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding high water table exceeded the capacity of previously applied crack sealants. As a result, the basement remained vulnerable to persistent moisture intrusion, leading to elevated humidity levels and increasing the risk of mold growth and long-term structural damage.
Failing Sump Pump
The previously installed sump pump system lacked the capacity to manage the volume of groundwater entering the basement during periods of elevated hydrostatic pressure. To maintain a consistently dry environment and protect the foundation from moisture-related damage, a more advanced and high-capacity waterproofing solution was necessary.
WaterGuard Perimeter Basement Drainage System
The installation team began the basement waterproofing process by carefully removing sections of the concrete slab along the interior perimeter of the foundation. This allowed for the placement of the WaterGuard drainage system, which was strategically installed above the footing to intercept groundwater before it could penetrate the basement interior. To ensure proper drainage flow, crushed stone was used to create a consistent pitch along the perimeter, directing water efficiently toward the sump pump system for removal.
TrenchDrain Surface Drainage System
In areas where access to the foundation perimeter is obstructed-such as beneath fixed utilities like the oil tank and hot water heater-a TrenchDrain surface drainage system was installed. This system is specifically designed to capture surface water in high-risk zones where traditional perimeter drainage is not feasible. TrenchDrain integrates seamlessly with the WaterGuard system, forming a continuous and efficient drainage path that channels water directly to the sump pump for removal.
WaterGuard Tied into Sump Pump
The TripleSafe Sump Pump System was installed with its basin excavated approximately two feet below the surface of the foundation slab. This depth allows for optimal gravitational flow of groundwater into the sump basin, ensuring that water collects efficiently within the sump liner before being discharged. The integration mechanism shown in the photo was used to connect the WaterGuard perimeter drainage system directly to the sump basin, creating a unified and highly effective water management system.
TripleSafe Sump Pump System
The TripleSafe Sump Pump System is engineered with a three-pump configuration to provide comprehensive protection against basement water intrusion. It includes a primary pump for standard operation, a secondary pump that activates in the event of high water volume or primary pump failure, and a battery-powered backup pump that ensures continued performance during power outages. This tiered system offers redundancy and reliability, maintaining a dry basement environment under virtually any conditions.
WaterGuard Drainage System Concreted
Once the drainage system installation is complete, it undergoes a flood test to verify proper functionality and ensure efficient water flow toward the sump pump. After confirming performance, the system is encapsulated by restoring the concrete slab to grade level. This final step conceals the drainage components beneath the floor surface, resulting in a clean, finished appearance while maintaining full waterproofing functionality.
Surface Drainage System Concreted
Following a successful flood test to confirm proper functionality, the TrenchDrain system was permanently set in place by encasing it in concrete flush with the foundation floor. Open grates were installed along the top of the TrenchDrain to allow for efficient surface water capture in areas where subsurface drainage is not feasible. This integration ensures that any surface water is effectively directed into the broader drainage network and routed to the sump pump system.
Surface Drainage Installed in Front of Bulkhead Steps
Bulkhead entrances are a common point of water intrusion, as groundwater often accumulates and infiltrates through this vulnerable access point. To mitigate this risk, a TrenchDrain system was installed at the base of the bulkhead stairs. This surface drainage solution is designed to intercept and capture water before it can enter the basement interior, effectively channeling it into the integrated drainage system for removal via the sump pump.
Completed Sump Pump Installation
As water collected by the WaterGuard drainage system enters the sump basin, it flows into the TripleSafe sump liner, where internal float switches monitor the water level. Based on demand, the appropriate pump-primary, secondary, or battery backup-is automatically activated to discharge the water through the designated discharge line, ensuring continuous and efficient removal from the basement.
IceGuard Discharge Line Freeze Prevention
As the discharge line exits the foundation wall, an IceGuard anti-freeze discharge system is installed to serve as a critical failsafe. This component is designed to prevent water backup in the event of a discharge line blockage-particularly during winter months when freezing temperatures can cause ice to form within the exterior piping. IceGuard allows water to escape through specially engineered openings, ensuring continuous drainage and protecting the basement from potential flooding due to system backups.
Bubbler Pot
The discharge line is routed away from the foundation to a naturally sloped area of the property, promoting gravity-assisted drainage and preventing water from reaccumulating near the home's exterior. At the termination point, a bubbler pot is installed to facilitate subsurface dispersion of discharged water, minimizing surface pooling and protecting landscaping. Once positioned, the discharge line is fully buried to maintain a clean appearance and safeguard it from environmental exposure and physical damage.
