Basement waterproofing / foundation repair?

[Fentonite]

Before I start getting bids, I figured I'd check to see if anybody here does foundation work. All the moisture in the ground has decided to come into our basement. It's a small, old house (1921), built in a low spot. Water is just seeping through the stem-walls and up through the concrete basement floor. There is a sump pump, but some brainiac put it in the highest corner of the floor, so the water accumulates in the other parts of the basement. I'm able to keep up with it by sucking it up with a shop-vac a few times a day, but it needs to be addressed. Anybody here do basement waterproofing, or have a recommendation?

[gnihcraes]

I don't know anyone. Sorry.

Move the sump to the lower part? Might be a solution for now with some work.

I have a similar issue. (had) We just worked and re-graded the land back away from the house. Seems to have cured most of the problems here.

Also maybe a french drain around the house, catch the water before it gets to it. I'm trying to think of cheaper ways to get it done than waterproofing the whole foundation.

[DFBrews]

Get in touch with kellytte he does home inspections and knows a lot of people in the industry

[Big E3]

With homes in the age group of yours it is not very cost effective to try to waterproof the foundation. The foundation will typically be some kind of masonry such as brick. To effectively do it right it must be applied to the exterior of the walls not the interior. You don't want to trap moister in the foundation by sealing the inside surface, that can cause a significant amount of foundation damage and deterioration.

The best thing to due for starters is make sure the exterior grading issues have been addressed. Typically you need a minimum slope of approximately 1" per foot for at least 5 feet from the house. Check that all downspouts are attached and functioning to allow water to drain away from the structure and not ponding somewhere near the house.

The sump pit in the basement is typically not dependant on the slope of the floor. Most have out fall lines beneath the slab sloping to the pit. Check in the pit to see if it has any pipes coming into the pit from the sides. Surface water is increased this time of year with rain and lawn watering this can greatly increase the water volume below grade. Most homes only have water penetration issues during the spring and summer months as an result of the rising water table. Surface water will typically penetrate the foundation wall closest to it's exterior source.

It will be much cheaper to correct exterior water drainage issues than foundation related remedies. The problem with most older homes is that they set very low on the lot and don't have a lot of room to improve the grading. You can pile dirt up to create some slope from the house but sometimes end up having it just pond in the yard anyway. Getting water off the site is the key.

Other issues can contribute as well, my neighbor had a sprinkler leak two years ago that flooded my basement. Always look beyond your house for other contributing factors like others downspouts and grading as well.

[Fentonite]

Really good advice, thanks. I know that drainage is a problem, my house sits in the low point of our block. My backyard slopes up in all directions from my back door. I dug French drains several years ago, but the one on the uphill side of the house was torn up when the sewer line was replaced. Looks like it's time to re-do it. Gonna need to hire it out this time. Thanks for the help.

[Wulf202]

What big e3 said is completely correct.

The best way to seal it is to remove the dirt from the exterior and spray with closed cell foam.