Login|Contact Us
Question and Answer

Home Improvement

Ask a Home Improvement Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

  • Ask A Question
  • Browse Answers
  • Meet The Experts
  • How JustAnswer Works

I have a problem with seepage in the basement. There is a

 
Rick's Avatar
  • Answered by:Rick
  • General Contractor
  • Positive Feedback: 99.5 %
  • Accepted Answers: 2501
Verified Expert
in Home Improvement

Recent Feedback

Positive
Thank you
Positive
Rick's answer was short, to the point, and exactly what I asked. Thanks!
Positive
Rick is your man when it comes to any contractor's needs
Positive
I thought I just did this. The expert's answer made me somewhat more...
Positive
He was very responsive, although I haven't tried his suggestions yet. I look...
Positive
Nice guy, thanks!
Positive
Very helpful and quick. Thanks!
Positive
Great professional. A true asset to the website.
Positive
Fast, helpful answer
Positive
Rick helped me think through a strange problem, but we finally hit on the...

Customer Question

I have a problem with seepage in the basement. There is a section of crumbling cement at the junture of the floor and the wall which results in about a 2inch 'v' shaped grove in which water pools after rain storms and after spring thaw. Someone suggested I just instal a sump pit in this area and problem solved (I currently don't have a sump pit). I was also told to grade my landscape but then someone suggested I would need window wells if i did that and reading on the internet there is often problems with window wells....

 



Already Tried:
nothing

Submitted: 309 days and 6 hours ago.
Category: Home Improvement
Value: CA$15
Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  Rick replied 309 days and 6 hours ago.


Rick :

Welcome, I will do my best to help you with your problem

Customer :

thanks

Customer :

do you understand my problem

Rick :

Both suggestions are valid. A sump pump will remove the water that finds its way into the basement. Regrading around the house so the grade slopes away from the house will stop the water coming off the roof from being channeled into the basement

Customer :

will the sump pump alone solve the problem

Customer :

i can do some grading but i really want to stay away from window wells

Rick :

If you don't get a lot of water and the basement isn't finished then all you probably need is a sump pump

Customer :

well the basement was finished and i was having mold problems which i am trying to correct

Rick :

Then you need to attack this from both angles

Rick :

Keeping water out of the basement is primary

Rick :

You do that by regrading

Customer :

what do i need to do to ensure i don't have problems with window wells

Rick :

It depends on where they are located but generally you can keep the water out by using clear acrylic covers for the wells

Customer :

will the window wells still need to be set up with drains down or can the window wells just be an outside wall holding back the dirt

Customer :

the windows wells are on the east side of the basement and the only outside source of light in there

Customer :

*would BE

Rick :

They generally don't need any supplemental drainage. The bottom of the well should be 6" of crushed stone that terminates a couple inches below the window opening

Customer :

ok and who does that type of work - i don't even know who i should call to get these done

Rick :

A landscaper could/should be able to both grade and install the wells or you may need to call a carpenter to do the actual well install. Most plumbers will install sump pumps.

Rick :

A good handy man could also handle all of the above

Customer :

ok i have a landscaper that i contacted to do the grading i will check with him. thanks for your help i think i am good now

Rick :

You're welcome

Rick :

Thanks for using Just Answer

Expert TypeGeneral Contractor
Category: Home Improvement
Pos. Feedback: 99.5 %
Accepts: 2501
Answered: 6/25/2012

Experience: Licensed Construction Supervisor 35+ years experience

Ask this Expert a Question >
 
Tweet

3 Home Improvement Experts are Online Right Now

Ask Your Question Now
Home Improvement Questions Date Submitted
WR-711 3/19/2013
im trying to wire my intercom system, i have an bells 801 intercom. 3/10/2013
I am contemplating ther purchase of an air compressor for numerous 2/25/2013
This question pertains to a business - not home improvement 2/2/2013
I have a home improvement question. My home has a 8 ft X 36 1/30/2013
Due to several severe hardships, the house we are living in, 1/27/2013
Regarding a contract I am reviewing for some home improvement. 1/23/2013
Home Improvement Question - Leaking Roof - Non-traditional 1/22/2013
Bought a home recently, it has a Guess fireplace made by Temtex 1/14/2013
I am thinking of making a sofa (sectional) but I am unsure 1/13/2013
RSS
Next 10 >
Ask A Home Improvement Expert
Type Your Home Improvement Question Here...
characters left:

Top Home Improvement Experts

See More Home Improvement Experts

In The News

Nbc
Washington Post
New York Times
Cnn
Learn More

How It Works

  • Ask an Expert
  • Get a Professional Answer
  • Ask Followup Questions
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More
close
Find Expert answers related to your question.
Sign up using email
We will never post anything without your permission.
Already have an account? Sign in

Ask a Home Improvement Expert

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
188 Home Improvement Experts are Online Now
Type Your Home Improvement Question Here...
characters left:
Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Truste
Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | About Us | Our Network
© 2003-2013 JustAnswer LLC
  • Pearl.com
  • JustAnswer UK
  • JustAnswer Germany
  • JustAnswer Spanish
  • JustAnswer Japan