Perimeter Drainage Waterproofing in Maidens, VA
Challenge
Basements commonly serve as storage areas. However, when water seeps through the foundation, items stored there risk damage. A homeowner in Maidens, VA, faced such leaky basement challenges. Rainwater infiltrated the basement from various points, sometimes accumulating up to an inch on the floor. Tired of the constant stress and cleanup, he contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions for help.
A System Designer from Fortress visited the home for a complimentary inspection. After assessing the situation, he offered a quote for the following recommendations:
- 56 feet of WaterGuard perimeter drainage installed at the foundation base to intercept water
- 11 feet of TrenchDrain surface drainage to reroute water past the oil tank, water heater, and stairs
- 21 feet of feed lines creating direct paths from areas of high-water influx to the sump pump
- One TripleSafe sump pump system equipped with a battery backup pump
- Two IceGuards installed to protect the discharge line from freezing in low temperatures
- 10 feet of external drainage line to ensure water is expelled from the vicinity of the home
Solution
On the scheduled installation day, Ryan Champagne and his team arrived at the residence. Ryan conducted a walkthrough with the homeowners, discussing the objectives to ensure their home's safety. The crew initiated the basement work by installing WaterGuard perimeter drainage. The team started by removing an eight-inch-wide strip of concrete along the edge of the entire foundation floor. They exercised additional caution due to the presence of existing oil lines beneath the area being worked on. Measures were implemented to control the dust from the jackhammering, ensuring cleanliness and safety throughout the process. Once the perimeter was cleared of debris, space was made for the WaterGuard installation, which spanned 56 feet around the basement. The system was set in crushed stone for optimal drainage.
Where WaterGuard wasn't feasible, 11 feet of TrenchDrain was utilized, connecting to WaterGuard and diverting water past the oil tank. A feed line was also installed in the foundation, ensuring water was properly channeled between opposing foundation walls.
The drainage flowed into the 24-inch TripleSafe basin, where the TripleSafe sump pump system was installed. This system consists of three pumps: a primary 1/3 horsepower AC pump for regular water removal, a secondary 1/2 horsepower pump that engages when the water level in the sump basin increases, often during intense rainfall or snowmelt, and a battery backup pump equipped with an alarm, powered by a 120-amp, sealed, maintenance-free battery. The TripleSafe also features a battery-operated WaterWatch alarm system that notifies homeowners when water is near the top of the sump basin.
To remove water from the home, installation of a discharge line was necessary. The TripleSafe system included 40 feet of discharge lines, enabling the sump pump to expel water from the basement to a designated area in the homeowner's backyard. Additionally, two IceGuards were affixed to the external discharge line. IceGuard is a free-flowing discharge mechanism designed for the exterior piping, which prevents freezing. It is crucial to ensure that the discharge lines remain unfrozen to avoid any backup that could lead to the flooding of the sump basin and subsequently, the basement. A bubbler pot was then attached to the end of the discharge system, ensuring a more even distribution of water and preventing puddling on the lawn. After the exterior discharge line is installed, the system is buried underground.
The installation team conducted a final walkthrough with the homeowners, showcasing their work and addressing any inquiries. The homeowners were delighted, knowing their basement would remain dry indefinitely and their possessions would be protected.
Project Summary
Crew Foreman:: Clarence Copeland 'Cope'
Products Installed:: Ultra 4 Sump Pump, WaterGuard, TrenchDrain, IceGuard