Seepage through cracks in floor

[AllanHale]

I have only had water in the basement on two occasions (fortunately).

The first was in October '96 when there was 7" of rain in 24 hours on top of already saturated ground that resulted in 4" of water low spots in the basement. I had gutters installed and have not had (thankfully) a problem like that since.

That is until this past October ('05) with all the rain. The basement floor has both open (about 1/8 to 1/4") cracks running diagonally (6 to 7') from the corners and a few hairline cracks. This latest rain resulted in seepage (the floor discolored 3 to 6" from the crack) around both.

While this is not a major problem or a crisis, I don?t want it to become one.

Is there something I can do myself?

[stevea]

You basement floor is cracking because water comes under the slab and causes the soil under the floor to expand or hydrostatic pressure is causing the slab to lift and crack. I would recommend at the least that you install a SuperSump- this will help relieve the water pressure under the floor. You are correct to be concerned because it will only get worse and could cause considerably damage to your floor. Hope this helps

[AllanHale]

I should have mentioned the house was constructed in 1987. The cracks in the basement floor, both major and minor have been there since the first year. And have not changed appreciably in that time. Does that change your proposed solution? And if not, where and how would I install such a sump? Opening the floor to add a sump seems a drastic step and could create more problems should the pump fail at critical time. Is there any other alternative?

[craig@pioneer]

You could install a Super Sump with an Ultra Sump Battery operated Back up system that has it's own battery operated sump for just those emergencies.

Allan, preparing for every possible scenario could make you both crazy, and poor. If the issue is so infrequent, that is only occurs once every 10 - 15 years, Steve's recommendation is correct. Our products are all of the highest quality and integrity. That includes our sump pumps themselves. We only use Commercial grade pumps, made of cast iron and designed to run under the worst of conditions.

As with any mechanical product, it should be periodically run and maintained to insure smooth and trouble free performance.

craig@pioneerbasement

[AllanHale]

Thank you for your advice. I'll give it some thought. Is this a project that someone with reasonible handiman skills can take on? I've already got a sump for my washing machine.

[eric swansburg]

Mr. Hale -

I was reading your thread and had to laugh. The first time my house ever had water was Oct. 96. A week before I was to be married and had just moved into the house. Boxes were afloat in my basement and we lost some valuables as a result. Some time thereafter I had water again and called Pioneer to install pump and drain system that COMPLETELY solved my water problem.

I had an addition put on a few years ago and experienced leaking in the foundtaion. In Oct. of 05 I gave up trying to fix the leaks and had Pioneer come in and do another pump and drain. great result again!

When I saw your dates those were the same dates where I experienced major problems that have stuck in my memory.

If a little water every 10 years or so does not bother you I probably would not worry about this. Hydraulic cement is good for plugging cracks in floor.
If you planning on finishing this area your not going to want water in your new finished basement. My recommendation if this is the case would be to take no chances, make the investment and hire Pioneer to solve any future water problems in your basement.

Eric S
Mansfield Ma.