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March 9, 2008
Engineer to Assess Basement Water
I live in a small condo building and we are having major water issues in our basement. It happens when it rains so we're pretty sure it's structure/foundation but need an engineer who can really assess and map out a plan for resolution. Is there an expert who is particularly knowledgeable about this that may be able to help?
Comments
Had water gushing into my basement in heavy rain. Thought it was a structural thing but turns out was water backing in through a hidden drain. When it rained hard, the drain would back up from the street drain. Big mess.
After a bunch of plumbers and contractors didn't help. Called Sessa plumbing. Weren't cheap, but they figured it all out and resolved with a simple valve on the drain. For potentially large, complex plumbing-related gigs, that'd be my recommendation.
Good luck!
Posted by: Johnny at March 9, 2008 11:38 AM
I would definately check the roof drain connections as well as your neighbors. Also check rear yard for pitch away from foundation. Also ask neighbors if they got water yesterday... Things to look at first.
Posted by: guest at March 9, 2008 12:22 PM
Yeah don't leap to the conclusion it's something as huge as problems with the foundation.
We had water coming in during heavy rains and it turned out to be the pitch of the cement at the back of the house. Very easily fixed.
A building can be the most solidly built thing ever, and if water is pooling around the structure and not being directed away somewhere, it WILL come in. Water is very determined and water will find a way to get into anything if gravity is pulling it there.
Posted by: guest at March 9, 2008 6:27 PM
Thanks all. These are really good suggestions/thoughts. We actually think it's a combination of the things you describe. However, we know for a fact that water is coming in through the walls (literally, nearly RAINING inside the basement), but are really looking for someone who can tell us what the issues are and how we go about fixing them. So any engineer recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: robynj at March 10, 2008 11:21 AM
If you waterproof, do it from the OUTSIDE.
Don't do any of this internal French drain crap.
Posted by: guest at March 10, 2008 4:49 PM
Since you were asking for an engineer...
Mike Drerup, Exponent, 212-895-8105
Doug Stivie, WJE, 212-760-2540
Both are large national firms. You'll pay accordingly.
Denton
Posted by: denton at March 10, 2008 6:04 PM
If you are looking for an expert on foundation leaks and foundation waterproofing try Bob Radske at Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineering www.mrce.com
Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 2:41 PM
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