Tracing Source of Basement Leak

Which trade specialty is best qualified to determine the source of a basement leak? I’ve had opinions from a building inspector, a basement waterproofer and a mason. I hired the mason and he’s been back and forth for almost a year, filling cracks, applying various patches, etc. With each heavy rain, the problem recurs. The basement is part of a newly built extension which extends beyond the neighbors’ homes on either side, and spans the full height of the building. The above-ground part of the extension is clad in siding. The mason is well regarded on this forum, and to his credit has not walked away. His working theory has been that the problem is not at the foundation level, but I’m no longer confident that’s the case.

eperry60

in General Discussion 7 years and 4 months ago

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eman134 | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Is your yard sloped away from the house ? Did the architect specify a french drain installed alongside the foundation? Also are there any uncapped chimney vents that are not in use on either side of your house?

eperry60 | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks EJR. Yes, the downspout connects to the sewer line.

EJR | 7 years and 4 months ago

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does your downspout connect to your sewer line? my basement floods after heavy rains because the main street sewer line can’t handle the quantity of water and back up. I think there was a discussion here about installing some sort of check valve; and the other option is a sump pump.