Is your home built near a wetland area? Many homeowners love it because of the natural beauty that surrounds them, but many of the same owners suffer water in the basement issues. Are you one of them? Comment below and subscribe.
Had a company quote out 72' of drainage, and after watching your videos I realized it was the same "waterguard" system you guys always end up removing. Their quote came in just under 9k for the job. I priced out doing this project myself, and it will cost me around $2500 in materials. That includes buying a jackammer, cement mixer, cement, sump pump kit, plastic waffle board, drain tile, gravel etc... I can't thank you guys enough for the making these extremely informative videos!
Man these guys do it right. I am a rodbuster in the trades. Its hard work. Watching these guys carry buckets of gravel and concrete in and out. People underestimate the weight of a bucket of concrete. Work quality is A+++ in here. I am sure they aren't the cheapest, but you know they do it the right way.
Of all the homes you've done I think this is the one that I would REALLY like to see a follow up on in perhaps a year or so. With the amount of hydrodynamic/static forces this house receives, I think the results would be very interesting to have documented
Hey always looking forward to your water proofing videos. As a homeowner and being involved in all phases of construction it’s always nice to see a company that knows what they’re doing. Better yet a very experienced contractor owner like you. You also have a great team of experienced people working alongside you and the clients. I have only seen 2 contractors that I have confidence in doing this type of work. You are one. No other companies or contractors in my area never come close to your work and knowledge. Excellent video
Had you guys install your system in my house in Mahopac Ny. Couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. System works as described I’m finally able to use my basement without concern. The rep Scott that came out for my initial quote very helpful and informative. The team who performed the work were stellar! Highly recommend this company. I’m so glad I found these videos before making the wrong decision.
The basement spans underneath a good portion of the house. It is prime real estate and worth converting into a usable part of the home. We have dealt with far more difficult basement situations, and some we flatly refuse to do because no system would ever work. This is a great home with a gas generator. They are good as gold.
Spent half of last night binge watching your videos, taking notes, and drawing diagrams. Woke up this morning and watched even more of your videos, and even though they didn't pertain to my situation, I read thru comments and found answers to questions I had. I had to chuckle on this video when you suggested to get 3-4 other estimates. Well I've already had 3 of the 5 companies in this area. None of which do a system even close to as thorough as yours, which leaves me "literally" under water. If you haven't considered training to have affiliations outside your area/State, I'm certain it would be a good move for you!
For some reason out of all the youtube channels I subscribe too, this is my favorite lol. Every time a new video hits is a happy time. I wish you guys made more videos.
I wish you were in Ohio. I have learned so much from your videos. I have water coming in and before we proceed I will know what to look for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
If you haven't done the work yet you can look into Dwyer foundation and waterproofing and see if they service your area. I worked with them for a couple years and we used this same style system.
Love your videos. When is it time to consider raising the basement floor? I have a house with a seasonal water table where my pumps run constantly without ever stopping for about 5 months straight. I don't know if my system can be improved any further. Have you ever run into a situation like that?
Hello team, Great waterproofing system you are fixing. One question arises while seeing video.... Is the black coloured corrugated pipe has holes throughout its length to enter the water into the pipe? or how the water will enter into the pipe?
Thanks for your videos. I've watched a bunch of them to better understand this topic. I had water in my basement even through I have French drains circa 1975 around the outside foundation. The water from outside French drain connects to sump pump and then goes out again. I don't understand why no water seems to have entered my sump pump during the flood event. Trying to figure out if it is better to inspect French drains and fix them, or simply have you install the new system inside basement. What do you think?
your videos are fantastic. I have learned a ton about waterproofing. Thank you. One question: Do you find any long term issues with the un-reinforced concrete patch 3.5" deep by 12" wide? Does it crack or separate at the cold joint? Could you put some reinforcement wire mat in there?
We don't use reinforcement wire. It is totally unnecessary with our Supercrete mixture. Supercrete will not crack at the cold joint because it mends to the adjoining old concrete floor.
That's some serious surface water and a beautiful installation. Do you ever recommend additional exterior mitigation techniques so that they aren't as dependent as much on letting water into the basement to remove it? If surface water is allowed to enter in through the window it seems like they should be trying to handle that by improving the grade or even doing an exterior sump pump if they are aren't able to use grade to address it.
They live in a tightly dense neighborhood built on wetlands (when it was legal) near a river with a high natural water table. Yet, an excellent location that is beautiful, tranquil, and has plenty of wildlife. They tried everything to no avail until we were hired to install our system.
Love your videos and gained a lot of knowledge from them to know what I want done. If you were in my state, you would be the company I would be choosing. I have yet to see a video of your company digging along the outside walls of the foundation to install drainage. Is there ever a time that is needed? Thank you.
Yes. Outside drainage maybe necessary when downhill from a natural water source. We find even after installing outside drainage, interior drainage is necessary because of hydrostatic pressure collecting beneath the house, not around it.
Your videos are outstanding. I noticed you haven't done any in a long while. Hopefully, you do some more. My question is, would it be (in your opinion) OK for the homeowner or customer to do some of the heavy lifting by digging the trench? Based on watching your videos and doing just a general trench, it looks like it could be done if the customer felt comfortable with using equipment. Why I ask, is this could save the home owner $1000's in labor cost that would be part of the initial job estimate by contractor. Just looking for what you thought? Thanks
We take the project only if we work on it from beginning to end. If you want to save, try to do the entire project yourself, but I would advise you to get some experience before digging near the footer and creating a pitch for drainage pipes. It not as easy as it looks.
I am amazed that any system can stay ahead of that much flooding. Fantastic work! I have a question regarding the old clay pipe drainage found under some concrete floors. Is there any way to trace the path of these under floor clay pipes? Camera or sound ping or something along those lines? I love your videos!
You can use a lipstick camera to look inside old clay pipes. If you reach a clog, you reach a dead end. Sound pinging does exist, but requires very expensive equipment and $$$. Clay pipe installations are usually installed around perimeter either inside or outside the basement. They do have clean-out ports in corners. Sometimes you come upon an unusual configuration, but it is rare.
Hi there. Really enjoy the content you are making here. I live in Michigan, and my wife and I just moved into our newly built home in November of 2022. The area we live in has a high water table. We have a sump pump and it is going off constantly...close to every minute and a half due to the amount of water coming into the home. We also have 2 cracks in the poured concrete walls that have been patched similarly to one of the videos you posted back in August of 2019. What would be the recommended fix to "water proof" our new home? Is a French drain system a good option? We have had plumbers come out and express our need for a second sump pump as well. Technically our builder should be supporting this but he isn't and even though there is a warranty in place, I don't want low quality work done in my home anyway. Thanks for the time.
When the natural baseline water table underground is usually high, your false water table (the area around your house) will fill faster during storms. Your plumber is right about suggesting a doubling up on the sump pumps. French drains are the way to go, and if installed correctly (proper pitch to sump basin), they will outdo exterior foundation drainage, which can be insanely expensive and disruptive during installation. Good luck with solving your problem.
The 2 x 4s or studs are attached to the block wall using shims, and they are also connected to the sill plate on the very top. The studs we completely removed will be replaced. FYI, for new construction, code now requires 2 x 6s in walls to meet requirements for R19 or R21 insulation.
I called your company, but you dont come this far up. Im up in Rhode Island. I just had a quote done to waterproof my basement and they use that Waterguard system. The sales guy told me you dont need pitch to drain the water to the sump hole. It didnt make too much sense. Their estimate just north of $21K. After watching your videos, it just seems to be common sense to dig deeper and use the corrugated drain pipe and have pitch. I am getting a few more estimates and will ask if they will dig deeper and use the corrugated pipe. Our foundation is poured concrete and not block. Any recommendations that I should use in picking the right company? Thanks.
Hey, I’ve been watching a fair bit of your content and have really loved it! I’ve been curious though if there are ever issues with tree root encroachment in your systems, or if there are methods to avoid that if it’s a concern? One side of my basement floor is only a few feet below ground level (and way too close to wetlands) so in my sump pump basin I periodically find roots growing. I’m considering a more extensive installation of a drainage system, either solo or through a contractor, and I’m wondering if I should be looking for some form of permeable cloth outside the crushed stone of the French drains and basins. Seems like it could discourage root growth and sand washing out and undermining the foundation (old stone wall that terminates basically at the floor, no footer) but I’d also worry that it will just clog over time and cause more hassle than it’s worth. Any thoughts on what I should be looking for in a plan/quote? Thanks, and keep up the good work!
The roots will naturally air prune as long as you have a large enough cavity with clean crushed stone. When any fines make their way into the stone is when the roots will work their way in
Quick Q: Why do you need the waterproofing slurry on the bottom part of the wall? Isn't there a risk that water will be absorbed by the part of the wall on top of the slurried part instead of it going down to the joint area towards the pipe? I feel like either doing the whole wall or none of it would make more sense but looking forward to your reply!
We are only concerned with the bottom 24-in. This is where water can sit the longest outside the foundation. It is expensive to Slurry the entire wall, and after 25 years, we have found it to be most effective on the bottom 24-in. In most cases, our system eliminated water quickly enough to dramatically reduce complete wall absorption of water, thus decreasing humidity in the basement. A full-perimeter system is guaranteed insurance that water will not find another way into your basement.
I just got my basement waterproofed, and they dont seem to care. The water doesn't get to the pump, and it looks like my back wall is cracking now! I can't afford to do it again, but if they did it wrong, what then?
I had hydrostatic pressure coming up floor when i first bought my house . I gutted basment . Installed a " sump pit" . Saw cut a square, dropped a basin with pump in it, drilled holes in basin so water will come into pit before it comes up slab. I did not install any drainage around the perimeter leading to this pump . Its been 7 years now and have no water . I bow want to rebuild basment . Pump runs alot after winter . Under slab is all clean sand . Before i rebuild basment i want to add one more pump. Do you think i can get away with 1 more pump without doing the perimeter or bite the bullit and jack hammer around the perimeter ?Also should i put 2nd pump near the curreft pump or on other side of basment ?
I live in the UK and have a crawl space that I am digging out to make a basement. I’d really like to fit this drainage system but worry about how far to dig down. Will digging a trench down to the side of the foundation base for the drainage pipe cause any structural issues until fitted? Because the floor is not concreted i cannot leave engineering tabs. Thanks, Craig
I want hire you guys, but I don’t how this can be done when my basement is 80% completed with a bathroom and drywall everywhere, I guess all drywalls will need to be torn down?
Possibly, not all the dry wall need to be removed. Only the bottom 24 inches in most cases and possibly only two walls. We don't know until inspection.
Had one of these box systems "water guard" installed a decade ago in my basement perimeter on top of the footing( now realize that was a mistake but im kind of stuck with it now ) . It worked so/so for a few years but soon realized there was no way to flush the system so I had to have a company come back and install ports in order to clean them. My question is for this corrugated pipe is there any way to access the pipe for a jetter flush? I have high iron in the water here so I come across that sludge quite often and the box system I have I can atleast flush it when I need too. Thanks,
I'm curious if you ever enter into litigation against these fly by night companies that rip these people off. Clearly you're experts in the field of basement drainage and your testimony would offer the customer a chance to recover some of not all of the costs.
You read my mind. I would love too. We plan on trying to cover this same house after a tropical depression passes through the area. It might end up being another house, if it is too difficult to reach the home.
@@AmericanDryBasementSystemsyes that would be cool to take thebcover off the sump basin and see all that water flowing! Great company. Ty for the videos. It is very interesting and fun to watch.
I used to work for a basement systems location in South NJ. We were the best after I laid off 2 years. What can I say is it really comes down to seller and crew install. We always had screaming matches with them. We had not walk away mentality that was the only time we had call back. I know there's a few locations where you there B.S and their lcompetition. Just like he said just compare prices.
Looking for the same ! After the storm last night our basement is flooded and our sump pump is at the front of the house but our basement door is at the back and water just comes in like we invited it inside . These terracotta pipes have complex crumbled beneath the house and the water has nowhere to go
@@AmericanDryBasementSystems Im in jersey. I had a company install the watergaurd system 15 years ago like the one they ripped out. I had no issues since it has been installed and very dry. But I don't have the volume of water like on this video. The company also gave a lifetime warranty and can transfer to the next owner too. Why didn't the previous company not stand by there work or refund there money?
Did you have a lot of water issues before the watergaurd was installed? I'm in southern Maine have the same watergaurd and got a lot of water after the snow melting this year some coming up through the floor got 2 sumps already installed one pushes out water the other barely gets a drop
@@MaDGriZz78 I high water table, so when it rains I get a good amount of water goes to the sump and it runs a lot. But its been handling it no problem. Only have one sump. How's your system worked so far?
