Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 6/26/2009

Question
I have a walk out basement; I also live on a hill up hill from a river (my neighbor's yard slants into mine); my neighbor does not have eavestroughing and their roof slopes towards my house. I have water seep through my concrete basement floor. It does not create standing water, just moisture in the concrete. I had a plumber tell me he was going to put a sump crock in and that would fix the problem of the water seeping up through the concrete. Now, I'm not an expert, but wouldn't I need to have a trench around the inside of my walls to collect that water coming in? Or would I not because it's coming through in the middle of the room. And if he simply puts a sump crock in, does he need to put a sump pump in as well?

I have dug a trench (outside) about 3 feet from my wall approximately 8 inches deep and put a liner and peastone in it to try to catch the run off from my neighbor's house. I also have my downspouts drain into the trench, which takes the water past my house a few feet into the much lower backyard. This has taken care of most of the moisture that use to come in through that wall.

Answer
Katrina,

  Excuse me, but that sounds like a "crock". Sorry, I couldn't resist. Actually I don't even know what a sump crock is, I live in a very dry climate so we don't do much pumping of water around here except for water wells.

  I think your idea is great! I'm impressed that you did this yourself. What you did should accomplish the same thing, diverting water from your foundation, without the cost and maintainance of a pump system.

  I'll bet you live close to Canada. A Canadian friend once told me about his eavestroughs and I drew a complete blank. It IS a much more pleasant word than "gutter".

  The only problem you may have with this is over time soil and debris may get into your trench and prevent the runoff water from entering it. Not sure how to solve that, but you seem to be very resourceful so I'll bet you will think of something. Just thought I'd mention that. Good luck!!  Sharon