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crawlspace - best way to waterproof

12:34PM | 03/13/01

Member Since: 03/12/01
40 lifetime posts

crawlspace - best way to waterproof

We have a crawlspace that has water in it.
We are getting estimate from system that uses pvc pipe, wrapped in geotextile fabric, and placed in gravel along interior of crawlspace. Another system we are getting estimates on uses a Helitech system which consists of a hydraway2000 drain with geotextile system. The second system is suppose to be superior to the first system and not clog. Has anyone had problems with either system?

Both systems will run to a dry well. Eventually our street is suppose to get a storm sewer. Would we be better off to route the discharge line out front, let it discharge to the surface and hook into the storm sewer when it's installed, or just run to a dry well. What problems have you had with dry wells.

I appreciate your assistance. We have looked at several systems, each has their own adv/disadv and are $$.

I appreciate any suggestions/comments you may have.

Thanks in advance.

david_wv

09:50AM | 03/14/01

Member Since: 01/28/01
171 lifetime posts

Do you know the source of the water?
If the water is runoff, have you done all you can on the exterior? The steps include adding a mildly compacted berm (soil not mulch or compost) against the foundation to force water away. Extending downspouts to drain further from house. Adding ditches or other drains to reroute surface flow.

If the water is ground water, the dry well won't work. A dry well stores water until it can soak into the soil below. Clay or other dense soils won't dry the dry well. High water tables limit the flow out of the well and may actually flow up the dry well and into the crawlspace.

david_wv

02:00AM | 03/15/01

Member Since: 01/28/01
171 lifetime posts

On connecting to the storm sewer. Some localities, to reduce potential flooding, forbid the connection of down spouts and sump pumps, etc. to storm sewers. This water must be discharged to the yard to soak into the ground.

tammys

02:46PM | 03/15/01

Member Since: 03/12/01
40 lifetime posts

The soil is clay. There is one side of the house next to concrete driveway, that does not slope flow away that is always wet. We need to add some downspouts to the gutters to keep from overflowing. Downspouts are extended 3-4ft away from house.
Soil/rock landscaping around house - sloped away from house.

Interesting point about dry well. I'm very worried about that. as far as running discharge pipe into yard.. does it just lay on surface (it'd be ok until we could tie into storm sewer, but i wouldn't want it there all the time)? or do you bury most of it and have the end open to discharge?

thanks for your response and any other tips you may have.

david_wv

01:54AM | 03/16/01

Member Since: 01/28/01
171 lifetime posts

With clay, your dry well probably won't drain. Unfortunately you will have to have a sump pump as the alternative. You can discharge through a buried pipe with opening further from the house. Just make sure to discharge into a gravel pad or something to absorb the energy of the discharge. You don't want to erode a hole in your yard.

It sounds like you might put an effort into sealing around the wall near the driveway. If that doesn't work then spend the time and effort on the drain system.

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