Signs worth investigating
- Water repeatedly appears along the wall–floor joint
- Hydrostatic pressure affects multiple basement walls
- Surface drainage has been corrected but seepage continues
- A finished basement requires a planned, serviceable drainage route
What a careful evaluation should cover
- Confirm that perimeter groundwater is the likely source.
- Map the channel, basin, utilities, structural footings, and discharge route.
- Specify clean stone, drainage pipe, wall interface, and concrete restoration.
- Require access points and a maintenance plan.
Before approving work
Questions to ask the contractor
- Why is an interior drain preferable to exterior work here?
- Will the installation disturb the footing?
- Can the system be flushed or inspected later?
- What finishes must be removed and restored?