For more difficult basement leakage issues, there are other water control measures that can be undertaken. These measures can be intrusive and very expensive. They should be considered only if all other options have been exhausted. Check out our Industry Links page for contacts in this area. This is the area of loose soil around the perimeter of any building with a basement.
Loose fill is more susceptible to water intrusion than undisturbed soil.
It is very important to maintain slope away from the foundations, through- out this excavated area. One should also ensure that gutter downspouts are long enough that they don't discharge into this area. The soil in the excavation ring can become saturated very quickly, exerting great horizontal charges on the walls, as well as forcing water into the block. Most of the water should be captured by the exterior drain tile and funneled away from the house. What water remains should be captured by the interior drain tile system which empties into a sump basket.