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jan preston asked:

Sep 17, 2014
How do I waterproof my basement without getting a sump pump. Water comes in during strong rain at one side of the wall where there is brick chimney outdoors,
Inside is brick as well with cement floor inside.
Feb 4, 2016

Each home is different, so it is suggested that you have it all inspected before making a decision as to what to do about it.

My best friend just had a similar issue, snow melt caused his to flood, it was not the cheapest fix, but a proper french drain dug around that section of the house was the soltion for him. 

Sep 29, 2014

Having spent the last 24 years inspecting and waterproofing basements both responses so far are pretty good. The one thing I would add is you need to determine where the water is penetrating. If the water is entering your wall at or above the grade, then the second response from Lima Contracting may work. The only problem I foresee with that option is if it does not work then you will need to remove everything you just spent time and money doing. If the water is entering below grade, then you have to dig the wall out, including the chimney, and seal it properly. The waterproofing membrane that was originally applied to the wall has worn off and is no longer stopping the water from entering your foundation. This should be done prior to the winter freeze if at all possible. If you determine the water is above grade, I would strongly suggest excavating and sealing the wall prior to following Lima's advice. Chances are the below grade waterproofing has deteriorated and if you replace the concrete sidewalk without sealing the wall, you might have to tear it out in a year or two anyway. Lastly if the water is actually coming in through your floor or the joint between your wall and floor, you most likely cannot solve your problem without installing an interior sump pump. Hope the response was helpful. Bill

Sep 18, 2014

There is no short, easy, or inexpensive answer here.  In order to get a better handle on the situation and make appropriate suggestions, I would need to see more pictures. 

There is not much right with that set-up as it stands not though. 

Grading is bad to start with and grading and gutter routing are the two most frequent issues that I see when folks have basement water infiltration issues. 

The amount of mildew growth on the side indicates that this wall stays consistently wet. 

Post up some more pictures and I will give you some more pointed feedback and recommendations. 

Neil Lima of Lima Contracting PRO answered:

Sep 22, 2014

With this scenario.  The least expensive start is to on make sure all gutters are free from debris and working properly.  2.  Remove sidewalk and re-install new concrete all the way up to the house and brick pitched away from the house.  After concrete is cured in a week have a contractor come back and put masonary caulk between house/brick and concrete walway.

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