Basement and crawl space water damage is a serious concern for homeowners. Whether it’s caused by cracks in the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, or a rising water table, the result is the same: costly damage, structural issues, and health hazards like mold and mildew.
At United Waterproofing, our proven process ensures your basement stays dry and healthy, providing peace of mind for years to come. Backed by our confidence in the quality of our work, our 8-Step United Leak Proof Guarantee—the best in the business—offers unparalleled assurance that your basement will remain dry long after the job is done.
Understanding Hydrostatic Pressure and Water Damage
What is Hydrostatic Pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water builds up around and beneath a foundation, seeking the path of least resistance. This often leads to water seeping through basement walls or floors. The pressure is caused by the surrounding soil’s inability to drain properly, especially in areas where backfilled dirt isn’t compacted as tightly as undisturbed earth.
Signs of Water Damage:
- Standing water or puddles on the basement floor.
- Efflorescence stains (white, chalky deposits) on walls or floors.
- Mold and mildew growth, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health issues.
- Cracks in walls and floors, compromising structural integrity.
- Rusty support columns and rotting materials in crawl spaces.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant damage and higher repair costs.
The United Signature Waterproofing System
Our waterproofing system is designed to eliminate hydrostatic pressure, diverting water away from your home’s foundation. The process is minimally invasive, performed entirely from the interior, and is guaranteed to keep your basement dry. Here’s how we do it.
Step-by-Step Waterproofing Process
Step 1: Preparation for Dust Control
Before we begin, our team sets up plastic protection to keep your home clean and free of dust throughout the construction process.
Step 2: Breaking the Basement Floor
We remove an 18-inch-wide strip of concrete along the foundation walls. This allows access to the foundation footing and the surrounding material.
Step 3: Excavation
Next, we excavate down to the foundation footing, removing the gravel or compacted dirt that’s been collecting water.
Step 4: Debris Removal
All debris, including broken concrete and excavated material, is removed in manageable 5-gallon buckets to minimize disruption.
Step 5: Creating the Gravel Base
A layer of clean gravel is added to the trench, creating a slope to guide water toward the drainage system.
Step 6: Installing Perforated Piping
We lay a 4-inch perforated pipe along the perimeter of the foundation. This pipe collects water and channels it to the sump pit.
Step 7: Adding Additional Gravel
Another layer of clean gravel is placed over the piping, ensuring optimal water flow into the system.
Step 8: Installing the Sump Pit
An 18-inch-diameter, 2-foot-deep sump pit is installed to collect water. The pit is topped with a lid that sits flush with the concrete floor.
Step 9: Installing the Sump Pump
A sump pump is placed in the pit to automatically remove water from the home. Homeowners can choose from various upgrade options to meet specific needs.
Step 10: Adding the United Signature Drainage Board System
Drainage boards are installed along the trench and foundation walls. These boards direct water into the perforated pipes, preventing it from pooling or seeping through walls.
Step 11: Repairing the Concrete Floor
The trench is sealed with new concrete, using a bonding agent and vapor barrier to ensure a durable and watertight finish.
Step 12: Custom Discharge Piping
We tailor the sump pump’s discharge piping to suit your home’s unique layout and topography, ensuring water is expelled far from the foundation.
Step 13: Final Cleanup
Our team provides dumpster service to remove all debris, leaving your home as clean as it was before the project started.
Why Choose United Waterproofing?
At United Waterproofing, we don’t just promise results—we guarantee them. Our 8-Step United Leak Proof Guarantee ensures that every job is done with precision and care. Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- Industry-leading expertise and craftsmanship.
- High-quality materials designed for durability.
- A commitment to leaving your home clean and livable during and after the process.
- Peace of mind with our comprehensive guarantee.
FAQs About Basement & Crawl Space Waterproofing
How long does the waterproofing process take?
Most projects are completed in 2–3 days, depending on the size of the basement and the extent of water damage.
What kind of maintenance is required?
We recommend annual sump pump checks and ensuring the discharge system remains clear of debris.
Is the system covered under warranty?
Yes! Our United Leak Proof Guarantee backs every system we install, so you can trust that your investment is protected.