Basement Waterproofing Done Right: Lessons from a Recent Project

Groundwater is a common issue for homes in the Seattle area, especially in older houses with crawl spaces or basements below ground level.

Left unchecked, moisture can lead to costly damage and unhealthy conditions. This recent project shows how a simple, well-designed drainage system can protect a home for the long term.

Problem: Typical Seattle-area Groundwater Challenge

A local homeowner had problems with water collecting in their basement.

The area beneath the house was lower than the ground outside. This made the space vulnerable to groundwater collecting under the house. Over time, this water created puddles and made the crawl space damp. This moisture risked mold growth, wood rot, and possible damage to the home’s foundation.

This problem could not be fixed by sealing the space alone. The water needed a reliable way to leave the area.

Why This Problem Occurs

Groundwater is water that naturally moves through soil below the surface.

After heavy rain or snowmelt, the soil becomes saturated, and the water table—the level below which the ground is fully wet—can rise. In homes with basements or crawl spaces lower than the outside ground, water pressure pushes moisture into the space.

Without drainage, this water has nowhere to go and collects under the home.

Solution: Best Practices in French Drain and Sump Pump Setup

The team installed a complete drainage system to safely collect and remove the groundwater before it could build up in the crawl space. This solution included a French drain system along the inside perimeter and a Liberty sump pump with a discharge line leading outside.

How This System Works

• Perimeter French Drain System: A trench was dug around the crawl space walls. A perforated pipe was placed at the bottom, covered in river rock. As groundwater moves toward the house, the pipe collects it and carries it to a sump pit.
• Sump Pump System: A Liberty sump pump was installed in the pit. When water in the pit reaches a certain level, the pump automatically turns on and pushes the water through a discharge pipe.
• Discharge System: The pumped water is carried through a solid pipe to a safe location outside the home, far enough from the foundation to prevent water from seeping back in.

This system works automatically, needing little attention from the homeowner aside from basic seasonal checks of the pump.

Result: Long-Term Protection with Minimal Maintenance

The drainage system was installed and is operating as intended.

Water no longer collects in the crawl space, and the area remains dry even after rain. The system is designed to protect the home from moisture-related problems for years to come.

Why We Chose this System

• Suited to the groundwater conditions of the Seattle area.
• Simple, proven design that requires low maintenance.
• Protects the home’s structure and air quality.
• Uses quality, reliable components such as the Liberty sump pump.

Why This System Is Effective and Efficient

• Designed to effectively manage and eliminate the groundwater issue within the customer's basement and crawl space.
• Air quality improves and there won't be any standing water or damp smells anymore.
• Reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and wood damage.
• The foundation stays protected against water pressure and erosion.
• The system runs automatically and requires little homeowner effort, except for occasional sump pump checks.

Conclusion

Groundwater problems are common in the Seattle area, but they can be solved with the right system. This project shows how a clear plan and proper installation keep homes dry, safe, and protected from water damage.