Sump pump installation

Where gravity drainage is impossible or impaired, a sump pump may be used to raise the water to a level where it can be carried out through a drain line.

Waterproofing compounds

Only in cases where mild and occasional seepage occur are applications of waterproofing paint or other interior compounds likely to provide any lasting degree of improvement in achieving a dry basement. They are applied to the interior walls.

Exterior injection

This type of treatment does not require excavation. Instead, sodium bentonite or another substance-sold under a variety of trade names-is injected into the space between the soil mass and the basement wall. It swells to many times its dry volume when it is first put into slurry form. The mud will tend to penetrate and plug cracks where water might also find a path to the basement interior, thus reducing the flow of water. The type of soil and the skill of the person directing or performing the injection operation has a strong bearing on the success of this method to correct basement wetness.

Excavation

Sometimes it is necessary to resort to the extreme measure of exposing the basement walls, treating them to make them watertight, and then regrading the soil.

Felt and fabric

This technique covers the walls with a prepared waterproofing felt or fabric cemented together with hot coal-tar pitch. If properly applied, the membrane is a very effective method of waterproofing. However, it is very expensive, and if subsequent leaks develop they may be difficult to locate and repair.

Parging

This work should be done only in dry, mild weather. It is the application of two coats of Portland cement mortar to the surface of the exterior walls. The newly cemented walls should be properly protected and cured. Freezing or rapid drying of the concrete by sun or wind can damage it and make it worthless. In very wet soils, the parged wall surfaces may be given two coats of hot coal-tar pitch.

Draintile

This method is especially suitable on the upper side of a house located on a hillside. Draintile installed around the footings, at least on the sides where trouble is occurring. This footing drain and belt of gravel should drain off all water seepage and prevent the accumulation of water around the walls.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com