Sub Floor Basement Systems

One of the most effective basement waterproofing systems available today is what is known as the sub floor basement system. In this type of system, the water is diverted underneath the basement floor through pipes that lead to a sump pump. The best systems will include a sealedsump crock, which has a lid that seals tightly to reduce the chance of radon gas entering the home. The piping system is designed to encircle the entire perimeter of the basement and terminates in the sump pump crock, which is basically a container mounted in the floor.

One of the main components of a sub floor basement waterproofing system is the piping that will be installed under the floor. This will typically involve some cutting of a channel in the floor to allow the piping to be installed, and then this channel is patched back in with concrete. The piping is perforated with holes to allow water from the ground to flow into it, and ideally it will be pitched slightly to ensure that the water flows toward the sump crock. There are many styles of piping on the market from simple plastic drain tile to more elaborate channeling specifically designed for basement drainage systems.

A second very important component is the sump pit, or sump crock. The best designs will have a sealed lid that is affixed in place with bolts, and which has rubber grommets for the discharge piping and electrical cords to run through. These are designed primarily to reduce the escape of radon gas within the home, but it also has the advantage of keeping odors from within the damp sump from escaping.

Once those two major components are installed, it is time to install a pump. The pump should be strong enough to discharge the water at least 15 to 20 feet away from the home, but this distance may need to be greater depending on your landscape. The best pumps are of the submersible type, especially for use with a sealed sump crock. These pumps are equipped with an automatic float switch that turns the pump on when the water reaches a specific level, and then shuts the pump off when the crock has emptied. The pump should be installed with a check valve to prevent water from falling back down the pipe into the crock once the pump stops.

The final touches on a reliable sub floor basement waterproofing system will include a battery backup that continue to pump water in the event of a power outage, and a high water alarm. The high water alarm is a simple sensor that is placed at or just below the level of the floor, and is designed to sound an alarm when the water reaches a dangerous level to alert you that the pump has failed.

A good sub floor basement waterproofing system will provide reliable service for a very long time. While electric pumps do wear down as time passes, these systems are designed so the pumps can be replaced when necessary. The basic (and most expensive) components of the system are the piping and the sump crock. These components should remain in place and functional for the life of the home.