I'm a first-time homeowner in Ohio, and I'm feeling overwhelmed trying to manage the water issues around my nearly 100-year-old house. My basement is wet, and I need to find a solution to properly direct water away from my home. The footer drain on one side is clogged, and I've tried routing it out, but it hasn't resolved the problem. I've heard suggestions like burying a pipe with a pop-up valve, but I don't know if that's the right direction. I've had three different "drainage and waterproofing" companies come by, but their solutions mainly focus on selling me a sump pump, which doesn't address the larger issue of water management on my property. I suspect I'll need significant repairs to my retaining wall and steps as well. Am I calling the right type of companies, or is there someone else I should seek out?
2 Answers
It sounds like you might be looking for a landscaping or grading contractor rather than just a plumber. They can handle the exterior drainage and proper grading of your property. A good contractor should be able to figure out the best way to redirect the water away from your house, especially since you're dealing with a lot of concrete and retaining walls.
That makes sense! I need to find someone who can really assess the land and the water flow.
I agree with looking for a grading contractor. If you budget around $50k, you might be able to cover dirt work, foundation repairs, and maybe some structural changes. Remember, fixing the outside is crucial to prevent any more damage inside your basement or to your walls.
That’s a solid point! Better to invest in proper drainage now rather than dealing with bigger issues later.
Thanks for the insight! I just want to make sure I’m not overspending on the wrong fixes.
Yeah, I had similar issues and a landscaper ended up being the right call for me. They really helped fix the drainage problem outside!