I've had two different companies check my foundation, and they've both found water under my slab as well as pooling water at the bottom of my foundation. I'm dealing with a 140 sqft area, and their solution is to install French drains with a pump, which will cost around $13,000. I'm looking for suggestions on how to manage the water issue or to reduce costs. Additionally, I've noticed a growing crack in my basement wall and various cracks in the basement floor, with water seeping up through them. Since my house was built in 1979, I realize something needs to be addressed. Any thoughts?
2 Answers
Instead of draining from the inside, why not address the exterior first? It’s usually better to prevent water from entering your home rather than handling it after it’s already inside. Look into improving your yard drainage, gutters, or even just placing soil away from your foundation. It's the smarter long-term solution!
It sounds like your foundation issues might be over-hyped by the contractors. Water tends to find its way through the path of least resistance, so it’s key to figure out where it’s coming from. Have you checked your gutters and the grading around your home? A structural engineer could provide a more unbiased opinion rather than relying solely on what the contractors say. Just remember, foundation repair companies often have a vested interest in upselling, so do your homework.
If I fix the exterior, does that mean the water under the slab will eventually go away?