Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out why my WaterGuard drainage system stopped working after 20 years. I had a foundation expert come to check things out, and he suggested using an endoscope to diagnose the problem. Here's what I've done so far: I ran a garden hose into the channel, and it pumped out clean water without any debris, sprayed water down the walls, and manually tested the sump pump—everything seems to work. I even cleaned the sump pit and made sure outdoors was clear by filling dirt and fixing the downspout extender. Yet, I still see a trickle of water coming in somehow. I really don't understand how this is still happening. Can someone shed some light on what might be going on?
2 Answers
I’m curious, where exactly is this trickle of water coming in? Understanding the specific location can help narrow down the reason. Is it near the sump pump or more by the walls? If it’s above the WaterGuard track, then it could mean that it’s not catching all the water due to design flaws or buildup. A consistent trickle in the wrong spot could suggest drainage issues beneath the track that may need a closer look, especially if your space is older. Let us know the details!
So, it sounds like you've done a solid job troubleshooting! Keep in mind that WaterGuard systems, while effective, can still have issues after two decades. They mainly catch bulk water but might struggle with capillary action or lesser-known leaks like wall bleed-through or vapor migration. As your foundation has settled over time, certain areas might not be draining as they once did due to mineral build-up or microclogs in the gravel below. It's also possible that the soil around your house has changed, which could mean the percolation rate has gone down. A good next step is to consider thermal imaging or a dye test during a rain to see exactly where the water is seeping in. You might need to install additional barriers or even work on the drainage system itself depending on what you find out. Good luck!
Thanks for the insight! I might try the thermal imaging approach to pinpoint where the water is getting in.
Thanks for your detailed explanation! I’ll definitely look into the dye test; it sounds like a smart plan.
The water seems to be pooling under the return duct, which is tough to access. It's frustrating!