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Author:
PrintsTees (OH)
Purchasing a 35 year old split level home with a half finished basement, the sump well is dry, dusty and full of cobwebs. There appears to be both ends of an interior perimeter drain emptying into it (4" black pipe) several inches below the floor, with no water coming out of either side for a long time. The walls of the crawlspace are damp when it rains and are stained from past moisture indicating there may be a drainage issue.The basement floor is about 3-4 feet below ground level.
One foundation specialist said if the perimeter drain is not draining into the sump well then the drain is broken and needs dug out and replaced. $$$$.
Another contractor said that any plumber should be able to try snaking out the drain.
A plumber specializing in drains said he does not do this type of work because his experience is that dry foundation perimeter drains almost always need replaced which is outside of his scope.
A waterproofing specialist has advised that we encapsulate the crawlspace and leave it at that.
I am looking to you all to give me unbiased advice, so far what I am getting seems to be skewed by salesmanship. What else can I do to better diagnose this myself?
Thanks!
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Author:
hj
The way perimeter drains are installed usually make them impossible to snake, but more likely is that the ground around the drain has compacted to the point that water cannot seep through it to get into the drain lines. IF the drain pipe was installed properly, i.e., embedded in gravel, the water would NOT need the pipes because it would flow around it until it decided to reenter the pipe through the perforations in the pipe.
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Author:
Wheelchair
Purchasing a used that is 35 years old has its visible risks and those concealled. As mentioned, the perimeter trench hose, collects moisture that seeps into the soil and deposits it into the sump well. You didn'mention how long the house sat idle and this could be important. Its possible you have a very low water table this summer, hence the dry sump pit. The other is the perimeter trench hose is defective and not collecting the run off waters. If this is the case, then replacement is the only option. Can you talk with the previous owner for information? If not, the risks are all yours.
Best Wishes
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