Water Intrusion in Monterey

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Issue

Persistent water intrusion under the house leading to potential structural damage and mold growth concerns.

Objective

The client sought a comprehensive moisture control solution to mitigate water intrusion under their house. The goal was to ensure a dry and stable foundation, prevent mold growth, and safeguard the structural integrity of the property.

Assessment

Upon initial inspection, it was evident that the water intrusion was caused by poor drainage around the foundation, leading to water accumulation in the crawl space. The standing water posed a risk to the foundation's stability and created an environment conducive to mold growth.

Solution

Proposed Solution

To address the water intrusion, Foundation Repair of CA recommended a multi-faceted moisture control system designed to efficiently capture and discharge water away from the crawl space.

Implementation

Excavation and Drainage System Installation:
Excavation: Trenches up to 8 inches deep were excavated within the crawl space to facilitate the installation of a drainage system.
Drainage Pipe: A black, 3-inch corrugated pipe with a sleeve was installed. This pipe, surrounded by 3/4-inch rock, was laid within the trenches to capture intruding water effectively.
Water Flow Management: The pipe system was strategically designed to direct the captured water towards the sump pump, ensuring a consistent and efficient water flow away from the foundation.

Sump Pump Installation:
SuperSump Pump System: The SuperSump pump system was installed, featuring a durable liner, a robust cast iron pump, and a CleanPump Stand to elevate the pump and prevent clogging.
Airtight Lid and Floor Drain: An airtight lid with an integrated airtight floor drain was installed to prevent moisture and odors from escaping while allowing water to enter the sump pump.
Backup Power and Monitoring: The system included a charger and battery backup to ensure continuous operation during power outages. Additionally, a WaterWatch alarm system was installed to monitor water levels and alert the homeowner in case of system failure.
Discharge Line: A 10-foot discharge line was installed to direct the water from the sump pump to a safe discharge location away from the foundation.

Results

Effective Water Management: The newly installed system effectively captured and redirected water, eliminating the water intrusion problem.

Enhanced Foundation Stability: By preventing water accumulation, the solution contributed to the long-term stability of the house's foundation.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Reducing moisture levels under the house helped prevent mold growth, enhancing the overall indoor air quality.

Peace of Mind: The integrated monitoring and backup systems provided the homeowner with confidence in the reliability of the moisture control solution.

Conclusion

The comprehensive moisture control system installed by Foundation Repair of CA successfully addressed the homeowner's water intrusion issues. Through meticulous excavation, advanced drainage solutions, and reliable sump pump installation, the foundation's integrity was preserved, and a dry, safe environment was maintained under the house. This project highlights the importance of a tailored approach in resolving foundation and moisture-related challenges in residential properties.