Anyone every heard of this product, smart drain? Does it look like it would work? http://www.smartdrain.com/how_it_works.asp
I'm thinking a traditional drain or a french drain. Others have suggested, I could have the sod cut and lifted then just make the swales that already exist a little more pronounced without having a to drain much or at all. Any suggestions appreciated.
Here's the best pic I have:
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/286/picture22am.png
Here's my plan. The latest "best advice" I have. Thankfully, the landscaper is really working with me, and is open to new ideas and other options.
If we did this tomorrow, here's what I would ask him to do/or recommend a better idea:
Dig a trench from the left rear of the house around under the deck on the outside of the steps. (or go all the way to the outside corner of the right rear of the house)
Under the deck install a large running drain, just short of the entire 14' (or all the way to the corner), collection point at the right rear corner of the house
Install a drain from the left corner downspout.
Backfill the dirt near the house sloping away toward the drain (use plastic?).
Connect from the neighbors drain line, into the storm drain.
Connect from the neighbors drain up the hill underground to the collector in the right rear corner.
Connect the downspout and the sump outpipe into the right rear collector.
Run a line underground from the collector all the way to the front yard. Install a 4x4' rock collection area so the water can run over the yard and to the street. (better to run it to the street directly?) Nope, when it freezes better to have it go to rocks.
Building a brick/stone shield around the window well (not sure how to do this with the plastic cover. Could dig a drain in the bottom of the window well (but where would that water go?, it can't go up to the collector). Or could add another metal window grate then build a stone wall around it. Many options.
Is it possible to lift the sod and excavate dirt to improve the swale then replace the sod, at the storm drain?
Wow, I'm in brain freeze reading all that. haha
Hard to say, but sounds like a plan. You didn't say if you were having issues with draining right now. (?)
Yep, having problems now, well, when there is a really hard rain. Water presses up from under the floor.
It sounds like it could be a lot of work and a lot of $. If you pay a landscaper, see if you can get them to guarantee it will solve the problem, or come fix it if it doesn't.
If you have water "pressing up from under the floor" that is a major problem! You are doing the right thing in getting it fixed.
Make sure your town doesn't have any regulations on drainage, connecting to storm drain, etc.
Great advice thanks!
Here's the best general advice on general rain water issues I've found:
Fixing your wet basement may be as easy as regularly rodding your drainage or lateral line, annually cleaning out and inspecting your gutters and downspouts, or installing a sump pump which you have done. (Does it have a backup battery). Or, other solutions can be as extensive as installing new perimeter drains, waterproofing your foundation walls and floors, or altering the shape of your yard or driveway to direct water away from your house. Every case is different. The key is finding the right solution for your home. There are many experts who can assist you here are some of them:
1) Plumbers
2) Professional waterproofing companies
3) Landscapers who deal with drainage issues
4) Local building suppliers
5) Construction contractors
Be sure to explore these solutions with several different companies in different trades, and get estimates from each. Make certain they are insured and guarantee their work, and take the time to contact their references. Finally, check with the Better Business Bureau to confirm the work record of the contractor you select. Also, before starting any work, talk to your neighbours and check the surface and storm water regulations for your community. Make sure your plans comply with the rules and that you obtain any necessary approvals before you begin.
And after you have researched your problem and possible solutions, you will probably get different answers from different people/trades. One other option to consider is to hire a home inspector or engineer that specializes in wet basement problems. These professionals can offer you unbiased advice and can help you map out the best solution for your particular situation.
Work in progress! Enjoy. Any comments appreciated.
Wow! Good luck on the project.
Hope it will stay dry while they are still working, then rain real good afterward so you can check it out. haha
