How to Install a Dry Well to Stop Window Well Flooding

window-well-vaughan-ontario-homeAll the changes in our climate are causing more flooding in many areas. Toronto and the surrounding GTA has seen some serious flooding in recent years that has caused millions in property damage.  The basement windows in your home are a weak point where moisture can enter. This is extremely costly, particularly if the lower level of your home is finished.

If you already have window wells that protect windows at ground level or below, water will take the path of least resistance and pool in the wells. Often when there is a severe storm, water runs off the home, floods the window wells and large quantities of water then pour into your basement. Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this problem.

Installing a Dry Well

One of the simplest and most effective methods is to install dry wells around any windows that are flooding. A dry well works by improving the drainage around the window and routing water away from the foundation. Before you start the installation process, be sure that your gutters and downspouts are directed away from your existing window wells. Water should be directed to the lower side of your lot if it isn’t already. Check your local code requirements and be sure to purchase a dry well kits that are code appropriate for your area. The installation process is not that difficult, but very labour intensive and may require renting some heavy machinery. Homeowners often rent a bobcat or backhoe if they want to do it themselves.  To avoid damage to your property, you may want to consider hiring a waterproofing contractor that has experience with these types of installations.

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Options For Channeling Water Away From Your Foundation

There are two basic choices for diverting the water. The first involves digging a long trench far away from your home and directing the excess water into a perforated 50 gallon plastic barrel buried there. The water then slowly leaches into the soil instead of your basement. The second option is to pipe the water towards a sump pump which pumps the water away from the foundation. The first option is something that a do-it-yourselfer might want to tackle, but hooking into a sump pump is best left to the professionals as a special valve is needed to prevent backflow.

If you decide to try the barrel solution, you will need to dig a big enough hole for the well and a trench leading at least 10 feet away from your home. Make sure that the trench slopes away from your house. The plastic barrel can be perforated with a drill and it will need to be sunk lower than the pipe, so there is some serious earth moving involved.

Follow the instructions for installing the well itself. They are normally anchored to the wall, fitted with a drain, a cover and piping and then filled with pea gravel. Once everything is connected and tested, lay weeping tile along the trench and around the barrel and fill these areas with pea gravel.

The area around the dry well will need to be backfilled and replanted if necessary, but once completed it should be an attractive and effective solution to your water problem. Having a dry well is also a safer option in your home. Windows fitted with a dry well can be used as an alternative escape route if there are problems.

Installing a Proper Dry Well

If you are not sure if you are up for the challenge of a job this big or you think that you may have additional moisture problem, contact a professional waterproofing company. Nusite Group offers a free inspection and estimate on any waterproofing jobs and serve Toronto and the surrounding GTA.  We have over 35 years of experience and the equipment to do the job right the first time.

Tips For Buying a Sump Pump For Your Basement

Toronto-sump-pump-drawingWhen you have a serious water problem in your basement, sump pumps can help. These pumps remove groundwater from around the foundation of your home. This is necessary when water tables rise quickly after a heavy rain or when large quantities of snow melt.

Looking at sump pumps is an overwhelming task. There are countless models and materials. However, there are some time and money-savings tips that can help you get the right unit at the right price.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are two basic types of sump pumps – submersible (underwater) or pedestal (above ground). Of the two, the submersible is the most effective as the pit that accumulates water comes with a cover so that it does not fill with debris. As well, the pump sounds are muffled by the cover and moisture trapped, rather than released into your home. While they are more expensive, they also have a longer usable life.

Make sure that the pump that you choose has a head pressure rating that will lift the water at least 10 feet. This is usually enough push to get the water out of your basement or crawlspace. The horsepower of the motor of the sump determines how fast the water moves out of your home. Some people opt for a larger motor, but these use more electricity and cost more to operate. However, the also minimize the chance of damage to your home. Most people find that a ½ HP pump is sufficient to do the job.

A good sump pump has a corrosion-free housing such as bronze, stainless steel or coated cast iron. The core should also be cast iron. Many economy pumps have plastic cores, but these do not dissipate heat and as a result the life of the pump is usually shorter.

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What Switch To Use

There is some debate on what type of switch is the best for a sump pump. Many claim that a mechanical switch is superior as it is less likely to fail and burn out the pump. Others suggest that capacitive switches are better as there are no mechanical parts to wear out. Regardless of what type of switch the unit has, most water control specialists also suggest a secondary, or backup system in case of failure.

Finished Basements

If you have a finished basement or you store valuable goods in the lower areas of your home, a backup system can give you peace of mind. A backup system will turn on if the power or your primary pump fails. Usually the backup is battery-powered however some depend on high municipal water pressure (75 – 150 psi) to run the pump. These pumps are an automatic, independent system from the primary sump pump. If water rises above normal for any reason, a valve activates that draws the sump water up and ejects it to the outdoors. When the float drops, the pump stops after a pre-set time.

For those of you that feel that the do-it-yourself path is not for you, Nusite Group has experts that can help. We offer a free inspection and estimate for all your water control needs. Investing in a sump pump could save you thousands in property damage, but it is important that you choice the right one for the job. Our qualified technicians will explain which pump is best and why.