Internal De-Watering

AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing™ is an established Waterproofing Contractor, in and around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), that offers the full range of foundation waterproofing solutions for all foundation types.

Among the numerous waterproofing solutions that we offer is internal de-watering, often referred to as internal perimeter drain installation, this waterproofing method is a common waterproofing technique used by Waterproofing Contractors. It's widespread use is attributable to its effectiveness (when done properly) and it's applicability to all foundation types - stone, concrete block, and poured concrete.

Internal de-watering is accomplished in 8 steps as follows:
1. Removal of the studwalls along the area in which the perimeter drain system is to be installed;
2. Jackhammering and removal of the concrete floor along the wall of sufficient width to expose the footing and permit the installation of a drain pipe;
3. The drilling of weeping holes in the bottom course of the concrete blocks or cinderblocks (allowing the water that accumulated in the blocks to drain out;
4. Installation of a water collecting PVC pipe next to the footing beneath the basement floor;
5. Installation of an internal air-gap membrane onto the exposed wall;
6. Installation of a sump pump and liner if a sump pump is not already present or suitably located;
7. Connection of the perimeter drain pipe system to a new sump pump or to an existing sump pump; and
8. Replacement of the concrete removed to permit system installation.

This is what a typical internal de-watering job looks like:

       

Note 1: There are circumstances when internal de-watering is your best foundation waterproofing option; for example, when there is landscaping that you do not wish to disturb, or if there is insufficient access to permit external excavation and waterproofing.

Note 2: If you are not sure that internal de-watering is the most viable option for your situation, we invite you to explore our Basement Waterproofing Repair Methods table to find out about other waterproofing methods that are available for your type of foundation and the nature of the problem that you have.

Are you considering having your concrete block or cinder block foundation walls waterproofed from the exterior? If so, follow the link to our Concrete Block Foundation Waterproofing page, in the Resource Center, for detailed procedures specific to this type of waterproofing.
For greater detail on internal de-watering / perimeter drain installation for concrete block and cinderblock basement wall waterproofing, click on the hyperlink to the concrete block internal dewatering page.