The client contacted The City Wide Group, reporting a basement leak. Upon inspection, the leak and associated wall damage were located behind the air conditioning (AC) unit. The issue posed potential risks of interior water damage and long-term foundation deterioration. The property’s clay soil conditions further contributed to poor drainage and increased hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls.

Challenges

  • Leak located behind the AC unit, limiting access to the affected area.

  • Clay soil conditions retain water near the foundation.

  • There is a potential for ongoing structural deterioration if this issue is not properly addressed.

Solution and Implementation Process

Site Preparation

  • Obtained utility locates before excavation to ensure safe digging and prevent service disruptions.

  • Disconnected and safely relocated the AC unit to access the work area.

  • Marked the excavation zone and secured the perimeter.

Excavation

  • Excavated soil down to footing level, approximately 7.5’–8’ deep.

  • Ensured stable trench conditions for safe and complete wall exposure.

Foundation Preparation

  • Cleaned exposed foundation walls thoroughly, brushing and scraping all soil and debris.

  • Repaired and parged foundation wall and footing with a Portland/polymer concrete mix where required.

Waterproofing System Installation

  • Applied rubber bitumen membrane (BlueSkin WP200) for primary waterproofing.

  • Installed drainage membrane (Delta MS) to protect the waterproofing and promote vertical drainage.

Drainage System Installation

  • Removed existing weeping tile and installed new 4” perforated weeping tile with filter screening around the perimeter of the waterproofed walls.

  • Placed weeping tiles at the footing level and surrounded them with clean ¾” gravel to facilitate proper drainage toward the discharge point.

Backfilling and Restoration

  • Backfilled excavated areas with native soil, compacting in layers to reduce future settlement.

  • Cleaned the site thoroughly and removed all excess soil and debris.

Final Steps

  • Reinstalled and reconnected the AC unit.

  • Conducted final inspection to ensure system integrity and site restoration.