Water always at bottom floor exit to garage on a split-level ranch?
Side exits from lower level into garage. Goes up 4 stairs to garage floor level. Always a puddle. Seems as if coming up from the ground. Can I seal it? Drain it? Get rid of it?
Kevin...
Expert
Before you go to the trouble of installing a drain, you might want to take a look around the exterior of your house - ensure that water is draining away from the house as much as possible. There should be extensions on downspouts and the grading should slope away from the foundation. Sealing inside won't do much good, usually if water is trying to come up it will find a way. If you have a sump pump you may want to take a look and ensure it is working. (If you don't have one, don't worry, many homes don't).
If water persists, you could add a drain. Normally a channel is cut into the concrete from the stairs, into the house to the nearest drain pipe. This could be a floor drain inside the house, or drains running from plumbing fixtures underneath the floor. The drain at the stairs is installed, along with a trap to prevent sewer gas coming back up, and tied into an existing drain. Then concrete is poured back over the piping to restore the floor.Join this conversation.
Member
Start smart
-
Ready to buy what you need?
Shop now -
Still have questions?
Ask us -
Need expert repair service?
Schedule now
“This is a great place to go for advice, especially if you're low on funds and you could resolve the problem before calling and paying a service call, if it's an easy fix. I'm glad you are there for me.”
