Basement Repair and Waterproofing | Why Overflow Systems Fail at Keeping You Dry?

We are starting a new Basement Repair series on the American Dry Basement Systems' KZbin channel. Many customers every year hire us to tear-out popular, cheap overflow systems, and replace them with our system. We know nothing feels worse than paying for something twice. We hope our channel will enlighten consumers and do-it-yourselfers (DIY) to make the right purchasing decisions to get it right the first time.
00:00 Introduction
00:29 What is an Overflow System?
01:11 Clean-out Port
01:57 The Importance of Floor Thickness
03:05 Flimsy Drain Board
04:14 Lazy Installation
04:49 No Pitch to Sump Basin
06:45 Groundwater Management
10:22 Floor Drain Below Outside Door
11:53 Water Heater Overflow Problem
12:56 Sump Pump Deconstruction
17:10 Closing Statement
WATCH how we install a full-perimeter waterproofing system. Follow the link below:
• Basement Waterproofing...
These overflow systems go in fast with a minimal amount of work. Unfortunately, they allow water to rise until the entire basement floor is sitting in water. Only then do these systems supposedly begin to move water to the sump pump station. If it ever gets there.
For a waterproofing system to get water to rise underneath the floor, the hydrostatic pressure (water building up around outside basement walls) must reach a damaging level that can crack your basement walls.
In this video, we tear-out an overflow waterproofing system in White Plains, NY. We uncover hidden, dark secrets and shortcuts taken to install a basement waterproofing system with a minimal material cost. It will be a sad surprise to those who already bought a system and a welcome surprise to those who are still shopping.
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You can call our office directly at 888-748-2002
Since 1997, American Dry Basement Systems is waterproofing basements, encapsulating crawl spaces, installing sump pumps and battery backup systems, and repairing foundation cracks in basements throughout Connecticut & Southeastern New York. Our mission is a simple one. We ensure that every customer that installs our basement waterproofing system will be water-free for life.
Keywords: American Dry Basement Systems, home improvement, Peter O'Shea, basement waterproofing, crawl space waterproofing, sump pump installation, foundation crack repair, crawl space sealing, french drain, basement waterproofers, basement waterproofing installers, sump pump installers, contractors
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[@philcollin5891]

New subscriber here! Love the two videos I seen so far, and I love Waterproofing, hard work you can take pride in! 🇺🇸

[@AbdusSalam-bs7ze]

System shown waterproofing is very nice.

[@mistuhyun]

Thank you for the information and education!

[@lukerocheleau9173]

I want to hire this guy and I don’t even have a basement! I’m a believer!!!

[@jrock-xs9vp]

Great video

[@jessesteffan-colucci60]

Love your videos! Just bought my first home in Buffalo, NY . . . You dont come all the wya out to the Rust Belt here do you? If not, any referrals would be a godsend. Happy New Year!

[@bradwerenka6843]

Great video! We have a basement water issue that has some similarities. I was just confirming the key with that system not working is the lack of depth, or the slope? With negative slope from one end of basement to the other would put your drain into the sump at least 6” down in the sump from bottom of the concrete, probably more. And if you start 10-12” down the sump would really be swap. Do you ever tie in the outside drainage into the interior drain? Go thru footing wall or tunnel underneath? Thanks again for the great video! John

[@sharkysmachine9248]

That customer needs to file a State Attorney General of Consumer Protection complaint against the original contractor.

[@user-mv1xq2mn6q]

Great video !

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JeffESPN]

Bring on the fix Peter. I need answers for my wet basement.

[@Patrick-sf1xr]

Glad I stumbled on your videos and not going with a “water guard” system like what you have been tearing out. Not gonna pay over $15k for a shitty system.

[@csuss]

I guess all of us outside of CT and NY are out of luck? Here in VT our only options seem to be GrateDrain and WaterGuard dealers. As far as I can gather. Since I just spend a chunk of change on one of these, I am left feeling a bit duped ---- but, not sure what my alternative is unless I could teach a trustworthy contractor who might not normally do this work. Well, if you are looking for people to train outside your area (and who better than someone duped by the competition), let me know.

[@denisefrandsen5106]

You are my new favorite channel! Are these systems you're pulling out "Total Basement Systems" by chance?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

No, they are not. They only do basement finishing.

[@denisefrandsen5106]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems thank you for the feedback. I have recently been researching Total Basement Systems, and the gutter system you've been pulling out looked familiar.

[@Lenny8679205]

I've seen you use pvc pipe with holes in it for interior weeping tile. Is this the same pvc pipe used in a weeping field? I thought I seen 2 holes in the pvc pipe one at 4 o'clock the other at 8 o'clock . If so what is it called and where to purchase.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

ADS pipe is a corrugated, perforated, continuous, flexible, double-wall pipe that is perforated. They are used for interior and exterior drainage. We buy in bulk directly from the manufacturer, but you can find it at Home Depot online if the store doesn't have it.

[@RealtorMadison]

Is pitch necessary with perforated drain near the base of the footing? if the drain is near the bottom of the footing, wouldn't it simply be pressure relieving and moving water regardless of slope/pitch? love your videos. wish you folks were in wisconsin!!!

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

You are correct, but the power behind the pitch/slope using corregated perforated drainage is its ability to clean itself. No maintenace required. It will never clog. Standard PVC pipe, with a grade, cannot make this claim and requires cleanouts for schedule maintenance.

[@chirina5]

What do you do with all those pumps you take out? They seem like they could be useful.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Recycled. All of them are old, tired or failing.

[@kristoferbruun2175]

Excellent videos. Questions: 1) What slope do you route the ADS drain pipe at (assume 1% or 1/8" per foot)? 2) How do you handle integration with Radon exhaust systems; do you tie the fan intake into the drain pipe? 3) For poured foundation walls, where wall leakage is minimal, and there is a radon system, do you seal the dimpled drain tile to the wall via caulking? 4) What is your go-to pump system, and basin spec? Perforated basin, or not? Thanks, KB of Maine.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

All of these are terrific questions and worth covering in several videos on this channel. Sloping or pitching the pipe must be done correctly and it sounds like you are on the right track. Pitch no more than 10-feet of pipe. If you have a longer wall, then reverse pitch the next 10-feet. We do not handle radon exhaust. If a customer requests, we apply a little bit of expanding foam on top of the dimpled drainboard. Our sump lid has another hole for a radon discharge pipe. Sump basin must be perforated. That's the quick of it.

[@MichaelBurko]

Great videos! I wish you worked in eastern PA area. Quick question, I was quoted $10k for GrateDrain system (650sqf with vapor barrier) by local company (Jamison waterproofing system). Their system is very similar to what you had in this video, but looks like it’s a little improved, because they install the box below the top of the footer, they do 1% pitch and they claim it’s a sealed system. Do you still think it’s best to stay away from this type of system?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Stay away from any system that does not install the interior drainage 10 to 14 inches deep - starting at the bottom and perpendicular to the footer. The point is to keep water far from touching the existing and newly poured sections of concrete floor. Good pitch can only be achieved by utilizing the full depth of the footer.

[@garystanley3468]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems funny cause I just got a quote from same company with same great drain system in eastern PA. I have an old fieldstone foundation though so don't have the three part footer basement shown here. So most likely the system would actually be sitting completely below my slab and walls. Is that right or is it a worse system for stone foundations than it is for footer foundations?

[@corey_roberts7671]

@@garystanley3468 if it’s a 2 peace foundation then they shouldn’t jackhammer next to the wall that’s a big no no

[@mattanderton9669]

Hi Peter - I recently had a partial interior drainage system installed in my basement primarily due to my budget and mitigation of ground water in the area where it was the worse. I did a lot of research and went with a company in CT who I felt was pretty knowledgeable and fair in price. My house was built around 1890, double brick foundation around dense clay and to my knowledge no footing.. at least that I could see for a plumbing project I had just taken on. The company dug out against the wall about a foot or so down, they didn't create a "false footing" as you mentioned in a prior video but used 4" perforated pipe with 3/4 stone dimple board (orange) and poured 5000 psi concrete over it. I don't know how many inches probably between 2" or 3". My main concern/question is where it drains out of the house into the ice guard, they used 4" courrgated or perf courrgated pipe, extended it about 4 feet from the foundation (small lot) tied in a gutter downspout and continued with the same pipe appx 2' under the grass for about 15' to 20' to a 4" grate. I was always under the impression that these drains came off the house into 4" scheduled 40 and the last section was perforated with a rock bed (all underground) did they do this job correctly (mainly the outside part?) Thanks

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

One thing that can make or break the system is the pitch and placement of the pipe. Concrete should be 3.5 inches minimum. In most cases, there should be a dedicated dry well line for the discharge from the sump pump. You should have a dedicated dry well line for your gutters.

[@mattanderton9669]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems can I run the discharge from the sump and the gutter (since it's only one) into the same dry well? I don't have much room in the yard. And sched 40 pvc or is the perf fine?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Yes, you can run both gutter downspout and discharge pipe into the same dry well line. Ensure the bubbler pot and gravel at the end of the dry well line are large enough to handle the type of rain you get in your area. The schedule 40 with pref packed in stone is fine but make sure to do an annual check for clogs.

[@ayazpat]

Hello Sir You way of tracking of fault is supper and your explanation is good Hats to you sir. I am facing the water leakage problems in my basement water rise up to goundlevel almost become swimming pool. I seen lot of videos for basement repair by different people. Every one show water pouring in by wall. But in my case water comes in in center and few side places in like fountain. Sir do you guide me to solve my problem.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

It is hard for me to tell you what the exact problem is without inspecting the area. I will guess that you may have an underground water spring or a neighbor is diverting water towards your property. It could be a city water pipe leak. That sounds like a lot of water to happen all at once.

[@mjaldrich7]

Hi Peter thanks for the videos. I'm in upstate N.Y. near Albany. I was skeptical of Adirondak Basement Systems after they came out to my house for an estimate. Needless to say I didn't go with them. Apparently my parents did. What do you know about their systems?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

I am NOT a big fan of the type of system they install. It is a drainage channel overflow system. Keeps floors damp and does nothing to remedy the hydrostatic pressure outside the walls of the basement. The structural integrity of the home is sacrificed. This video says it all: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZaah3d3Z6uZo8U

[@mjaldrich7]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems Oh dear. Ok first, thank you so much for the quick reply. Do you service my area of NY? My zip code is 12189

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

@@mjaldrich7 Sorry. We don't service that far up north.

[@ryandowney9124]

You were 100% right to be skeptical of the Adirondack Basement Systems. I bought a house with an ABS and I despise not only the system thats here but also the incredibly lazy service they offer. Did you find a company in the area that installs what @American Dry Basement Systems has? If not I'll probably be installing the ADBS system myself.

[@paulturner4419]

if you have the trench deep enough, is it really necessary to pitch the pipe? And the pitch would have to be tiny over the typical length of pipe for an entire basement perimeter? How much can you practically drop/pitch the pipe?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Yes. Pitch always. Pitching the pipe takes tremendous skill and experience. It goes beyond a mathematical explanation. If we start an in-depth training course next year, we will post a video here about it.

[@rubencruz7800]

The different types of drainage systems..

[@callmeda98]

I’ve binged watched all of your videos. I want to try to do this myself since where I live in Maine doesn’t offer any drain tile like systems and only do the water guard. After watching you explain everything with mold and fungicides I refuse to get that system as I’m looking for a system like you install, and have to keep my home extremely sterile as I am a gardener. Do you know anyone in Maine who does these types of systems? I am willing to pay whatever i have to. Man I wish I still lived in Connecticut sometimes lol.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Sorry. We don't know anyone in Maine to make a good recommendation. Several states only have WG dealerships. The dealerships are easy to set up because the WG overflow system is easy to install; even a monkey can do it. Unfortunately, it is unreliable for true basement waterproofing. Finding someone who comes close to the way we do it is difficult. Yet, anything else is better than the WG system. Subfloor drain tile with pitch (grade) is the way to go.

[@deniseroe7821]

FANTASTIC………ARE YOU IN MARLAND?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

No. But, I do know Maryland homes suffer from a lot of water problems in the basement.

[@themichaelmadl]

What are your thoughts on the WaterGuard® system ?? It is a french drain system. Do you think it has the same issues you speak of in this video? Water collection/mold etc?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

This video says it all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3q5hmlqra-ngKc

[@amumof2347]

If you don't service an area, do you advise?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

No. Not at this moment. Down the line we will consider training in 2022. We are crazy busy right now and growing, so our videos are the most we can offer at this time.

[@igorabelev7323]

What was a problem with the previous system? The basement looks dry.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

We shot this video after two weeks of no rain. Also, used dehumidifiers to dry out the basement. Yet, if you see, the groundwater is still in the stone at the floor level. This basement floods easily after a rainstorm.

[@Paint4Tech]

IAM from India 💕💕

[@nacho10f]

Referrals for new hampshire area?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Sorry. We don't have any contacts in that area.

[@bm976]

Wow, I still don't have a French drain installed in my basement but I had a company come out that uses that system. They quoted me 12k I don't have that type of money.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Shop around and get the right system installed in your basement. Make sure they give you the choice to pay at a low monthly rate to make it affordable.

[@JohnDuthie]

Are you located in PA?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

No. We are located in Brookfield, CT. Neighboring NY. We only serve CT and NY.

[@JohnDuthie]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems That's unfortunate. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the world! My basement is fucked.

[@JohnDuthie]

​@@Spacetime215 No way! What a small world I hope you're doing good! We haven't seen each other since high school. Good luck with the basement man.

[@TheJerkHead1]

Where in PA? I could help you out

[@Gyro1294]

👍

[@gewright48]

Every time it rains puddles of water in certain spots comes from under the floor like right in the center of my basement. What is causing this?

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Do you have cracks in your floor?

[@fredrickeffi2143]

I have a land to build my house but it's a swampy land I believe I need a drainage system like this on tha foundation. Nigeria

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Most drainage systems are no match for a swamp. The lucky thing is you haven't built your house yet. Consider building your house on a pile foundation, not a traditional foundation.

[@fredrickeffi2143]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems thank👍

[@TSquared2001]

Please say that you have a Baltimore location.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Sorry. We only operate in Connecticut and New York. Unfortunately, we are not familiar with anyone to refer you to. Wish you all the best.

[@TSquared2001]

@@AmericanDryBasementSystems man that hurts to read because that was a good answer to a couple of problems.

[@gtzgreatride]

Lol the setup is in the company name. Budget dry

[@melvinmunningham]

🤣

[@siegridthomas9674]

This must cost those homeowners an emense amount of money to make this right...

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Do it right the first time, and the price would have been quite reasonable for a cost-effective system with a lifetime warranty.

[@waltpage]

In most of your videos, you keep saying that these systems are not what is needed for "these types of foundations". What are these foundations? Does the concrete slab sit on concrete footings

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

Correct!

[@brianbaez3424]

Whoever installed that system did a horrible job🤦🏽‍♂️ my company has the same system grate products and we do it the right way and it never gets clogged im a basement waterproofer

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

I can't vouch whether it would work or not if installed differently. We don't like systems that require many rigid pieces, clean-outs, cheap drain board, and removing the floor completely off the footer. According to our customers, they are unable to handle high-alert storm events. We are ripping them out and replacing them with our system throughout Connecticut and New York.

[@nukestrom5719]

homeowner should sue the previous contractor.

[@Cnightz]

That was a terrible system. It burns me up thinking these contractors know they are ripping off the home owners. Like why? All it takes is a few bad reviews to destroy your credibility. I supposed if it was a short run business who cares right? Unless your the home owner.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

It happens more often than you think. We feel bad for homeowners who get sold on an unreliable system or get one installed by a general contractor with no experience. Homeowners need to start hiring waterproofing specialists who have a long track record and great reviews.

[@toms7098]

So all you did is complain about the competition instead of showing your system? SMH

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

We have many videos showing the installation of our system. kzbin.infovideos

[@davidhoover8877]

So basically, this video is to talk about how bad some other company installed their system. You did not show anything that your company did except demolition.

[@AmericanDryBasementSystems]

The video is clearly titled to represent the content. It is vital information and a warning to homeowners to investigate before they buy into a waterproofing system. It was not intended to be a before and after. If you would like to see our installation in the same basement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5a3qqCjoLqAaLM and here is a more thorough breakdown of our installation process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4fKnpaOobSBpqM