Water in Basement...what to do?

[shagnthings]

I purchased a home last fall (Oct. 2004) and had a home inspection done before purchasing. The inspector indicated some signs of moisture in the basement (I.e. stains & efflorescence), and suggested the side be regraded to keep water away from the outer wall. We also talked about these small trenches in the floor near the front of the house (about 6 inches long, 1-2 inches deep, with two holes drilled at either end in the floor & inner wall). He thought this may be a way for the water to be temporily drained from the wall to under the foundation.

I expected some flooding to occur in this front corner and thought it would only leak there. I planned on just regrading the area and creating a small french drain outside near that corner about 2 feet deep to help manage the water flow during rainy days.

Well before doing this, the drain spout at the back end of the house was accidently disconnected one rainy night and additional flooding occured at both ends of the room. In addition, water moisture started occuring around some cracks in the floor.

I'm thinking the problem is more serious than the inspector first explained. Am I correct in my hunch? Does anyone know if the seller must disclose this information before closing in Ontario, Canada?

Any comments on this are appreciated. Thanks.

Trevor

[Basement MD]

Keeping water away from the foundation is certainly a key to having a dry basement, proper grading with working gutters and downspouts is important.

I would be careful with exterior drains around the home. You must be sure they are properly installed and not just a collection point for more water.

It sound like the situation may be worse then first thought. I would recommend a local waterproofing contractor take a look at the situation first hand. Your realtor should know if there are any disclosure laws.

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