Baker's Waterproofing Q&A

Can I stop my sump pump alarm when it sounds off? And what should I do next?

Your WaterWatch® Alarm will sound off to let you know if water has risen past the point where the pumps should have turned on.

If your alarm on the sump lid is screeching, and you DO NOT have an UltraSump battery back-up pump here's what you should do. First, pull the alarm straight up and out, then dry it off and/or remove the battery to stop the screeching.

The reason for pulling the alarm out and drying it off is because the probe at the bottom sounds off when water reaches it. It may take a moment before the alarm stops.

Next, check the pump's electrical outlet. Plug a small lamp, hair dryer, radio, etc. into the same outlet. If there's no power, the circuit breaker may need switched back on. If there's power, call 800-942-2942 for a service appointment, because your primary pump may be failing.

If your alarm on the sump lid is screeching, and you DO have an UltraSump battery back-up pump here's what you should do. First, pull the alarm straight up and out, then dry it off and/or remove the battery to stop the screeching. Your back-up pump will turn on once the water rises to a certain level. You will hear the back-up pump sound an alarm only if it discharges water. If you hear an intermittent beeping, that means your back-up pump is working, but your primary pump may have failed. So call 800-942-2942 for a service appointment. Your battery back-up pump will re-charge once the power returns to the pump's electrical outlet.

Don't forget to replace the WaterWatch® Alarm once the pump is functional. You should not replace it until the water level has receded, otherwise it will sound off again.

Do I need to get a permit?

If you live in Bethel Park, PA, Mt. Lebanon, PA, Wheeling, WV, Morgantown, WV, or Moundsville, WV, you must obtain a permit for your home improvement project. You will need to get in contact with your local municipal's planning office to do this. We recommend you keep a copy of your estimate in case it is required.

The permit certifies the work is done correctly and helps the resale of your home. Staying involved every step of the way will help you get through the process quicker and for less cost.

If you have any questions please call our office.

Do you provide real estate inspections?

We have years of experience working with buyers and sellers to help this process go as smoothly as possible. What works best is if we meet with the sellers, or that the sellers agent is present for the inspection. This way, we can take everyone's concerns into account and answer all questions.

How can I best prepare the work area in my home before the crew arrives?

Your contract states you, the homeowner, are responsible for preparing the work area for installation. Dust should be expected and you should protect the area as you deem necessary.

If you are unable to completely clear the area or have any questions about how to best get your home ready for the work, please call our office.

How does baker's waterproofing raise concrete?

We raise settled concrete with our permanent PolyLevel slab solution. PolyLevel relies on the unique qualities of expanding polyurethane foam. The foam is injected beneath a concrete slab, where it expands into voids, instantly raising concrete!

How long does polylevel last?

PolyLevel, our state-of-the-art technology, is the most effective, longest lasting solution. It is under warranty that your concrete will not settle more than 0.5 inches in 5 years.

How much does this cost?

We have multiple products that provide solutions for bowing walls, foundation settlement, wet basements, sinking concrete, and crawl space dampness.

We understand wanting to get an estimate as soon as possible. Our goal is to give you an accurate diagnosis to your unique problem, so that we can leave you with an estimate that will provide the very best, permanent solution. To do that, we must complete a thorough on-site inspection and analysis of each issue.

Keep in mind our inspections are completely free and are no obligation and the sooner you are able to have the problem inspected, the sooner you will have the information you need to prevent the problem from getting worse.

How to fix a crumbling basement wall?

A crumbling basement wall could be a water issue, structural issue, or both. The best way to identify the problem is to call us to set up a free inspection of the home.

How to fix a sinking foundation on a house?

Our patented Push Pier System or Helical Pier System will permanently stabilize a foundation, and potentially lift the home back to level.

How to fix a wet basement floor?

We would install one of our perimeter drainage systems along the edge of the basement floor. Our drain directs all water into our sump pump system that would also be installed in the basement. Water that tries to enter the home would be discharged away from the foundation.

How to insulate a crawl space?

We have 2 crawl space insulation solutions. TerraBlock is our padded sheet material with a vapor barrier on both sides, suitable for crawl space walls and rough, uneven floors. SilverGlo is our 2-inch thick radiant barrier with tiny graphite particles that reflect heat and lower conductivity.

How to repair basement concrete floors?

We recommend installing either foundation piers to stabilize, repair, and restore the foundation OR our PolyLevel slab solution. One of our Service Advisors would need to inspect the home to determine the proper solution.

How to stop a leak in concrete?

Baker's Waterproofing can stop leaks through concrete slabs in roofs and patios with our Elastomeric Coating. For other leaky cracks, it can be repaired as a part of our perimeter drainage system.

Is getting my issue fixed really that big of a deal?

What we find with these types of issues is that they tend to only progress as weather, temperature, and soil conditions change. This will cost you more money, more inconvenience, and can lead to health and safety issues for you and your family.

We offer free, no obligation estimates. At the very least, our Service Advisor will let you know what you are up against and provide you with all the information needed to make the best decision.

What causes wet basement walls?

A home's concrete structure is a porous material with cracks, holes, and joints in it, causing wet basement walls. Although, the cause of the problem does not always stem from the outside of foundation walls. Contact a waterproofing company to identify what is causing your leaky basement.

What's the correct way to put a sump pump in a basement?

First, a small sump pump pit is dug for the liner and pump to be placed in the low-lying corner of the basement. A special outlet connects a perimeter drain to the sump pump system, and clean gravel is back-filled around the sump pump liner. Lastly, the floor is restored with new hand-poured concrete.

Why do i have a small leak in my basement even when it hasn't rained?

This could be the result of another problem, for example, a plumbing leak. Make sure to work with an honest company that will correctly inspect the root of the problem.

Why does the cement blocks in the basement have moisture at the bottom?

The most common way that water enters a home is through the foundation wall-floor joint.