We had the same thing - water (clean, rain water during big storms) trickle in under the moulding in about 6 areas of our finished basement. We called Basement Dr and they gave us an estimate of get this, $12,000!!!!!!!!!!!

I then called Sahara Water Proofing (I don't have the number on me now, but you can google them). They installed a french drain, huge sump pump and it only took them a day and a half. It cost $3800. They were AWESOME and our basement really is dry as a desert now. The pump works great and during that last storm two Saturdays ago, it was kicking in every 90 seconds. We're really happy we did this.

Basically, in these old homes - the water finds weak areas in the foundation and trickled in. For about a year we tried to figure out ways of fixing it ourselves and even installed our own sump pump but nothing worked except the French Drain system.

I'm having a similar problem as the original poster...I didn't see any specific recommendations on who to call (except not Basement Dr). Here's my specific problem...

I have a trinity in Queen Village and the wall near the last step into my finished basement/kitchen is soft and crumbly. I'm not sure how long it has been that way, as I only noticed it because I'm painting the stairwell. It's not a huge area, but I would like to stop it before it becomes a bigger problem. It is the rear wall of my home, on the exterior is my back patio. I have lived there for 3 years and haven't had any flooding in the basement.

If someone could tell me what type of person to call, or better yet recommend someone, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

This is who we used for our french drain/pump. They were so quick - we only needed 3 walls done and they dug it all out and installed the system in a day and a half. Keep in mind - you have to redo your own drywall/trim and tile if you have a finished basement but their price was the best and we were extremely happy. We could hear the system kicking in every 90 seconds yesterday and the basement was completely dry!

http://www.saharawaterproofing.com/

Feel free to look at my website under Waterproofing this could help you out. My website is Kaylincontractors.com

Hey, I just saw this thread while lurking. I used to work for a waterproofing company that worked only with homeowners (i.e. not new construction). I worked there for two years, and this was a reputable family owned company.

What I can tell you is this: when groundwater is getting into your basement, there are few "quick" or cheap fixes. The problem is highly variable depending on (among other things) pre-existing waterproofing / drainage, the slope of the land, type/size/shape of foundation, obstacles around the exterior of the foundation, etc.

Unfortunately the company I worked for was in North Carolina, so are not a contracting option (and it is true that there are many shady / disreputable people); but, LWP often got calls from people out of state just asking for advice, and their website offers a lot of good information. They even have an Info Series of fact pages. You could check out their website for some information about common groundwater issues:

http://www.lindsleywaterproofing.com

Good luck!

JEG