Introduction: Why a Sump Pump Isnโt Enough
Many New Hampshire homeowners think installing a sump pump is all they need to keep their basement dry. While it can handle water that collects directly under the pump, this reactive approach leaves most basement leaks unaddressed.
In towns like Exeter, Kingston, Hampton, Dover, Stratham, Portsmouth, and Brentwood, older homes face seasonal frost heaves, shifting soils, and high groundwater levels, which create multiple entry points for water. The footing-wall joint โ where your foundation wall meets the concrete footing โ is the primary area where water enters basements. A sump pump alone does not address this critical zone, leaving homeowners vulnerable to leaks, mold, and structural damage.
- Sump Pump: Limited Protection
A standalone sump pump:
- Only captures water directly under the pump, typically from a rising water table.
- Does not prevent water from seeping in along the footing-wall joint, where most water enters in New England homes.
- Cannot stop wall moisture, condensation, or hydrostatic pressure from building up along perimeter walls.
- Depends on electricity, so power outages can leave your basement unprotected during storms.
In other words, a sump pump is reactive โ it only removes water after it has already become a problem.
- Full Basement Waterproofing System: Comprehensive Protection
A professional waterproofing system, like our Forever Dry System, addresses the real sources of basement water:
- Footing-wall joint protection: Patented drainage channels capture water where it first enters the basement.
- Wall and floor moisture management: Sealed vapor barriers funnel all water into the drainage system.
- High-end sump pumps with battery backup: Remove water reliably even during power outages.
- Radon-safe or compatible designs: Maintain ventilation if a radon system is installed.
- Long-term reliability: Handles frost heaves, soil shifts, and New England precipitation cycles.
By targeting both surface seepage and rising groundwater, a full system prevents leaks before they start, rather than just reacting to them.
- The Forever Dry System Advantage
At 603 Basement Solutions, our Forever Dry System guarantees:
- Your basement stays dry.
- If water ever returns, we come back free of charge to reinforce the system.
- Coverage includes footing-wall joints, wall moisture, floor cracks, and sump water, ensuring complete protection.
Homes in Exeter, Kingston, Hampton, Dover, Stratham, Portsmouth, Plaistow, Seabrook, Brentwood, and Haverhill (MA) benefit from a system that addresses all potential water entry points, not just the area directly under the pump.
Closing / Call to Action
A sump pump alone is not enough. For true basement protection, you need a professional waterproofing system that targets all sources of water, especially the footing-wall joint.
At 603 Basement Solutions in East Kingston, NH, we install patented drainage systems, sealed vapor barriers, high-end sump pumps with battery backup, and radon-safe designs, backed by our Forever Dry System guarantee.
๐ Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and protect your basement from every possible source of water intrusion.
