We moved into our house about a year ago and quickly found that we have a leaking issue into our basement. The slab near our basement window has sunken so the water pools up against the house on big rain storms and eventually seeps in. I have sealed the crack along this problem area twice, which has slowed the issue but it still leaks. Jacking is not an option for several reasons. We had several contractors give us that opinion. We could tear up the concrete and have someone pour new slabs that are graded away, but we are well under any concrete contractor's minimum. We know this would solve the problem, hopefully, but we would be looking at spending around $1,500 to meet their minimums.
My question is, can I use hydraulic water-stop cement to build a better seal between my sidewalk and foundation? We are looking for a solution that won't break our bank and at least get us through the winter since this is only an issue with big rain storms and doesn't leak with minor storms.
The wet area is where we had a towel that lays there to stop the leaking. The water pools from the stair corner to the edge of the window. The water is not flowing up and over the window sail.
Best Answer
Indeed, hydraulic water-stop cement can fix your leak.
With that said I strongly advise 2 things. Finding out the actually cause (ie. foundation sinking or separating) and remove all the sealer you currently have, so the product adheres to the concrete and stucco properly.
Quickrete's claim: QUIKRETE® Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement will block running water when application is made to masonry or concrete surfaces. This special formulation allows the product to obtain high strength and rapid setting while repelling water. QUIKRETE® Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement solves leakage problems wherever active water is present, in all masonry and concrete above and below grade.