What is a wet wall basement?
As you’re probably aware, “wet wall” basements are designed on the basis that water is a managed part of the structure’s system.
Wet wall basements, or just “wet basements”, use a subsurface drainage collection system on the outside of the concrete wall to collect groundwater and relieve hydrostatic pressures. This is usually collected into purpose-built pits and pumped away.
This is in contrast with the more commonly used “tanked” or “dry” basement, which is constructed to be sealed and waterproof from the outset.
So what’s the problem?
The issue with wet wall basements is, where will the water go?
Increasingly, local government authorities are objecting to such water being pumped into the local stormwater system, i.e. the street gutters and drainage. This practice risks overloading the system during a storm.
The same is true if the water is pumped into the sewage system.
It is possible in some instances to inject the water back into the water table. However, this is dependent on the composition of the local soil; besides may risk subsidence in neighbouring properties.
What’s more, water moving through the concrete is feeding deterioration. Moisture-borne contaminants are the primary cause of premature concrete breakdown. If the concrete itself is not made waterproof, the integrity of the whole structure is under threat.
Although a wet wall basement may be cheaper to construct, it is problematic to own.
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So – what is the solution?
There is a better solution instead of wet wall basements. It is possible to waterproof concrete itself, creating a sealed and dry concrete basement without a membrane; and a full warranted 3-part system already exists.
Introducing BASE-TECT® – Our complete approach to concrete basement waterproofing.
BASE-TECT® is a systematic approach to basement waterproofing, guided by the British Standard 8102:2022, from early engagement, detailed design, site establishment, and training through to delivery, construction monitoring, and the final insurance-backed performance warranty.
The system can be designed to suit most builds and waterproofing grades including
- TYPE A – Barrier protection solutions
- TYPE B – Structurally integral protection
- Combined protection – integrating features of each approach
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If you’re designing or constructing a structure with a basement – get in touch! Our friendly and experienced team is keen to help you save costs and improve your methods!
2025 UPDATE: This article remains our most-read news page of all time.
If this topic is important to you, check out our on-demand webinar A Guide To Structural Waterproofing Compliance, which brings us up to date on BS8102:2022 and changes to NCC 2025.
