Watercare’s gigantic Tunnel Boring machine, known as Hiwi-i-te-Rangi, has recently reached a noteworthy achievement during its excavation of the Central Interceptor Tunnel. It has successfully achieved the halfway point of its 14.7-kilometre journey to central Auckland, marking this remarkable feat with a breakthrough into a shaft at May RD in Mount Roskill.

The Central Interceptor project is hailed as the largest wastewater infrastructure endeavour in New Zealand’s history, holding the promise of seriously addressing wet weather overflows into waterways and the Waitemata Harbour. Furthermore, the tunnel will intersect with two link sewers connecting the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant and Grey Lynn.

Amidst the jubilant cheers of construction teams, Shayne Cunis, the Executive Programme Director of Watercare Central Interceptor, announced the breakthrough of the cutter head, with a diameter of over five meters, through a 69-meter-deep shaft wall. Cunis emphasized that despite the considerable challenges faced, this breakthrough signifies a crucial moment in the project’s progress.

Cunis urged everyone to take a moment to appreciate this significant achievement, emphasizing that the project remains on track to meet its planned 2026 completion date, despite obstacles such as COVID-19 lockdowns, closed borders, global shipping delays, and adverse weather events. The top priority remains ensuring the safe delivery of the project.

According to Cunis, one of the most thrilling moments in the project journey thus far was the 2022 crossing of Manukau Harbour, spanning from Mangere Bridge to Hillsborough. Underwater tunnels are a rarity in New Zealand, and this 1500-meter section was completed in less than 11 weeks.

The Central Interceptor project has reached several milestones. Following the completion of the undersea bridge in December 2022, the first link sewer, responsible for collecting flows from Mount Roskill and Blockhouse Bay, was finished in March of this year. Construction has also commenced on a second link sewer, set to be built in two segments, intersecting the main shaft at Wairere Avenue in Mount Albert.

Cunis extended his appreciation to the construction partners of Ghella Abergeldie JV, as well as the dedicated teams from Jacobs, AECOM, Delve Underground, Watercare, and the subcontractors. He acknowledged their tremendous efforts in ensuring the project’s successful delivery.

Francesco Saibene, the Project Director of Ghella Abergeldie JV, also commended his tunnelling team for their hard work, emphasizing that reaching the halfway point is a moment of celebration for all involved.

Meanwhile, significant progress is being made on the nearby Mangere Pump Station project, where six pumps and inflow pipes are being installed to facilitate the transfer of flows from the main tunnel to the treatment facility for processing.

The planned timeline includes completing both the connection sewers and Section 1 of the primary tunnel, stretching from May Rd south, by the middle of 2024. Initiating the first segment will relieve strain on the aging Western Interceptor.

Cunis emphasized that resilience has consistently been a primary motivator for this project, alongside the objectives of accommodating future expansion and delivering environmental benefits. Once Section 1 becomes operational, Watercare’s operations teams will have the opportunity to perform essential maintenance on the Western Interceptor.

These upgrades are exciting for all drainlayers in the Auckland area. As our infrastructure grows more and more exciting drainage developments will take place. Drainage NZ specialize in Public and Council drainage works, if you have a project planned, why not have us tender for you.

We do Driveway and Garage Channels. Domestic and Commercial.

Driveway channel drains are also called trench drains, drainage channels, or linear channels. These are linear drainage systems that are frequently used and commonly installed to immensely reduce the amount of excess water in your driveway, around swimming pools, decks & retaining areas, pedestrian areas, and more. This type of drainage system provides efficient management of surface water.

Materials used in channel drains

Plastic Channel Drains – Plastic or polypropylene drains offer the best balance between ease of use, shipping, and costs. It’s proven high-performance even if it is considered fragile or not very strong. This material has many advantages, including the following:

• non-toxic
• odor-free
• lightweight
• It does not absorb water. Resistant to temperature changes. 
• Unaffected by solvents, acids, and wear. 

Concrete Channel Drains – are more robust and have higher chemical resistance. Concrete channels have the benefit of being cost-effective compared to other materials on the market. It also has a high resistance to compression. Compared to others, the only disadvantage this material has is that it is a weighty material.

Grating Material – Grating is commonly used in commercial locations. It’s the most efficient way to gather overflows, but the space at the top is installed so that people will not get their feet caught in the drains. Grating styles are called longitudinal slots, perforated gratings, mesh gratings, horizontal slots, solid gratings, heel-proof gratings, and diagonal slotter gratings.

Weight load classes

When selecting channel drainage, it’s crucial that you consider the weight-loading requirements before deciding which system to place in a specific area. Loading requirements are categorised into six standard classes, which are:

• A15 – Light duty, pedestrian areas; gardens, patios, and driveways
• B125 – Driveway for family cars, vans, and 4x4s.
• C250 – Parking sides and small private car parks
• D400 – Roadways; High traffic, public car parks.
• E600 – Industrial, loading bays, cargo handling area.
• F900 – Extreme Duty Applications; Docks and airports.

If you want drainage channel solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. 

A blocked drain results when anything becomes lodged in the pipes and prevents proper water flow. It’s like when a boba clogs a straw, and you can’t drink through it. A similar thing can happen in the pipes that eliminate water from our toilets, sinks, and showers. The water cannot drain properly when plugged, and it may overflow or take a long time. Clogs may happen by flushing so much toilet paper, food, or hair. It is critical to unblock congested drains so that water can flow freely once more. Drain jams are a frequent household annoyance that can have an important impact on both individuals and the larger community. Although these obstacles appear insignificant at first glance, they can have several negative effects beyond simple uneasiness. This topic explores the negative effects of blocked drains and illustrates how they affect infrastructure, health, hygiene, and the environment.

Blocked drains can arise for many reasons, including the buildup of debris and foreign objects. Materials like hair, soap scum, food particles, plastics, and grease can build up inside the drain pipes over time, causing blockages. Improper disposal of waste materials is a significant human cause of blocked pipes. Pieces of stuff such as wet wipes, cotton balls, dental floss, sanitary products, paper towels, and small plastic stuff are often carelessly discarded into drains and toilets, hindering water flow. Non-biodegradable items like wet wipes and paper towels flushed down the toilet can also cause sewage system obstructions. Pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink can solidify and tighten the pipe, disrupting water flow. Aged or damaged pipes can be another cause of blockages. Corrosion, cracks, or pipe failures can reduce water flow or complete blockage. Misaligned pipe sections can create areas where solid waste accumulates, leading to blockages. Understanding these causes can help prevent blocked drains and the associated inconveniences.

Let’s move on to the consequences and negative impacts of blocked drains as we address the causes earlier. Firstly, in our bodies. Blocked drains may provide a place for dangerous germs, viruses, and pests, impacting someone’s hygiene and health. Water stagnant because of barriers provides a favorable environment for bacteria, raising the risk of illnesses and disease. In addition to lowering indoor air quality, foul smells from clogged drains can make people feel uncomfortable and have respiratory problems. Next is infrastructure damage. It is when drains are clogged; excess water may back up and exert pressure on the plumbing system. This pressure can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and property damage.

Additionally, the accumulation of trashes in drains can erode pipes over time, compromising the integrity of the entire drainage network. Another major implication is environmental concerns because blocked drains can overflow wastewater into nearby water bodies, such as rivers or lakes, causing pollution. Contaminants carried by the excess, including chemicals and debris, can harm aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the balance of marine life and compromising water quality. And lastly, economic impact. The economic consequences of blocked drains are twofold. Firstly, individuals may experience expenses for repairs and maintenance. Secondly, the community bears the burden of increased healthcare costs due to the spread of waterborne diseases. Additionally, infrastructure damage caused by blocked drains demands public funds for repairs and can lead to troubles in transportation and commerce.

How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

Here our current charges: https://www.drainage.nz/drain-unblocking

Despite seemingly unimportant, blocked drains have major and broad aftermaths. These obstacles impose immediate attention and preventive measures because they put hygiene and health at risk, damaging infrastructure and degrading the environment. People and communities may reduce the risks associated with clogged drains and protect the health of both people and the environment by increasing knowledge of the consequences and carrying out routine maintenance. 

If you need help with drain unblocking, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 

The weather in New Zealand is changing. More and more properties are feeling the effect of our record rain fall as storms like Gabrielle become the norm in this decade. In fact, Aucklanders suffer the wettest month in history! Article Here by NIWA.

This ultimately means that many conventional methods of managing stormwater in the Auckland area may need to be reassessed, revalued and improved.

This of course starts with our Public Systems that are already struggling with the volume of water being managed. Our overwhelmed Stormwater systems are also affecting our Sewer system in the Auckland areas. During heavy rains, this leads to overflowing gully traps and sewage flooding onto lawns and even into properties.

Watercare and council have been tackling cross connection issues for years using methods such as smoke but as they continue to successfully separate stormwater and sewer they are faced with the consequences of this ongoing extreme wet weather.

In the images below, Watercare is testing a suspected private line to ensure SW and SS are not connected together. The apply smoke to the sewer line and if smoke exits the stormwater then there is evidence that the two are connected. It is the home owner’s responsibility to remedy the problem.

Whilst planning and action is underway, it takes time for our councils and government to improve NZ’s infrastructure and in the meantime, where does that leave you as a property owner?

If you property is affected by one of the following scenarios, then you will also be affected by the record rain. Especially homes that were built pre 2000.

Scenarios:

• If a portion of your property is below ground. E.g. The ground outside is higher than the floor inside. The more sides of the property below external ground level, the more flood prone the property is.
• Your property is located down the hill or down a shared driveway. The saying goes, “The property down the hill pays the bill”. Subsoil Solutions required.
• Your property operates a charged water discharge system where downpipes are sealed pushing water upstream.
• Your stormwater discharge is going into a soakhole. Most likely installed in the 70s and most likely never serviced.
• You don’t have a public connection and your SW and SS is combined integrating a Buchan trap.
• Your Garage floor is the lowest point and does not offer a step up.
• You rely on external channels and residential cesspits that are not doing a great job.
• Damaged and blocked drains needing constant Drain Unblocking.

If any of the above applies to you, you have come to the right company to assist with solutions that are not only permanently effective but also affordable.

Thanks to our expertise, over 100 homes in the Auckland area alone will never flood again!

Our engineered solutions are unique and designed to give you confidence. Give us a ring on 0800 DRAINLAYER and solve your flooding problems once and for all.

We also provide insurance report and provide building inspections services to identify flood risk prior to buying a property.

Current Jobs, Drainage NZ is providing solutions for:

Flooding Garage Remuera (channels)

Flooding Basement West Auckland

Subsoil Drainage To Flooding Granny Flat in Panmure

Flooding Under Home In Grey Lyn

Flooding inside Home North Shore

Drainage NZ is proud to announce that we are now an approved drainage contractor for Veolia. This certificate allows Drainage NZ to provide its wastewater services to the Papakura district public assets. Drainage NZ brings over 20 years of drainlaying and wastewater expertise to the community of Papakura, providing competitive pricing without compromising quality.

What is Veolia?

Since 1997 Veolia has maintained and operated the water and wastewater infrastructure of the Papakura District. Papakura, Takanini, Drury, and the Hingaia Peninsula all rely on the Veolia for essential lifeline services. Typically, water and wastewater services in Auckland are managed by Watercare. However, the task of providing water and wastewater services for more than 1.7 million Kiwis proved to be too daunting. So, in 1997, Watercare awarded a first of its kind contract to Veolia to become, at the time, the only private sector water and wastewater provider in New Zealand. Picked for their focus on sustainability and high standards, Veolia brought their international expertise to New Zealand to effectively manage the water and waste of thousands of kiwi homes.

Who are we?

Drainage NZ has been a name in the drainage game for the past 20 years. Our expertise and experience have awarded us membership to the Master Drainlayers, as well as certifications from Watercare, Auckland City, and Manukau City. Our exceptional team of qualified drainlayer’s has gained the trust of millions of Kiwis, making us a preferred provider for all commercial, residential and public drainage services.

What commercial, residential & public services do we provide to Auckland?

–         Drainage Services, including sewers and stormwater.

–         Drain unblocking.

–         Subsoil Drainage.

–         Basement flooding.

–         Council Drainage.

–         Manholes

–         CCTV Surveys

–         Thrusting Services

Drainage NZ takes a diligent approach to every job, no matter the size. We always locate all existing services before undertaking any drainage or drilling work. We locate and mark existing power, gas, water, drainage, telecom, and power lines to ensure a safe and non-destructive job.

Drainlaying in New Zealand is a licenced industry requiring drainlayers to be qualified and registered to provide services. Furthermore, Auckland requires drainlayers to hold additional certifications for any work on public wastewater systems. Drainage NZ holds a range of certificates from several New Zealand and Auckland drainlaying authorities, including:

–         Master Drainlayers

–         Certifying Drainlayers

–         ALC registered.

–         Auckland City registered.

–         Manukau City registered.

–         Watercare registered.

–         Sitesafe registered.

These certifications mean Drainage NZ is qualified and trusted to perform any job on public wastewater systems in the greater Auckland area, except for Papakura, for which Drainage NZ has lacked proper certification… until now. Adding to our list, Drainage NZ has become Veolia approved. This means Drainage NZ can now provide its master class services to the entire greater Auckland region.

How do you get approved by Veolia?

To gain approval from Veolia a drainlaying company must provide sufficient evidence demonstrating relevant skills, experience, and knowledge of drainlaying and wastewater systems. With 20 years of experience and practice in the industry, and years of experience working under Watercare NZ, the application process was quick and stress-free. In 2021, after analysing our previous wastewater work, and confirming our registration as drainlayers, Veolia approved Drainage NZ to work on Papakura public wastewater services.

Examples of what services we can now provide:

Not all drainage services require approval from local water and wastewater providers, however more complex work such as wastewater services do require certification. Veolia is the provider of wastewater services to Papakura and a few surrounding regions, meaning, Drainage NZ is now able to provide wastewater services to more Kiwis than ever.

Services we can now provide to the Papakura area:

–         Manhole installations

–         Council and Public drainage connections and installations

–         Design and council support

Any drainlaying service requiring interaction with existing public wastewater infrastructure in Papakura can now be undertaken by Drainage NZ. Drainage NZ has provided these services to Auckland for years, but now with Veolia approval, we can extend our wastewater services to Papakura.

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An example of a future project now possible in Papakura is a new manhole installation. Most manhole work is considered public work, requiring correct certification. Installing a new manhole involves connecting to an existing wastewater pipeline. These pipes are managed by Veolia in Papakura, so only Veolia-approved service providers are legally able to make these connections.

Drainage NZ is proud to be able to now provide all of our services to the entirety of the greater Auckland area. Partnership with Veolia means taking on board its commitment to the community and taking responsibility for providing honest quality services to the people of Papakura.

Our technicians are eager to get to work. If you are in Papakura looking for competitively priced wastewater services, Drainage NZ is happy to provide you with an expert quality service enjoyed by Auckland for the last 20 years. For inquiries or a quote call us at 0800 372 465 or contact us here.

Moisture issues can be a drag, especially if you’re just starting out in your new home. Usually, moisture problems are solved with the right foundations and wall treatment with the appropriate drainage system. If you need Auckland moisture testing, then you’ve come to the right place. We have our own specialized tools to test for moisture. Plus, we provide solutions that last a lifetime, not just for a few years.

Moisture testing can be tricky. You can Do-It-Youself (DIY) or hire experts to do it for you. Keep in mind that going down the DIY route may cause more harm than good if you’re not familiar with the task at hand.

These are the things we do during Moisture Testing in Auckland:

• Pre-home-purchase survey home moisture testing,
• Damp basement moisture tests,
• Leaky home building testing, and
• Post flood drying test.

Protect Your Family’s Health and Safety

Building moisture in any home or building is almost always at the top of the list of the most common problems uncovered during home inspections for buyers. Building moisture, especially in the basement and attic, is usually overlooked during home moisture testing. If you have moisture problems in your home, then you need to find an expert in home moisture testing.

Usually after flooding in an area, people tend to think that the surface looks and feels dry; hence, it must be dry. This is so far from the truth. Floodwater tends to get into everything – skirting board, wall cavities, jib, dry carpet, and flooring.

Even though the surfaces look dry and can be dried using dehumidifiers or fans, more often than not, there are moisture problems in these areas.

The truth of the matter is, the real problem is the hidden moisture, which can’t always be visible to the naked eye. Left unchecked, this will cause mold to grown in areas that you can’t see, which will cause damage to your house leaving rotting areas, long term mold, and unpleasant smells in your home. You will need the help of experts to dry your carpet, walls, and cavities.

Mould Testing and Removal

Excessive moisture in your house can lead to inconvenient and unwanted problems such as rotted framing, odors, foundation movement, structural pests, as well as allergy causing molds. In fact, some molds may cause cancer so you need to take this problem seriously.

Mold Moisture Test

Mold tends to grow in areas where it has food and water, which are usually found in buildings. The mold growth reveals the excess home moisture, which may be caused by leaking water pipes, flooding, and other building materials.

Mould Release Toxins Resulting In Health Effects, Including:

• Allergies,
• Asthma and Other Breathing Disorders,
• Eye, Nose, and Sore Throat,
• Skin Problems,
• Fatigue, and
• Headache

Moisture Meter Probe Tests

Moisture probes and no evasive moisture meters are effective for testing inside the building material or structure.

Here are 7 steps to manually check the moisture problem in your house:

1. Carefully check the wall surface.

Look for discoloration in the surface, including yellowing material or rounded brown spots. Also, black discolorations that are often furry will indicate mold and mildew growths. Check also the wall texture for peeling paint, warping, or buckling surfaces.

2. Slightly push on the wall to check how it feels.

Drywall that’s moisture damaged will feel soft and spongy. Meanwhile, wood-sheathed walls might feel a bit solid, even if there’s a moisture problem. You can use a butter knife or screwdriver to scrape across the surface or poke into the wall to reveal damaged wood.

3. Smell-test the wall for moisture.

Wet wall interiors are the favorite environment for mildew and mold to grow. It’s dark and moist, with lots of food available for the fungus. The more moisture there is in your walls, the faster the mold grows, leading to wood rot. Musty smelling walls are sure sign of moisture problem. Get your nose closer to the wall interior by removing the faceplate from a wall outlet, which helps you discover the problem faster.

4. Drill holes into the wall.

You will need to drill two small holes, about 3/16 inches in diameter and about 1 inch apart, into the wall. You can work from the house interior or exterior both methods work. Outside, drill a hole that’s deep enough to pass through the siding without drilling into the exterior wall sheathing. Once inside, drill through the wall, past the vapor barrier and into the insulation.

5. Insert the probes from a probe moisture meter into the bored holes.

Turn the meter on.Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read the moisture content display. You will need to adjust the probes to get a steady reading and accurate results. Take several readings, for instance, 3 readings in 30 minutes.

6. Compare the reading to ideal moisture levels.

Zero moisture is not practical or even realistic. Any wood that’s been used to frame a house should have a certain amount of moisture. Normal readings should measure around 7 to 13 percent moisture. In fact, slightly higher readings may be normal for your house. However,extremely high readings need immediate attention.

7. Fill the test holes if moisture levels are normal inside your wall.

Following the test, if visual and mechanical readings indicate normal moisture levels within your wall, fill the test holes. Then squirt colored or clear silicone caulk into the hole from outside to fill it and make it waterproof. Use wood putty or spackling compound and drywall tape to cover hopes inside the house. However, if your moisture test is positive, you need to tear off the wall sheathing to repair the wall interior, as needed.

You can do these steps yourself in a DIY manner. However, if you want professional Auckland moisture testing for basement flooding in your house or building, call us and we’ll send you a quote right away. We have our own specialized tools to test for moisture and provide solutions that last a lifetime. Book an Auckland moisture testing with us today.

Drainage NZ have been providing residential and commercial drainage services for over a decade successfully. Drainage works more than often require concrete cutting, driveway removal, and demolishing of existing landscape, including retaining walls.

Once all drainage works are complete, these areas need to be reinstated. What’s even more important is that reinstatement should complement the newly installed drainage system.

Whether it’s a new subsoil installation or a repair or replacement of storm water and sewer lines, these reinstatement and landscaping works need to be done correctly. This got us thinking!

Since we have all the expertise, machinery and manpower, we can offer our customers these services directly. We save you thousands of dollars and ensure a third-party contractor does not undermine the new drainage system.

As such, we have already started providing these services to dozens of clients to this extent and they extremely satisfied with the result! We officially offer the following service to New or Existing clients:

Volcanic Rock Walls

Also known as Lava Rock Walls, Volcanic Rock Walls are walls built from volcanic rocks. There are many ways to build volcanic rock walls. Many contractors use bigger rocks at the bottom and pile smaller rocks on top while others prefer to layer smaller rocks at the bottom and build the wall using bigger volcanic rocks on top.

These volcanic rock walls are lovely to look at and provide a wonderful backdrop for gardens and swimming pools. They are pleasing to the eyes and unique in their own rights. You will need access to lava rocks in order to build one.

You can use volcanic rock walls for your house. They offer a beautiful alternative to old-fashioned cement and concrete. Some people build desert houses using lava rock as their foundation.

Volcanic rock walls are gaining popularity in mainstream architecture as they provide a wonderful alternative to boring old walls.

If you’re thinking about building volcanic rock walls, there are a myriad of options found online that you can use for your construction plans. I suggest you explore those options first before you start building your lava rock walls. Better yet, call us and we will build your volcanic rock walls for you at an affordable price.

Concrete Driveways (Exposed Aggregate, Polished or Brushed Finished)

Concrete Driveways are a favorite of both professional installers and homeowners alike. Concrete slabs are durable and strong and they require little to no maintenance. They last longer than other materials, which is why most people choose to build concrete driveways in their homes and offices.

Concrete is more expensive than asphalt and gravel – although it is definitely cheaper than using cobblestone, brick, or concrete pavers. Concrete outlasts these other materials, making it the more practical choice if you want longevity and cost cutting in the long run.

You have three choices for concrete use: exposed aggregate, polished, or brushed finished.

Also known as decorative concrete, exposed aggregate concrete uses natural stones from quarries and riverbeds that are hand-seeded into a concrete base. It’s durability and classy look makes exposed aggregate concrete the perfect choice for patios, pool decks, walkways, driveways, commercial entryways, etc.

Polished concrete is processed using a series of mechanically ground polishing or grinding steps similar to terrazzo production. Polished concrete is an eco-friendly, “green” flooring system that’s LEED approved.

Brushed finished concrete is a type of finish that is in contrast to finished concrete, which has a smooth finish. Although smooth finished concrete is standard, more and more builders now go for the brushed finished concrete finish.

Whichever you choose, we can do it for you.

Concrete Cutting and Removal

Concrete cutting and removal requires that the area is cleared of debris and other objects that may hinder movement of the people involved. Items that may be damaged by dust or concrete fragments need to be covered with protective sacks or mats.

You can cut and remove concrete yourself using a sledgehammer. However, you will need to be very careful as accidents may occur using power tools. You need to break down the concrete into smaller parts to be able to remove it. You also need to cut away steel reinforcements. After that, you will need to remove and dispose of the concrete that you have unearthed.

Cutting and removing concrete may require professional help as you need someone who knows how to handle the power tools needed to cut and remove said concrete. You will need to hire an expert to do this for you.

We provide this service for you at a low cost. We will cut and remove any concrete material that you wish to eliminate from your premises.

Paving and Soakage Capable Landscaping (To Accommodate Subsoil Drainage)

Pavements are outdoor floor or superficial surface covering. Paving materials include concrete, asphalt, stones like cobblestones, flagstone, and artificial stone, tiles, or bricks.

Landscape architecture categorizes pavements as part of the hardscape used on patios, road surfaces, courtyards, and sidewalks.

Soakage Capable Landscaping allows for the disposal of storm water through a private in-ground soakage system to be maintained by the property owner.

Soakage systems require an overland flow path that caters to the storm water overflow in accordance with the design standard requirements for soakage systems.

Paving and soakage capable landscaping is designed to accommodate subsoil drainage in your area.

We also provide paving services. All you have to do is ask.

Surface Water Management

Surface Water Management is designed to prevent surface water flooding, which occurs when heavy storms overwhelms your local drainage systems and capacity.

Surface water management requires coordinated action by people and groups who manage land, river, and drainage systems in your area.

This project investigates local flooding from drains, sewers, runoff from land, and groundwater during heavy rainstorms in your area.

Surface water flooding happens when rain brought about by heavy storms overwhelms your local drainage systems.

We provide surface water management as one of our services. You can count on us to help prevent flooding in your area by installing a drainage system that can handle surface water flooding.

As it happens, every job we complete requires some final touches, which include some of the services listed above. Our prices are extremely sharp and our finishing is exquisite!

In theory, a basement built in decent, free-draining ground conditions will stay dry. But if there’s a build-up of water in the ground surrounding the basement, the water will penetrate the floor and walls through any cracks, joints or structural weaknesses in the basement. This water ingress can lead to mould growth, decay and leaking.

For obvious reasons, a basement needs some form of waterproofing to prevent damp-related issues that could lead to more serious structural problems.

Waterproofing Membranes

The easiest known method of basement waterproofing is applying an external membrane or liquid coating on the outside and/or inside of the wall to create a hydrophobic barrier.

Some waterproofing membranes are “stick-on” plastic sheets that are inexpensive and quite simple to apply. However, these membranes can easily lose adhesion when things get wet on site or when there is high humidity during application. These can also be damaged during backfilling operation or incorrectly installed by the contractor. A better option is a “paint-on” waterproofing membrane, which has less room for builder error and last a long time. These tanking membranes can be easily applied using a paint brush, roller or trowel.

Just like paint, there are different types of waterproofing membranes made for different structures and soil conditions.

For example, Cemix Crystalproof is a crystalline material which waterproofs and protects concrete in-depth. It can be used for both internal and external waterproofing of any structurally sound concrete (new or old), including moist or green concrete. Its ultra-strength bond ensures long-term protection even when subjected to high water pressure.

On the other hand, Aquastop is best used for concrete, block and masonry surfaces. It’s most suited for inside concrete block basements as it can withstand pressure from a head of water (hydrostatic pressure) and keeps internal areas dry, though it can also be applied externally.

For concrete block walls, retaining walls and timber posts, a stable flexible bituminous emulsion like Bituproof Plus works best as it does not creep under heat or slump in vertical surfaces. However, this product is only suitable for use on the positive side of the wall where water or moisture can enter the structure.

Elastomeric membranes like Cemix Rubberguard are an innovative waterproofing solution that offers the best durability. When applied systematically and allowed to cure completely, these membranes make basement walls impermeable to water, chemical vapours and subterranean gases. Rubberguard, in particular, has excellent adhesion properties over concrete, masonry, cement sheeting, renders, plaster board and wet area sheet surfaces.

Sealants and Joint Treatments

Other considerations in using basement tanking membranes are sealing active leaks or cracks and ensuring the corners and joints are also protected.

Crystalproof and Aquastop can both be used to seal minor cracks up to 0.4mm. Bigger cracks can be filled with the Cemix Quick Patch repair mortar. Block walls and floors with rising damp can be cured instantly using a nano-technology sealer like Cemprotect, which penetrates hydrophobic protection treatment for all cementitious substrates including natural and artificial stone. It’s designed to protect concrete from gradual water damage and enhance the effectiveness of the waterproofing membrane.

For the corners, pipes and joints, there are elastic bands and seal tapes specifically made for these volatile areas. The ones from Cemix Safeguard range are high-strength and tear resistant, offering long-term sealing protection.

Are Paint-on Tanking Membranes the Solution?

Paint-on membranes have the advantage of low in-place cost, quick application and excellent elongation. When applied correctly, they can last for decades. The chief disadvantage to them is the possible inconsistency in coverage. It takes careful application to achieve the minimum coverage thickness of 60mils.

Moreover, it’s good to remember that these cheap methods only manage the symptom rather than treat the cause. If you don’t solve the root of the problem, groundwater will still seep into anything that’s not 100% structurally perfect, including a tanking membrane that has not been applied properly.

So what’s a good basement waterproofing design?

It should include a system for removing excess water from the soil surrounding your property. An effective yet unobtrusive method is to install subsoil drainage, wherein drainage pipes are installed underground to intercept and convey subsurface or seepage water.

Benefits of subsoil drainage:

• Protection from water damage
• Increases stability of the ground and soil strength
• Reduces foundation movements caused by the variations in the soil moisture content

The subsoil drainage system is ideally installed around the perimeter of your home so that the water gets drained before it reaches the foundation. If you have a retaining wall, it’s a good idea to locate the drainage pipe behind it to relieve hydrostatic pressure. The important thing to remember is to place the system above the natural water table so you’ll drain away the surface water, instead of groundwater.

The most common type of subsoil drainage is a special geotextile-covered pipe. The pipe has a number of perforations which allows water to be drained away to enter. The geotextile covering stops soil and other particles from going into the pipe and clogging it up. A simpler type of subsoil drainage is buried rocks or pebbles, which acts as a free draining system. The subsoil drainage must discharge water into a cesspit or holding pit, where any debris is cleaned out, before overflowing into an approved point of outfall such as soakholes, a curb discharge or an existing stormwater system.

To prevent clogging, the drain pipes should be at least 7.5mm in diameter and the trenches should be 300mm-wide at the very least. Drain envelopes are installed around a subsoil drain to provide structural bedding for the pipe and increase the effective surface area of the drain.

The Verdict

Basement waterproofing membranes are great if you need a quick fix that is inexpensive. But the fact is they don’t solve the problem at all and there’s still a risk of running into bigger problems later that costs more to repair.

Installing a subsoil drainage system should tackle the problem at its roots. If you need more information about it, call us on 0800 372 465.