Bentonite/clay/something...

[Chain729]

I've got a moisture problem in my basement and standing water in the backyard. I've also got a negative grade on two sides of the house which needs to get built up to spec- about 8-10 inches at the foundation. The thing is, I don't want to just use top soil since I want to get the water away from the house, not just soaked in the ground. My parents suggested calcium bentonite rather than just clay dirt- which looks like it'll do what I want. Does anyone know where I can get it and about how much it'll cost? Anyone know where I can get a small quantity of clay dirt (about 300-400 cu. ft) and about how much it would cost?

I live in a subdivision with small lots (about 1/8 acre), and I'm toying with the idea of putting in a French drain system (depends on how well building up around the house works). Anyone know what the code is about where to let the water out? My first thought is to plumb it out to the curb and let the county worry about it, but I don't know if that'll cause me problems with them.

 

[punjabigyrl]

What subdivision do you live in? I would get at least 6 estimates then ask around about the guys you talked to and make your final decision.

 

[kom526]

I have a standing water problem in my yard also. My yard, (like so many others in St. M's Co.) is pretty much a solid sheet of clay. I get the standing water right where my sump pump drains out into the yard. I was/am thinking of drilling a hole (I have a tractor w/ an auger) down to about 4 feet and then filling the hole with gravel then topsoil to help alleviate some that issue.

Definitely get the grading done around your foundation! This will help more than you may think. Try getting the pipes that attach to your downspouts to help get water away from the foundation also. Grab yourself a couple of dehumidifiers, Sam's Club had GE 40 pint units for $138.00. We run a 40 pt and 70 pt and the humidity stays around 45%-50%.

As far as finding your calcium bentonite, try calling AAA Materials (Leonardtown) or R.L. Earnshaw (M'ville).

 

[Chain729]

Thanks kom. I'll definately be giving them a call.

The gutters on the house are already plumbed out to the sidewalk. I need to do the same with the ones from the carport and porch.

After taking another look, I'm going to have to take care of the grading problem a bit differently. While I still need to build up the back, I can't build up the front. The height of the dirt at the house in the front- after build up- would leave me with less than 12 inches of clearance before the top of the foundation block. So, with pulling out the high spots in the front, I'm hoping that I get the bulk of build-up material needed to fill in the back- though I'll still use a layer of bentonite if I can get ahold it and if I can find a way to afford it.

Anybody happen to know if any of the local places still allow you to take pick-up loads of fill dirt? I know some places used to.

I will pick up a de-humidifier, but eventually, I'd like to not have to use one. I'd prefer to fix the problem rather than mask it.

If the above solutions don't work, I'm also considering installing a linear french drain in the back.

Of course, the above will take a bit. I'll have to do it by hand since I'm too damn broke to rent a skid loader. Guess this is one of those times where I wish I lived in Omaha and dad was still alive- at least then I could borrow the bobcat that he had.