The basic problems with water occur in the area of the chimney cleanouts, hearths, and in the firebox.

Lower level fireplaces that experience water dripping into the firebox are often easily fixed by installing a cap on the flue at the top of the chimney. Chimney cleanouts, the chimney blocks and hearths on lowerlevel chimneys, commonly fill with ground water.

If the chimney is made of blocks, in the basement, they will often show signs of water by a build up of a white chalky material(efflorescence) on the surface. During heavy rains, open the cleanout doors and with a good light inspect the blocks and the cleanout cavities for water.

Inspect hearths closely for dampness, efflorenscence or seepage.

In basements with an inside footing drain system under the floor, it is a fairly simple process of tapping into the chimney cleanouts and or chimney blocks and draining the water out of the cavities and into the drain system.

Hearthsare similar in that the top of the hearth is removed and the drain system is exposed underneath the floor inside thehearth. The top is then replaced and any water leaking into the hearth will drain into the system under the floor.

In basements where there isn't any drainage system unde rthe basement floor, a portion of the floor should be cut out, in the problem area, and inside drains installed to accommodate the water. These type of drainage systems are usually run into either a gravity line or a sump system.

Hiring a professional will ensure that you get a system that will last, is most suited to your specific needs and is expandable should you have other seepage problems in the future.

Eastern Waterproofing Co., Inc. will be happy to quote this type of work and provide references and a free written proposal.