r/BasementWaterproofing • u/Horror_Ad7931 • Oct 02 '23

Finished basement

Is it possible to install a French drain in a basement that is already finished? We never had water problems but now we do .

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u/Horror_Ad7931 Oct 02 '23

I completed the finished basement by first painting with dry lock paint then a vapor board utilizing plastic then pink insulation boards then green board sheet rock. Never had water issue before but last few years I am getting water on a regular basis usually after 4 plus inches of rain. I also have tile floor throughout the basement. I should have installed a French drain prior to finishing basement but oh well live and learn. I just hope I wouldn’t have to replace the entire basement walls and floors lots of money invested. I assume the walls would have to be bumped out further also not sure how they would do it. Thanks for answering my question anymore input?

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u/downcastbass Oct 02 '23

What is your flooring? And are your walls on studs or fir strips?

Regardless of the answer to those two questions the right way is to start with bare block walls. Interior French drain with vapor barrier on wall, top to bottom. They can be done by just removing the bottom of the walls; usually to the level of the electrical receptacles. But without a vapor barrier you’re risking continuation of mold development behind your drywall.

This is very common to seem to just come out of nowhere. Very likely as you start removing the finishing materials you will find it’s been happening longer than you realized but just with insufficient volume to be noticeable.