In Maumee, OH, many homeowners deal with foundation settlement and water intrusion, especially in older homes with Michigan ledge basements. This type of construction, while solid, can become vulnerable to soil movement and moisture issues over time. Recently, a Maumee homeowner contacted Toledo Basement Repair after noticing cracks in their basement walls and signs of soil erosion under the parge coat. Upon inspection, our team found both a settling foundation and the absence of a sump pump, two issues that, if ignored, could lead to serious structural and water damage.
Identifying the Problem
The homeowner reached out after seeing uneven floors and visible wall cracks both inside and outside their basement. During our inspection, we discovered that the Michigan ledge basement had begun to settle due to unstable soil conditions. The parge coat used to smooth and seal the basement walls was deteriorating as soil washed away from underneath it. Without a sump pump system in place, groundwater had no proper drainage path, increasing hydrostatic pressure and further compromising the foundation.
Crafting the Right Solution
To address both structural and waterproofing concerns, Toledo Basement Repair developed a two-part solution: Helical Foundation Footings and a GrateProducts™ Closed Sump System.
1. Helical Pier Installation
Our crew began by excavating the exterior soil along the affected wall using heavy machinery. This allowed us to access the compromised footing. We then installed six Helical Piers engineered steel shafts with helical plates designed to anchor deep into stable, load-bearing soil (approximately 21 feet deep in this case). Each pier’s load capacity was carefully analyzed to ensure long-term stability.
Once the piers reached the proper depth and torque resistance, lifting brackets were attached to the existing foundation. These brackets allowed us to carefully lift and stabilize the structure back toward its original position, halting further settlement. The system effectively transferred the home’s weight to stable subsoil layers, ensuring lasting support.
After stabilization, we backfilled the excavated area with native soil to preserve natural drainage and prevent unnecessary stress on the new system.
2. Sump Pump Installation
Next, our team installed a GrateProducts™ Closed Sump System a key step to managing groundwater and maintaining a healthy basement environment. The system included:
Two GrateSump™ Liners (crocks)
A 1/3 hp FastSump™ Pump placed on a pedestal to prevent premature wear from sediment buildup
A silent check valve connected to a buried discharge line leading to a shallow drainage basin (Bubbler Pot) approximately 10 feet away from the house
A high-water alarm to alert the homeowner of any potential water level issues
This closed-loop sump system helps control groundwater, stop soil gas infiltration, and reduce humidity, ensuring the basement remains dry and safe for years to come.
Delivering Lasting Results
After completing the project, the Maumee homeowner noticed immediate improvements—no more visible cracks widening, no uneven floors, and most importantly, a dry basement. The Helical Pier System provided a strong, stable foundation, while the new sump pump setup now prevents water buildup and hydrostatic pressure around the home’s perimeter.
This combination of foundation repair and waterproofing not only restored the structural integrity of the home but also increased its long-term value and energy efficiency. By addressing both issues simultaneously, Toledo Basement Repair helped ensure peace of mind for the homeowner, knowing their basement is both solid and dry.
Conclusion
If you live in Maumee, OH or the surrounding area and have noticed cracks in your walls, sloping floors, or signs of water intrusion, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Toledo Basement Repair specializes in foundation stabilization and sump pump waterproofing systems designed to protect your home from the ground up.
Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and find out how we can restore the strength and safety of your home just like we did for this Maumee family.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.
