Basement Waterproofing in Plymouth, New Hampshire, by Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems.
Challenge
A homeowner in Plymouth, New Hampshire, reached out to Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems after years of dealing with a wet, musty basement—especially during heavy rains and spring snowmelt.
Water was seeping in along the wall–floor joint and through several small cracks in the poured concrete walls. Puddles formed along the perimeter; the lower edges of stored cardboard boxes were consistently damp, and a persistent musty odor made the family hesitant to finish or even regularly use the space.
They wanted a permanent waterproofing solution that would:
- Keep the basement dry in all seasons
- Protect their belongings
- Allow them to confidently plan for future finishing
Solution
A certified waterproofing specialist from Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems performed a complete interior and exterior inspection of the basement and property.
Inside, the inspection revealed:
- Active seepage at the cold joint where the floor meets the walls
- Damp staining along sections of the walls, showing a history of moisture intrusion
- An old, shallow sump pit with a basic pump that cycled frequently and struggled to keep up during storms
Outside, the specialist noted:
- Downspouts and surface water draining too close to the foundation
- No dedicated protection on the discharge line, leaving it vulnerable to freezing during New Hampshire’s cold winters
Based on these findings, the team recommended a comprehensive waterproofing system to manage groundwater, protect the walls, and ensure year-round reliable pumping and discharge. To permanently solve the water intrusion issues and prepare the home for future finishing, Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems installed a customized system that included:
- WaterGuard® Interior Drainage System
A perimeter WaterGuard drain was installed along the interior wall–floor joint to collect water leaking in at the base of the walls and beneath the slab. This system quietly and efficiently directs water to the new sump pump, keeping it out of sight along the basement perimeter. - TripleSafe® Sump Pump System
The old, inefficient sump pit was replaced with a TripleSafe sump pump system. Featuring a primary pump, a backup pump, and a battery-powered backup, TripleSafe provides multiple layers of protection—keeping the basement dry even during power outages or extreme weather events. - CleanSpace® Wall System
The crew installed the CleanSpace wall system along the affected basement walls. This bright, durable vapor barrier not only helps control moisture and humidity coming through the walls, but also directs any wall seepage down into the WaterGuard system. It immediately improved the basement's appearance and set the stage for future finishing. - IceGuard® Discharge Line Protection
To handle harsh Plymouth winters, IceGuard fittings were installed on the sump pump discharge line. These specialized fittings allow water to escape even if the exterior line freezes or becomes blocked by snow or ice—preventing backups into the basement. - LawnScape™ Outlet
At the end of the discharge line, a LawnScape outlet was added. This low-profile, lawn-safe outlet directs water away from the foundation while blending into the yard, reducing the risk of water recirculating back toward the home.
This integrated approach addressed drainage, pumping, wall moisture, and exterior discharge protection as a complete system.
After the system was installed, the homeowner immediately noticed a difference. The basement:
- Stayed dry through multiple rainstorms and snowmelt events
- Smelled fresher, with significantly reduced mustiness
- Looked brighter and cleaner thanks to the CleanSpace wall system
With the TripleSafe sump and WaterGuard working together—and IceGuard and LawnScape handling discharge outside—the homeowner gained the confidence that their basement would remain dry and usable year-round. For this Plymouth, New Hampshire homeowner, piecemeal fixes were no match for persistent groundwater and seasonal weather. By choosing a comprehensive waterproofing system from Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems—featuring WaterGuard, TripleSafe, CleanSpace, IceGuard, and LawnScape—they now have a dry, healthier, and more valuable basement.
