on related issue, i checked out nine mile run for rain barrels. they will install a huge barrel, 130 gallons with overflow & drain, also a diverter to send water down the drain in the winter. the price is $500 as we are not located in their target area. does anyone know of a better deal? Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 13:30:48 -0400 From: arianamangual@gmail.com To: neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com Subject: [Highland Park] basement waterproofing- your responses Hello Neighbors, Thanks to all who responded to my query. Some of you wrote to ask that I share the responses and I've pasted them below. All best, Ariana *** Recommended: 1. We had our basement totally water-proofed last summer by some folks called "EverDry" - you can find them on the internet. They cleaned all the walls, and in our case dug french drains and put in a humidifier. It was not cheap but absolutely worth it - and they were the best workers I have ever had in my home. The whole house was positively affected by drying out the basement. I hadn't realized there was a such a musty smell seeping up from the basement till it was gone. I recommend these folks. They also clean everything up beautifully. 2. I own a home improvement company. I would be happy to come over and point out what I think needs done. Majority time I can remedy the source. And of course there is no charge to see the issues. Give me a call. I have plenty of references from the neighborhood. Tom OCEAN BREEZE H.I. 412-805-5602 3. 2 neighbors wrote the following: Several clients of mine have used Watershield - 412-761-9600. I usually have John come out for the consultation. Everyone has been very pleased. & We used the services of Watershield, 412-761-9600. It has been very successful. Not Recommended: 1. i would recommend you NOT use Ark basement, we had bad experience with them. good luck. 2. Don't use A Better Choice . ..I have had a terrible time with them. My basement is in worse shape now than it was before I had them do the work. Other Considerations: 1. For many of us with our older Highland Park homes, water in the basement is most often due to drainage and/or downspout problems. These are relatively easy to remedy. I’d recommend that you check these off your list before venturing into other possible solutions, as “waterproofing” can quickly get very expensive. 2. A couple of years ago I had water running through my basement wall every time it rained hard. I could see that the ground drain next to my downspout would not drain properly. I tried snaking it myself but without luck. I do not remember the name of the plumber, but they snaked my downspout drain and all has been well since. That may be all that is necessary for you.