I have leeking and dampness around the perimiter of floor in basement. The sump pump
is not running anymore than usual. I have had contracter give me est. on replacing drain tile
which is expensive. I called roto roter to come and try and snake it first. Is this something that can work or could it damage the drain tile even more. The house was built in th 60's and is a brick ranch. The foundation is in great shape and no cracks in brick anywhere. Any suggestions? kme

Cracks on the outside are not always visible from inside, and cracks below grade are not always visible above grade. Water can be entering the foundation walls through above-grade openings, or through openings where utilities enter the foundation below grade.

First you should do a hose test, and you may discover where water is entering. If you do, then, and only then, can a solution be chosen. It can't hurt to snake your pipes, but the object of the game is to stop water from entering your foundation, not divert it once it's in.

In Northeast Oh., most sump pumps, pump to the downspouts that feed to the lateral line. The lateral may be combined, storm/sanitary, or may be separate. Laterals are the lines that run the water to the city systems. Often, sudden seepage issues are the result of blocked lateral lines. Most home have a cleanout in the front yard, usually before the side walk, and in the same direct line as the water line. This cleanout is often difficult to locate, but in many cases is the surest/only way to snake or jet the lateral line. Again, in my neck of the woods, the drainage is critical. If you have large trees in your front yard, or tree lawn, roots may be the cause of your water problem. Often, wall cracks or openings will cause leakage into the basement, but not always. If your footer tiles are not functioning properly, then water can rise higher than your basement floor. This creates the necessary pressure to force water into your basement. Water may appear through the walls, the cold joint between the walls and the floor, that waterproofers call the cove, or up through the floor itself. Seepage issues, leakage at the cove or through the floor, can be effectively adressed with a good water control, "inside system". Foundation wall problems, cracking, efflorecence, mold,etc. should be corrected by waterproofing, exterior excavation to the footer. In my opinion, outside waterproofing is always the preferred method, but not always the only method. Take a problem solving approach, as opposed to a system approach and you will receive th correct solution, and probably save alot of money.