Poor grading, clogged buried downspouts and wet creek bottoms all send water into Rittman basements. We sort out the cause, drain it at the footing and warranty the fix for life.
Rittman sits on heavy clay that stretches across northern Wayne County into Medina County, and that soil soaks up rain and gives it back slowly. Homes on the low ground near the Chippewa Creek bottoms deal with a higher water table on top of that. After a wet stretch, the soil around the foundation stays full and water pushes in at the cove joint, through cracks and at old tie-rod holes.
Many Rittman leaks start with the yard more than the basement. Over the years soil settles along the foundation, sidewalks and patios tip toward the house, and flower beds get built up against the siding. Rain that should run away ends up running back to the wall. Buried downspout lines are another common culprit. When they clog with leaves or get crushed by roots, all the water from a roof section dumps into the soil right beside the basement.
Age is only part of the story. Older homes near the center of town have their own worn mortar and failed drain tile, but newer additions leak too when grading, downspouts or the water table work against them. That is why we look at the whole lot before recommending anything. A wet basement in a house built last decade usually traces back to the same few causes as one built long ago.
We start outside because in Rittman that is often where the water begins. We test buried downspout lines and replace clogged ones with above-ground extensions, and we regrade low strips so soil falls away from the walls. Those fixes cut how much water reaches the foundation, sometimes enough on their own for a basement with a light seep.
For basements that still take water, we install an interior drain at the footing tied to a sealed sump, with a membrane over walls that seep. Homes near the creek bottoms get a pump sized for steady spring use and a battery backup. Leaking cracks and tie-rod holes get epoxy or polyurethane injection, and a dehumidifier handles any lingering damp.
In Rittman the water often starts in the yard, so we fix clogged buried downspouts and settled grading first, then add a footing drain and sump sized for lots near the creek bottoms.
A perimeter drain captures water at the wall-floor joint and routes it to your sump before it reaches the floor.
A durable moisture barrier directs wall seepage into the drain and keeps the space dry and bright.
Collected water is moved out and away from your foundation by a high-capacity sump system.
The most common entry points are sealed watertight as part of the complete system.
You work directly with the All American team at every step.
We come out, find where the water gets in and walk you through what we see.
You get a fixed-price plan in plain English, with financing options if you want them.
Our own crew installs the drain, membrane and sump, usually in one to three days.
We test the pump with you and hand over a written, transferable lifetime warranty.
Interior drainage, wall membranes and footing drains that relieve water pressure and stop seepage at the source - keeping your Rittman basement dry for good.
Learn moreBowing walls and settlement cracks stabilized permanently with the Richtech Stabilizer System, carbon-fiber straps, and epoxy/polyurethane crack injection.
Learn moreHigh-capacity sump systems with battery backup and water-alarm monitoring that automatically clear water before it accumulates - even when the power goes out.
Learn moreFrench drains, downspout extensions and regraded surface drainage that move stormwater away from your foundation before it ever reaches your basement.
Learn moreRepair, replacement and maintenance of gutters and downspouts so roof runoff is captured and carried far from your foundation - your first line of defense.
Learn moreCode-compliant egress windows that add a safe emergency exit, flood your basement with natural light, and unlock legal bedroom potential and home value.
Learn morePowerful dehumidification and moisture control that clears musty odors, protects against mold, and turns a damp basement into fresh, comfortable living space.
Learn moreDurable, energy-efficient glass block windows that resist leaks and break-ins while still letting daylight into your basement - a clean, permanent upgrade.
Learn moreRittman is one of our closest communities, just a short drive from our Wadsworth headquarters right across the Medina County line. That proximity means quick scheduling and fast response when a Rittman basement floods, and it is one of the areas we know best.
Because we are practically neighbors, Rittman homeowners get responsive, personal service from a family-owned company that has been at this since 1985. We inspect honestly, quote in writing, and back every repair with a warranty you can transfer when you sell.
Exceptional basement waterproofing, highly recommend. I had an outstanding experience with All American Basement for my basement.
We had our cellar door stairs waterproofed, a drain in the basement and downlines for our gutters installed. The crew was great to work with.
Mike and Ken and the other workers, what can I say? They have gone above and beyond for us. This has been a very challenging job, and Mike the owner has been back several times to make it right.
They could. Buried lines clog with leaves or get crushed by roots, and then all that roof water dumps right beside your foundation. We test them and replace failed lines with above-ground extensions.
Newer homes leak when backfill settles, grading tips toward the house or downspouts empty too close. The local water table can play a part too. We check the yard and basement together to find the cause.
It can. Low ground near the creek has a higher water table, so groundwater rises closer to your slab after wet weather. A footing drain and a sump with battery backup handle it.
Yes. A patio or walk that tips toward your wall sends rain straight to the foundation. We'll check the pitch and suggest regrading or other fixes along with any drainage inside.
Sometimes it's enough for a light seep. If water still gets in after the yard is corrected, an interior drain and sump will handle the rest. We'll tell you honestly which you need.
Outside fixes like downspout extensions are usually the quick part. A full interior drain usually takes one to three days. You'll get the schedule in writing.
Moisture may be seeping through the walls without puddling. We'll check for seepage and humidity. Drainage stops the water, and a dehumidifier clears the smell.
Fix the water and humidity before any framing or drywall goes in. We'll make sure the walls stay dry and leave access to the sump.
Yes. Our lifetime warranty is written and goes to the next owner. It gives buyers a clear answer about the basement and past water, and you'll have the paperwork ready.
All American Basement Waterproofing is based in Wadsworth and has worked in Rittman since 1985. We're family-owned, A+ rated with the BBB, and our own crew does every job. Call (330) 366-3028 for a free inspection.
Rittman is one of the many Wayne County communities we serve - or see our full basement waterproofing service.
Talk to All American today - we'll inspect your Rittman basement or foundation and give you an honest, written estimate at no cost. Family-owned and protecting Northeast Ohio homes since 1985.
24/7 emergency response · Financing available · Transferable lifetime warranty