What to check around a Coquitlam home
Check 1
Trace roof water separately
Confirm where each downspout discharges. Coquitlam's drainage rules say roof drains must not connect to perimeter foundation drains, so roof runoff should not be assumed to share the same path as the footing system.
Check 2
Document the foundation route
Locate cleanouts, the sump or gravity outlet, and any visible discharge point. Ask the assessor to explain whether the symptom points to a blockage, damaged pipe, surface source, or wall penetration.
Check 3
Check before excavation
Excavation, plumbing changes, and alterations to drainage can trigger permit or inspection requirements. Confirm the proposed scope with the City before work is concealed or backfilled.
Local drainage and permit context
For larger renovations, Coquitlam advises homeowners to consider the location, depth, and condition of drainage services. Its roof-drainage guide also identifies storm drainage as permit work and foundation drain tile as part of the building inspection process.
Municipal guidance changes and a rule for new construction may not apply to a maintenance repair. Confirm the address, scope, permits, and inspections directly with the municipality before work begins.
Official Coquitlam references
Use these municipal sources to verify drainage, flood, and permit questions. Wet Basement Repair BC is an independent research directory and is not affiliated with the municipality.
Repair approaches to compare
The right scope should follow the diagnosed source. Compare proposals by the water path they address, the drainage outlet they rely on, required inspections, restoration exclusions, maintenance, and written warranty terms.
Wet basement repair
A problem-first repair path that starts with the water entry mechanism instead of jumping straight to a single product or method.
Basement waterproofing
A broad term for controlling recurring water intrusion with interior, exterior, or combined drainage and sealing methods.
Foundation crack repair
Focused repair for leaking or stable foundation cracks, with the method chosen according to whether the crack is only leaking or also moving.
Exterior foundation waterproofing
Excavation-based waterproofing that stops water before it reaches the wall by rebuilding the foundation’s outside protection layer.
Interior drainage systems
A perimeter collection system that catches seepage inside the basement and moves it to a sump or discharge point.
Crawlspace encapsulation
A moisture-control approach for crawlspaces that combines sealing, drainage, and humidity management instead of leaving the space open to soil moisture.