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Crawlspace Waterproofing in Fairfax: Commercial Project with Complex Utility Lines

When water intrusion threatened the long-term integrity of a commercial building’s crawlspace in Fairfax, VA, DMV Foundation Solutions stepped in with a tailored waterproofing strategy.

The job required precise hand excavation around a maze of utility conduits, custom drainage installation, and structural restoration—all without damaging a single system or disrupting operations.

Customer -
Kevin B.
Exterior foundation wall being waterproofed with waterproof membrane application and drainage preparations at building perimeter

The Challenge – Ongoing Water Intrusion in a Commercial Crawlspace

The new owner of a commercial building in Fairfax inherited a serious crawl space issue: chronic water intrusion that past contractors had failed to solve.

The space was tight, packed with sensitive infrastructure, including over 20 utility conduits, and surrounded by a concrete sidewalk. Due to the difficulty and risk, other companies declined the job.

silt all over the floor due to water intrusion
ineffective attempts to dry out area by previous companies

Crawlspace Inspection Findings: Utility Obstacles, Soil Saturation, and High-Risk Excavation

The crawlspace was narrow, with difficult access. Years of water intrusion had deposited heavy layers of dirt and silt.
The numerous conduits exiting the building wall made conventional excavation nearly impossible. A traditional approach would have jeopardized critical electrical, water, and communication systems.

Our Exterior Waterproofing Solution: Precision Excavation and Custom Drainage Installation

Our team adapted our exterior waterproofing process to fit this unique and delicate environment:
  • Broke and removed the sidewalk slab along the affected foundation section
  • Hand-dug all excavation to carefully work around over 20 utility conduits
  • Excavated to the footing depth while preserving conduit integrity
  • Sealed the foundation wall with commercial-grade waterproofing membrane
  • Installed a robust footing drain system to redirect water
  • Installed a high-capacity sump pump system inside the crawlspace
  • Repoured the concrete sidewalk to its original condition
This hybrid solution eliminated water intrusion while protecting every utility.
excavated tarp due to rain

The Outcome – A Clean, Dry, and Protected Crawlspace

The project was completed without damaging any utilities. The building’s crawlspace is now dry, the wall is fully sealed, and the drainage system is operating efficiently. The restored sidewalk blended in seamlessly, and the property owner praised the professionalism, cleanliness, and precision of our crew.

Waterproofing Warranty and Support: Long-Term Protection and Owner Peace of Mind

This project, like all our exterior waterproofing work, is covered under a multi-year workmanship and system warranty.
We remain available to inspect, maintain, or modify the system should anything change in the future.

Why This Project Stands Out

Customized Waterproofing for Challenging Commercial Spaces

This case proves that waterproofing solutions don’t have to be one-size-fits-all.
Even with limited space and complex infrastructure, DMV Foundation Solutions delivers clean, code-compliant, and long-lasting systems that protect buildings from the ground up.

What the Homeowner Said

“I was not only surprised at how careful they were to not damage any of the conduits coming out of the building but also at how clean they were able to keep everything… everything appears to be working as it should and we’re very pleased we were finally able to get this issue resolved.”

Gallery

ineffective attempts to dry out area by previous companies
excavated tarp due to rain
silt all over the floor due to water intrusion
exterior area building being waterproofed

FAQs

Q: Can you waterproof around utility lines and tight spaces?
A: Yes. Our team specializes in working in constrained areas and around sensitive infrastructure with minimal disruption.

A: Exterior systems stop water at the source, before it enters your foundation. In tight crawlspaces like this one, it’s often the only viable solution.

A: Absolutely. We carefully remove and replace surfaces like sidewalks or patios to restore them after installation.

Contact DMV

If your basement is still leaking, even after a previous repair, let’s talk. Our inspections are free, and our solutions are built to last.

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