Sounds right to me.

Since the typical home basement is only dampproofed with some asphalt cutback, you're doing ok. Maybe try some hydraulic cement around the drainpipe exit. But two cups of water doesn't justify a sump pump.

Unfortunately, this morning there was much more water. Still not a disaster, but a lot more seeped in overnight. I'm going to get a consultation from a waterproofing company, but I'm wary of the hard-sells that industry is infamous for.

"I'm going to get a consultation from a waterproofing company, but I'm wary of the hard-sells that industry is infamous for."

They will propose cutting through the basement slab and installing a sump pump system.

When all you own is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
In this case when you own a concrete saw, any concrete needs cutting.

if it has been very dry wait and see if the leaking stops.
The earth will shrink and provide paths for water movement that will close up when normal moisture returns to the soil.

You can also close up and gaps around the plumbing.

They will propose cutting through the basement slab and installing a sump pump system.

I wonder if this is a regional thing. Around here, the approach I see is: excavate the exterior, install new weepers, gravel and a Delta,-type membrane. Costly, but the better approach by far.

brickeyee, what product is best for closing up the gaps around the plumbing? That's exactly where the leak is. Looks like there's foam along the lines of Great Stuff in there now.

Maybe this? Scroll down to about the middle of the page. I may order one of the other kits to fix a small crack in my fathers basement.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pipe Perforation Mender Kits

Thank you, rwd. I have an appointment with a reputable waterproofing company tomorrow. I'll see what they recommend. Then when they tell me I need a sump pump, I may just order that kit! ;)

Hydraulic cement.

http://www.ugl.com/drylokMasonry/patching/fastPlug.php

"They will propose cutting through the basement slab and installing a sump pump system."

"I wonder if this is a regional thing. Around here, the approach I see is: excavate the exterior, install new weepers, gravel and a Delta,-type membrane. Costly, but the better approach by far."

I agree preventing the water from entering is a better fix than trying to pump it back out.

Mid Atlantic Waterproofing is one of the chief offenders of cutting slabs and installing sump pumps.

Everyone wants quick and easy, with minimal disturbance to landscaping.

The contractor I spoke with proposed packing the joint with rope impregnated with an expanding foam of some kind. It's guaranteed for life -- but it's very expensive ($625). However, that also means they'll come back out and fix it if I ever get water again, and if that doesn't do it, they'll dig it out and membrane it from above (which would involve excavating part of my living room floor -- ick).

I'm awfully handy. I wonder if I can get this product myself and take care of it. I don't really even know where to start, though. At least he didn't try to strong-arm me into a $5k sump pump I don't need.