Bulkhead doors are an important way to access your basement, but they’re also one of the most common sources of basement water problems in New England homes. Whether your home has a precast concrete bulkhead, a metal unit from the 1960s or 70s, or an older block or stone construction, understanding how and why bulkheads fail is key to protecting your basement from leaks and structural damage.
In this episode of the Crackman Podcast, Adam from A-1 Foundation Crack Repair dives into the types of bulkheads that give homeowners the most trouble, and what you can do to fix or prevent costly water intrusion.
Why Do Bulkheads Leak?
Bulkheads are especially vulnerable to water entry because they connect the outside directly to your basement. Over time, they’re subjected to soil pressure, frost heaving, and natural movement of the foundation. This can cause cracks where the bulkhead connects to the home or where precast sections meet.
Older metal bulkheads, especially those installed between the 1960s and mid-1970s, often have underground frames that rust and deteriorate, making repair difficult or even impossible. In these cases, full replacement may be necessary.
How A-1 Foundation Crack Repair Solves Bulkhead Problems
At A-1 Foundation Crack Repair, we use a range of solutions depending on the bulkhead type and the location of the leak. These include:
- Injection sealing at the wall-floor joint or around precast seams
- Sump pump installations beneath the stairs where water rises from below
- Repointing and sealing of masonry around block or stone bulkheads
- Targeted drainage improvements around the bulkhead to reduce saturation
We diagnose each situation carefully—because no two bulkheads are alike.
Serving New England Homes
We’ve repaired bulkhead water issues in thousands of homes across:
If you’re seeing water around your basement stairs, rusted metal frames, or moisture on the floor below your bulkhead, it’s time to take action.
Need Help With a Leaky Bulkhead?
Call A-1 Foundation Crack Repair at 866-929-3171 or request a free estimate today. We’re available 7 days a week to help you protect your basement and your home.