- AlexERX
Waterproofing Your Basement: Long-Term Solutions to Keep it Dry
Table of Contents
By ERX – Emergency Restoration Xperts
Look… nobody wants to walk down into their basement and step in a puddle. It’s not just gross, it’s also bad news for your home. Water down there can lead to mold, smells, and even mess with your home’s structure. Not to mention, if you’ve got anything stored down there—yikes.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to be a pro to protect your basement. We’re gonna break it down in a way that actually makes sense. Simple stuff you can do now, and bigger things that help long-term. Ready? Let’s go 💧👇
💦 Why Is My Basement Always Wet?
Before you fix it—you gotta know why it’s happening.
Here are the usual suspects:
- Poor drainage outside your home
- Cracks in basement walls or floors
- High groundwater levels
- Clogged gutters or short downspouts
- Leaks in plumbing pipes
- Heavy rain or melting snow with nowhere to go
Water’s sneaky. Even if you don’t see it, it might still be causing damage behind the scenes.
🛑 Start with These Must-Do Basics
If your basement gets damp sometimes but not every day, here are a few easy wins to help stop water at the source:
✅ Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters overflow and dump water right next to your house. Bad move. Clean ‘em at least twice a year.
✅ Extend Your Downspouts
Make sure water is draining away from the house—at least 4 feet if you can.
✅ Grade Your Yard
The soil around your home should slope away from your foundation. If it slopes toward it, water pools and seeps in.
✅ Check for Plumbing Leaks
Sometimes it’s not rain—it’s a leaky pipe. If one wall or corner is always wet, that could be the cause.
🧱 Seal It Up: Waterproofing from the Inside
If water’s already coming in, it’s time for some basement TLC. Here’s how to block it out from the inside:
🔸 Patch Cracks in Walls and Floors
Use a hydraulic cement or masonry sealer to fill in visible cracks. Don’t ignore even small ones.
🔸 Apply Waterproof Paint
This isn’t just for looks—it’s a thick paint that seals your basement walls and helps block moisture. It works great if your walls “sweat” in humid weather.
🔸 Install a Dehumidifier
Basements love to be damp. A dehumidifier pulls extra moisture out of the air and helps prevent mold from growing.
🚧 Going Big: Exterior Waterproofing Solutions
If your basement keeps flooding or stays damp all year long, you might need to go a step further.
💧 Exterior Drain Tile System
This is a big one—digging around the outside of your house and laying a drainage system that redirects water away from your foundation. It’s not cheap, but it works amazing.
💧 Waterproof Membrane
This is a thick layer added to the outside of your basement walls. It blocks moisture before it even gets close to your home.
💧 French Drain Inside
Don’t want to dig outside? A French drain inside your basement collects water and drains it to a sump pump. Quiet. Powerful. Life-saver during storms.
🌀 Sump Pump = Your Basement’s Best Friend
If you don’t have a sump pump, and your basement floods even once a year… it’s time.
A sump pump sits in a pit and collects water under your basement floor. When the pit fills up, the pump kicks on and sends the water away from your home.
Here’s why you should care:
- It protects against flash floods
- Stops mold before it starts
- Helps lower your home’s humidity
- Keeps your stuff dry
Tip: Always go for a model with battery backup, so it still works if the power goes out during a storm.
🧠 Smart Tips to Keep It Dry All Year
- Check your basement after big storms – Catch problems early
- Store valuables off the ground – Use shelving or waterproof bins
- Use rugs instead of carpet – Easier to clean if water gets in
- Add a water sensor – A small device that alerts your phone if water’s detected (super helpful!)
🧾 Should You Call ERX?
If your basement’s flooding all the time… if it smells musty and you’re worried about mold… or if you’re just tired of dealing with a wet mess—yeah, it’s probably time.
We can inspect the problem, give you real advice, and actually fix it. No pressure. Just facts.
📞 Call ERX – Emergency Restoration Xperts at (866)-217-7903
We’re the folks you call when things get wet… and we make them dry again.
FAQ: Basement Waterproofing
Q: Is basement waterproofing expensive?
A: Depends on the method. Simple fixes like sealing cracks are affordable. Full exterior waterproofing? That can cost more—but it’s a solid investment if you’ve got constant water issues.
Q: How long does waterproofing last?
A: Interior sealants may last 5-10 years. A full exterior system can last 20+ years with proper maintenance.
Q: Can I waterproof my basement myself?
A: You can handle small stuff like applying waterproof paint or sealing tiny cracks. But for drainage systems or sump pump installs? Call the pros.
Q: Will waterproofing stop mold?
A: It helps a lot. Mold needs moisture to grow, so keeping things dry is the best way to stop it before it starts.
Q: Do I need a sump pump AND waterproofing?
A: In many cases, yes. The pump handles water under the floor. The waterproofing handles water on or outside the walls. Together, they’re a powerhouse team.
Bottom Line
A wet basement doesn’t have to be your normal. With a few smart upgrades and some help from ERX, you can keep your space dry, clean, and mold-free.
Whether you’ve got a tiny leak or full-blown water damage, we’ve got you covered.
