So, whether it is standing water, discolored walls or simply a musty odor, you have come to suspect that your basement has water problems. If you are like most homeowners in your situation, you have questions. And thankfully, we have some answers. And if you don't find the answer to your question here, let us know, and we can get you a response.

FAQ About Waterproofing Problems

As long as there aren't safety issues, such as the water being high enough to cause electrical problems, the first thing you should try to determine is where the water is coming from. And, start with making sure it isn't a burst pipe or leaking water heater so you know if you have to shut off your water. If the water is coming in from outside, getting a handle on how it is entering can give you a better idea of what is causing your water issues.

Assuming that the water entered from outside and not because of a plumbing issue, there are several options. While concrete is porous enough to sometimes let water seep through, significant water issues usually point to one of three places of entry: wall cracks, slab floor cracks or the cove joint. The cove joint is the place where the slab floor meets the basement wall.

Read more about how to tell which of these is the likely culprit and what that likely means for your waterproofing efforts in this waterproofing article.

The damage tends to fall into three categories: property damage, health problems and quality of life issues. For property damage, water entering your basement can damage or destroy items sitting on the basement floor. If your basement is finished, carpeting and drywall might need to be repaired or replaced. For health problems, water in your basement can lead to mold growth. Mold spores, in turn, can cause or inflame respiratory issues. As for quality of life, you will likely be cleaning up water after every storm. Wet basements also produce a musty odor that can permeate your home.

Mold spores are found in the air around us, but mold won't start growing unless those spores land on a wet surface. A wet basement is going to have plenty of space for it to grow. Learn more about preventing mold in our article, 10 Steps to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Basement.

It is most likely efflorescence. Efflorescence occurs when water seeps into porous materials like bricks or concrete and dissolves mineral salts. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a deposit of salt crystals. While efflorescence is not harmful to you or your home, it can be unsightly and difficult to remove. It can also be a sign that water is pooling against your foundation.

Read more in our article on efflorescence.

Not every damp basement requires a full waterproofing system. Minor moisture problems can sometimes be solved by crack repair or a dehumidifier in the basement or adding downspout extenders outside. It depends on a number of questions, including:

  1. How much water is entering the basement?
  2. How the water is entering the basement?
  3. Is the water causing structural damage?

FAQ About Waterproofing Solutions

A sump pump is a machine that pumps water from a sump pit to a place where it can safely drain away from a home's foundation. It is perhaps the most well-known part of an interior drainage system.

It is important to know that a sump pump is only one part of a waterproofing system. It doesn't matter if you have a sump pump if the water isn't flowing into your sump pit. That is why sump pumps are generally accompanied by laying drain tile around the perimeter of the basement or crawl space. The tile collects the water that flows from weep holes in block walls or through your basement's cove joint and drains it into the sump pit.

That is the dilemma with sump pumps. You generally need them most during a storm, but if the power goes out, it will stop working. That is why many people opt to have a battery backup pump. The backup will continue pumping water even when the power is out, keeping your basement dry.

This depends partly on if water pressing against the wall is what caused the cracks to form in the first place. If it is, then new cracks will eventually form if you don't take care of the hydrostatic pressure on the wall. All you are doing then is delaying the inevitable.

If you have an interior drainage system installed, the perimeter of the slab floor will need to be excavated to lay the drain tile. Once the system is in place, the tile will be covered with concrete, repairing the slab. Anything around the perimeter of the basement will need to be removed.

Exterior waterproofing combining drainage tile with waterproofing the exterior of the basement walls is generally considered the most thorough method. Best, however, largely depends upon situation. Exterior waterproofing is generally more expensive and invasive than installing an interior drainage system. And depending upon how the water is entering your basement, it might not be any more effective. So "best" largely depends upon your specific water problem.

A French drain has nothing to do with the country France. Instead, it was named after the man who popularized this type of drain. A French drain consists a trench into which perforated pipe is laid. The pipe is then covered in a material such as gravel to enhance drainage. The drain is graded in such a way as to direct the water where you want it to go. French drains are often used in both interior and exterior waterproofing.

Costs vary significantly depending on the cause of the water intrusion, the size of the basement, and the waterproofing method used. Minor crack repairs may cost far less than a complete interior or exterior drainage system. A professional inspection is usually required to provide an accurate estimate.