How to Fix a Leaky Basement: 7 Tips
Enjoy a bone-dry basement with these leak tips
A wet basement can create a mold fest in your home! If leaks are happening in your home's lowest level, you need to make this problem your highest priority. With the cost to repair water damage averaging between $1,307 and $5,912, it's best to cut off water access before moisture ever touches your home! Everything from tiny pipe gaps to your home's slope can let water inside your basement. Learn how to fix a leaky basement with these tips!
Why Do I Have a Leaky Basement?
Moisture enters basements through two sources. The first is through humidity that's trapped in your home. If you're seeing condensation or "sweat" in your basement, your water issue is related to indoor humidity.
The second major cause of basement flooding is water vapor that comes in from the outside. Rainwater, groundwater, and melting snow that accumulate around your home's foundation can all reach your basement if there's an opening. Wall cracks, foundation cracks, and porous surfaces can all let water vapor in.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaky Basement?
The budget for this task varies based on how you choose to approach it. The average professional basement waterproof cost ranges from $2,311 and $7,610. If leaks can be stopped with some simple exterior maintenance and cleaning, fixing the issue can be nearly free of cost.
How to Fix a Leaky Basement
When it comes to putting a lid on leaks, homeowners can take a custom approach to addressing vulnerabilities in their basements. While one homeowner may need just one fix, another might need to take a multifaceted approach that cuts off moisture from several different angles. Here's a look at pro tips for keeping moisture out of a basement.
Clean Your Home's Gutters and Downspouts
The secret to how to fix a leaky basement is sometimes as simple as a little bit of maintenance. If it's been a while since your gutter system was cleaned, a clog could be behind your moisture surge. Gutters and downspouts are responsible for directing rainwater and melted snow away from your home's foundation. Gutter clogs that back things up can cause moisture to saturate the soil surrounding your home's foundation until water begins leaking into the basement. Here's how to clean your gutters and downspouts:
Use a sturdy extension ladder to climb up to your gutters.
Scoop up major debris from the gutters with your hands or a trowel.
Use a gutter vacuum, specialized leaf-blower attachment, or power washer with a fine-spray nozzle to clear out the rest of the debris from the gutters.
Flush the gutters to confirm that only clear water is coming through.
Address downspout clogs using a plumber's snake.
If you don't want to climb up to your home's roof level to take a look at your gutters, you can simply hire professional gutter cleaners to get the job done. This is highly recommended if you have a home that's taller than one story. While they're up there, pros can let you know if there's any part of your gutter system that needs to be repaired or replaced. Professional gutter cleaning costs between $75 and $395.
Add Downspout Extensions
If you're noticing leaks after heavy rains, your downspouts may not be directing water far enough away from your home's foundation. Ideally, your downspouts will divert water 10 feet away from your home. Here are some options to consider:
Aluminum gutter downspout extensions
Underground or buried downspout extensions
Splash blocks that act as channels that extend the range of an existing current downspout
With intense trenching work that requires digging several feet into the ground for this project, you should consider handing off the task to a local gutter installer. A trench will need to be created for each new downspout extension. In areas with low frost lines, homeowners may be required to dig 48 inches to avoid freezing.
Plug Cracks and Gaps
This first tip only requires a quick visual inspection of your basement. Do you see any cracks or gaps around the plumbing pipes in your basement? If so, you may be able to squash leaks using a $10 caulk. Simply plug the openings to prevent water from oozing through. If you're looking for something sturdier than caulk, you can also use a binder called hydraulic cement that hardens when mixed with water.
Add a Dehumidifier
If your basement is often slick due to trapped humidity, a dehumidifier can provide a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. By reducing humidity levels, a dehumidifier can help reduce dampness and mold issues. It's important to select a dehumidifier with the proper power level and settings for your basement size. When working with a pro, you may be able to find a hassle-free dehumidifier that integrates with your home's HVAC system.
Install a French Drain
In some cases, the only way to fully waterproof walls in a basement with numerous gaps is to install a French drain. This option creates a perimeter around your basement that merges into the concrete. With an average cost of $9,250, a French drain is a major investment that requires excavation and concrete removal.
Install a Sump Pump
Sump pumps gather excess water and channel it away from your home's foundation. They are typically installed in the lowest point of the basement as part of a larger drainage process that gathers leaking water from walls, floors, and joints.
Use Yard Grading
A landscaping technique called yard grating can help to stop water from gathering around your home's foundation. During the process, you'll create a downward slope away from your foundation. Yard grading could be a good option for how to fix a leaky basement if you've noticed any of the following:
Soggy soil around the perimeter of your home.
Puddles around your home following rainstorms.
A large presence of mosquitos or other insects that are attracted to standing water.
Rotting grass that is caused by oversaturation of your lawn.
If your yard already has a positive grading with soil that slopes away from your foundation, you probably don't need to consider yard grading. If your home has negative grading, this means that your foundation sits on a lower grade than the rest of your property. Yard grading should be strongly considered if you are experiencing basement flooding in a home with a negative grading.
How to Prevent a Leaky Basement
Some homes are simply positioned in ways that make them vulnerable to basement flooding. Others are leaking due to wear and tear. Knowing some of the common reasons why water gets into basements can help you to stop leaks before they start. Follow these tips to stay ahead of troublesome trickles:
Clean leaves and debris from basement windows to prevent window wells from filling with rainwater that can snake its way into cracks and gaps.
Replace any old, leaking basement windows.
Replace damaged gutters that are allowing overflowing water to get into the basement.
Improve outside drainage around your home's foundation.
Properly maintain your water heater, washing machine hoses, and drain lines to prevent plumbing leaks.
Immediately repair any vertical, horizontal, or step-stair cracks in your home's foundation.
Fix any damaged, worn, or missing shingles on your roof.
Fix any settled pavement around your home that is causing rainwater to flow toward the foundation.
Immediately investigate the source of any pooling water in your basement with help from an experienced plumber.
Install moisture detectors around your basement to be alerted at the first sign of a leak.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Plugging cracks, replacing roof tiles, and adding downspout extenders are simple fixes that can usually be done by a homeowner with some basic skills. With plumbers charging anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour for labor, you could save a decent amount by handling some simple waterproofing tasks on your own. If the issue goes deeper than superficial fixes can address, bringing in a pro to assess the situation is one of the smartest ways to avoid expensive foundation repairs or mold remediation down the line. Local basement waterproofing pros can assess the siltation holistically to determine the root cause of basement flooding.
Questions to Ask a Basement Waterproofing Pro
Given the complexity and cost of basement waterproofing, it is important to ask the right questions and contact multiple pros to find the most suitable contractor for the job.
Some key questions to ask include:
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you offer free inspections?
Do you also handle water damage restoration? If not, can you give me a referral?
How long will the project take?
Do you work on the weekends, or can you work with my schedule?
Can you project pictures and testimonials on similar projects you’ve done in the past?
Can you give me an estimate of the cost?
Is there any warranty on your work? If so, how long will it last, and what type of coverage will I get?
Make sure you also give the contractor your budget. Since there are multiple ways to waterproof your basement, knowing your budget can help your contractor recommend the right service.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a small amount of standing water, you may be able to push it out using either a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket. If there's a large quantity of water in your basement, you'll need to use a submersible pump to get the area dry. A submersible pump is a special type of pump that's encased in a waterproof shell with a sealed cord. It will connect to a garden hose or sump hose.
If you're going to check on your flooded basement, make sure that the gas and electricity are shut off to the area before you step inside to survey the damage. You should put on a mask, rubber gloves, clothing that covers your full body, and knee-high boots before walking into a flooded area. If the water is more than a few inches deep, you may need to call a professional to help you pump your basement. Don't forget to check if your homeowners insurance can cover water damage before paying for any services.