Can I Waterproof My Basement Myself?

If you’ve struggled with moisture issues in your basement, you may wonder, can I waterproof my basement myself? Let’s take a look at a few DIY basement waterproofing methods, and what to expect from them.

How Bad is Your Water Problem?

There are ways to waterproof your basement yourself, but it’s important to first ask how bad your moisture problem actually is. If you have some persistent condensation or humidity issues, a few changes may allow you to effectively control moisture or waterproof your basement yourself. However, if you’re experiencing flooding or significant wet spots in your basement, DIY waterproofing might not be an effective solution. Likely, these methods will stop the problem temporarily, only for the moisture to appear again later.

Need a Professional Opinion?
Contact our basement heroes today to get a free estimate to solve your basement moisture ›

What is Causing the Basement Moisture?

Identifying the cause of the moisture in your basement can help you determine the best solution, whether you want to do it yourself, or work with experts.

• Backed up pipes: During a storm, sewer systems can be overwhelmed, causing backups which can flood your basement. This may be a problem with the municipal sewer system, though issues like clogged or damaged pipes may also be the culprit.
• Hydrostatic pressure: As water collects around your home, hydrostatic pressure builds, which can push water through the cracks or pores in concrete into your basement through the walls or floors. This can be difficult to resolve by yourself.
• Humidity and condensation: Since basements are naturally cooler, humid air condenses in the basement and sticks to walls, floors, and other surfaces. Restricting outside airflow and using a dehumidifier can help.
• Leaky pipes: Damaged pipes or fittings, old washing machines, leaky water heaters, and much more can cause puddles or other water damage in your basement.
• Leaky windows or doors: Water can sometimes make its way into the basement through leaky seals around windows or doors. If these are the only sources of water in your basement, patching these up can make waterproofing your basement yourself easy.
• Low grade: If the land around your home slopes towards the foundation instead of away from it, water will collect around it. Fixing this problem can help you waterproof your basement, though it can be a big task.
• Cracks: Cracks in the floors or walls of the basement can allow water to seep through. Filling these cracks can help prevent or reduce moisture, but it’s important to fill them carefully to keep the foundation stable. Attempting to DIY crack repair in your foundation may not completely fix the issue, and could lead to larger, structural issues down the road. It’s usually best to get a professional inspection on any foundation cracks before trying to repair these on your own.

Can I Waterproof My Basement Myself?

If the water problem isn’t severe, you may be able to waterproof your basement yourself. However, if you’re dealing with a flooding or significant moisture problem, this might not be effective. Let’s take a look at a few DIY basement waterproofing methods, and when they can be effective.

Dehumidifier

If you only notice moisture during hot weather, humidity and condensation may be to blame. Running a dehumidifier can help, and this is a simple solution that’s easy to implement.

Sealing Cracks

A crack in the floor or walls of the basement can let in water as well as dangerous radon gas. For shallow, surface-level cracks that don’t completely split the concrete, DIY solutions can be helpful. These can help reduce the moisture and restore the appearance of the wall. However, cracks that are thicker than ½ inch wide can indicate structural threats to the home. If you notice water seeping through the crack, DIY repair kits probably aren’t going to do the job. You’ll need to completely fill the space, otherwise the water will continue to seep through and damage the surface repairs. Professional foundation repairs use a high-pressure injection tool and polyurethane to completely seal the crack and prevent water or radon gas from seeping through.

Painting

Many homeowners who notice water damage or mold around the basement walls try to use paint to keep the water out and kill the mold. Though this may work in the short-term to eliminate mold smells and restore a neat, clean appearance, it doesn’t solve the underlying problems that allow the water in. The water will still seep into the walls and loosen the paint over time, causing it to blister and flake.

Re-Grading

If the slope towards the foundation is causing water to pool around the basement, re-grading the area can help to resolve the problem. This isn’t always feasible, however, and exterior waterproofing, which uses a vapor barrier and drains water towards the sump pump, or an interior french drain system will provide a more long-term solution.

Drain Systems

Drain systems, like French drains, are the best way to waterproof your basement and prevent water damage and flooding. While it is possible to install these drains yourself, it requires breaking through the concrete near the walls. This not only demands the right tools and safety gear, but it can endanger the structural integrity of your home if it is not completed properly. When it comes to wet spots in the basement, flooding, and other significant moisture problems, professional drain system installation and interior basement waterproofing is the safest and most effective investment.

There are ways to waterproof your basement yourself, but there are also limitations to how effective these treatments can be. Professional basement waterproofing is a long-term investment in your home as well as your peace of mind. Give us a call at 1-800-782-9379 or contact us to get a free estimate on permanent, professional basement waterproofing services.