how to repair wet basement walls

Tips to fix a wet basement and keep it dry

1. Plug Gaps around Pipes and Openings. If water is dripping into the basement from cracks or gaps around plumbing...
2. Waterproofing the Walls. Installing an interior drainage system removes the water but does not make the walls...
3. Pump the Water Out. You’ll have to channel subsurface water from the inside if you can’t keep...

Full Answer

How do you fix standing water in the basement walls?

If dry, the moisture is originating elsewhere in the basement, most likely from a basement shower—easily remedied by installing a vent fan in the bathroom to direct steam outdoors. DON’T make wall repairs with standing water in the basement.

How do I know if my basement is wet?

But it’s pretty easy to tell. If you get water in your basement shortly after a storm, or when the snow is melting, or if a wet inverted-V pattern appears on the wall, the cause is most likely improper grading or a downspout that’s emptying water near your foundation.

How can I make my basement walls dry?

Another method of attaining dry basement walls is to install a drainage channel beneath the floor inside the basement. The drain is similar to the exterior drain tile described above, but it’s located just inside the basement walls; then, new walls are built on the inside of drain so the original basement walls are not visible.

Can you fix crumbling basement walls?

Yes, you can fix crumbling basement walls if you act fast. Cracks, concrete flakes falling from your basement walls are all signs that your basement wall is crumbling. With some little work, you can put your basement wall in order again. Let’s look at fixes that really work when some damage has already been done.

How do you fix moisture in basement walls?

How to Fix Basement MoistureReduce Seepage Around Basement.Fill Large Cracks in Foundation Walls.Seal Outside of the Foundation Wall.Apply a Masonry Waterproofer.Install a Sump Pump.

How do I stop my basement walls from weeping?

1:135:58How to Stop a Basement Wall from Leaking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe best way from what I can understand to - to seal a foundation wall is to do it from the outside.MoreThe best way from what I can understand to - to seal a foundation wall is to do it from the outside. So what you can do is you can excavate. And put like a rubber sealants. Against the foundation

Can you waterproof basement walls from the inside?

Waterproofing a basement in the inside is a very popular option because it is done without major exterior excavation and, in some cases, can be done very quickly and economically.

How do you fix a wet basement after rain?

The most effective way to keep water out of your basement is to install an interior drainage system that minimizes hydrostatic pressure. By installing drain tile along the joint where the floor meets the wall, where most water leakage occurs, you can capture water before it makes its way onto the basement floor.

What is the best product to waterproof basement walls?

When sealing basement floors and foundation walls the best concrete sealers to use are the Lithi-Tek 4500 primer followed by the Siloxa-Tek 8510 waterproofing sealer. If you are going to be installing flooring in the basement, it is best to use a moisture vapor barrier coating like the Vapor-Tek 440.

Does Flex Seal work on basement walls?

Flex Seal Liquid is thicker than paint and dries into a strong, rubberized coating. It can also help seal out air, water, and moisture and is chemical and mildew resistant - making it a great choice for your basement walls.

Can I waterproof my basement myself?

DO apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior basement walls. If your foil test showed that water is soaking through your basement walls and leaving them wet, seal the interior of the walls with a high-quality waterproof paint, such as DRYLOK White Extreme Waterproofer (available from Home Depot).

How do I waterproof my basement myself?

0:251:35How to Waterproof a Basement | DIY SquidGee Dry System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by claiming the basement floor to remove all dirt and dust. Using the seal once adhesive.MoreBegin by claiming the basement floor to remove all dirt and dust. Using the seal once adhesive. Apply a tall thick bead of adhesive to the bottom of the main. Section.

How do you waterproof an old basement?

0:252:21How to Waterproof a Basement | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are products that you can paint on the interior of your foundation that will seal theMoreThere are products that you can paint on the interior of your foundation that will seal the foundation. So you actually put these on with a paint brush. And you apply them right to the concrete.

Is it normal to get water in basement after heavy rain?

One of the most common ways water can get into your basement is through cracks in your foundation walls or floor. Rainwater can also get in through the joints where the poured concrete floor meets the wall. Another way rain might get into your basement is through cracks in the mortar joints of the foundation walls.

Why does my basement keep getting wet?

Water seepage where the basement wall meets the floor is a common cause of water in the basement. Aside from a plumbing leak or local flooding, there are two major causes of water in the basement: surface water and subsurface groundwater.

Is it normal to have some water in basement after heavy rain?

The joint between the wall and floor of the foundation is also a common place where water can get into the basement. After heavy rain, the groundwater levels in the soil rise, creating pressure to push moisture into any cracks or gaps in the foundation.

How do I stop water seeping through concrete blocks?

Concrete block walls can admit water to the basement through cracked mortar joints and through the porous block itself. One of the best ways to waterproof a block foundation is to install an exterior waterproofing membrane. This can be done during construction or by excavating around an existing home.

How do I stop water from coming into my basement?

How to prevent a wet basementImprove outside drainage. ... Install or replace sump pump. ... Add interior drainage. ... Protect against plumbing leaks. ... Install new windows and window well covers. ... Repair foundation cracks. ... Check roof for damage.

How can I waterproof my basement myself?

0:251:35How to Waterproof a Basement | DIY SquidGee Dry System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by claiming the basement floor to remove all dirt and dust. Using the seal once adhesive.MoreBegin by claiming the basement floor to remove all dirt and dust. Using the seal once adhesive. Apply a tall thick bead of adhesive to the bottom of the main. Section.

Why does my basement have water in it?

If you get water in your basement shortly after a storm, or when the snow is melting, or if a wet inverted-V pattern appears on the wall, the cause is most likely improper grading or a downspout that’s emptying water near your foundation.

What to do if you can't regrade the perimeter?

For extra insurance against any water getting in near the foundation, seal the 6-mil plastic or EPDM to the foundation wall with acoustical sealant caulk and install a flashing over the top. Consider building a rain garden if you can’t easily drain water from your yard.

How far away from the house should you put downspouts?

If you do have gutters, or if you’re adding them, make sure to attach extensions to the downspouts so that the water discharges at least 6 ft. away from the house.

Who is the owner of Complete Building Solutions?

We talked to Robert Vassallo, owner of Complete Building Solutions, an engineering firm that specializes in solving water-related building problems. His firm takes on many complicated wet basement jobs, but he was quick to point out that a huge percentage of wet basements can be remedied by simply regrading the landscape, and adding or upgrading gutters and downspouts. The graphic at right shows the key elements for an effective solution.

Can you waterproof a basement?

Water in your basement? Don't call the basement waterproofing company yet. According to our expert, many basement leaks can be cured with a weekend's work and a few hundred dollars' worth of dirt and plastic.