Best Ways to Fix Your Leaking Basement Wall From The Inside

We know that dealing with water leaking into your basement can be extremely frustrating, so this article has been written to help you learn how to fix a leaking basement from the inside. Here, we will discuss some of the reasons why basements leak, provide you with step-by-step instructions for how to waterproof your basement yourself, and outline ways to improve drainage and prevent leaks from happening in the future. We will also examine common waterproofing mistakes to avoid, debate the merits of DIY vs professional services, and give you a professional cost breakdown.

Understanding Why Basements Leak

There are many reasons to explain why basement leaks can happen, such as:

• Hydrostatic Pressure — This is when a buildup of groundwater pushes against the house’s foundation and forces its way through the walls.
• Clay Bowl Effect — If there is disturbed soil around the foundation, this can trap water, which then increases the chance of leaks.
• Porous Concrete Walls — If concrete walls are unsealed, they can become porous, absorbing water and leading to leaks.
• Issues with Dampproofing — Improper dampproofing can lead to moisture infiltrating the foundation of the house.
• Issues with Footing Drains or Perimeter Systems — Damaged or clogged perimeter systems and footing drains can result in water backing up and leaking into the basement.
• Issues with Plumbing — Plumbing problems, like leaking pipes or lateral lines, are also a common reason for water pooling in the basement.
• Issues with Window Wells — Windows wells that aren’t properly maintained can cause water to leak through the basement windows inside.
• Cracks in Foundation — If there are cracks in your foundation, this is a direct pathway for water to leak into the basement.

When You Can Waterproof Your Basement From the Inside

If you find holes/cracks in the wall from which water is coming down into the basement or if water is seeping through the walls onto the floor without any visible cracks, it is time to get your basement waterproofed from the inside. Hairline cracks that result in minor seepage can be solved yourself, but any other issues should be looked at and fixed by a professional. It’s also important to examine the exterior of the house to make sure that there aren’t any large scale exterior issues that need to be addressed and that the leaks can be solved solely in the inside of your basement.

Step-by-Step: Fixing Basement Leaks From the Inside

With all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to fix basement leaks from the inside yourself:

1. Inspect and Prepare Walls — First, you will need to inspect the walls for any holes or cracks. Clean the walls thoroughly so that there isn’t any dirt or debris and then use hydraulic cement to fix any cracks or holes you may have found. Make sure that the walls are completely dry before moving forward with the next step.
2. Apply Waterproofing Primer — Once the walls are dry, apply a waterproofing primer to the walls. This will help the subsequent waterproofing product stick to the walls better, as well as provide an extra layer of protection against moisture.
3. Apply Waterproofing Product — Apply the waterproofing product you have chosen for your basement, whether a liquid rubber sealant, silicate-based concrete sealer, waterproofing paint, or something similar, to the walls. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly and pay close attention to edges and corners.
4. Wait for Walls to Dry — It is crucial that the manufacturer’s instructions are followed not just for application, but also for drying time. Ensure that your walls are completely dry before moving on.
5. Confirm Integrity and Coverage — After the walls have fully dried, confirm the integrity of the product by checking for consistent coverage, making sure that there aren’t any visible defects or spots that have been missed.
6. Maintain Proper Ventilation — To keep your basement dry in the long-term, make sure that proper ventilation is maintained throughout the space and, if needed, use a dehumidifier to control the air’s moisture levels.

Improving Basement Drainage

Aside from fixing cracks and applying sealant to the walls, basement drainage can be improved in a multitude of ways, including:

• Sump Pump Installation — A sump pump is a device that collects groundwater and pumps it away from the foundation of the house to prevent flooding. Installing one in your home is a great way to stop basement leaking from occurring.
• Interior and Exterior Drainage Systems — There are different options for interior or exterior drainage systems that you could get, such as weeping tile, which will help improve overall drainage and prevent water from entering the basement.
• Yard Grading — Make sure that your yard is properly graded to slope away from the house’s foundation. This will better enable water runoff and prevent water from pooling near your home and seeping down into your basement.

DIY vs Professional Basement Leaks Repair

When it comes to DIY vs professional basement leak repair, they both have their own merits. DIY repairs are more affordable, at least initially, and work well for small issues. However, if you don’t already have experience with this kind of work, then it can be challenging and there is more room for errors. On the other hand, while professional services may be more expensive, they ensure that repairs are done correctly and will last for as long as possible, providing you with more peace of mind. They are also better for more complex or serious issues. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but whichever way you choose, it would be a good idea to at least consult with a professional contractor before moving forward.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The following are some common interior basement waterproofing mistakes to avoid:

• Not Repairing Foundation Cracks — Cracks in the foundation need to be repaired before any other waterproofing can be done. If there are still cracks after sealants have been applied or other waterproofing measures have been taken, water will be able to bypass those measures and get through the cracks into your basement.
• Not Allowing Surfaces to Dry — If surfaces do not dry completely before sealants are applied, then the sealants will trap that moisture in the walls, which could cause blistering, mold, and other such water damage to occur.
• Relying on Waterproofing Paint Alone — Waterproofing paint is only a surface barrier and should be combined with other membranes and crack repair to make sure that it can handle future water pressure coming in. As well, you should always check for the root cause of the leak before tackling waterproofing as there could be exterior issues along with interior ones.

Maintenance and Prevention of Basement Leaks

Other than the ways to improve drainage that were previously discussed, there are additional ways to help prevent basement leaks from occurring. These include:

• Maintaining Gutters and Downspouts — Regularly clean your gutters of leaves and debris to avoid blockages and make sure that your downspouts direct water away from the foundation of your home.
• Sealing Windows — Check the caulking and weatherstripping around your basement windows and replace any worn seals to stop leaks.
• Promoting Good Ventilation — Good ventilation and air flow in your basement helps keep moisture out, so open windows whenever possible, use fans, and avoid blocking the vents.
• Using a Dehumidifier — Using a dehumidifier in your basement to maintain a consistent lower humidity level reduces the risk of condensation buildup and mold.
• Conducting Regular Inspections — Inspecting your basement at least once or twice a year can help you catch problems early and address them before they get worse.

Interior Waterproofing Cost Breakdown

Typically, professional interior basement waterproofing services cost between $80 and $180 or more. Pricing does depend on a variety of factors, though, such as the size of your basement, accessibility, the complexity of the waterproofing needed, and the extent of existing moisture damage.

Final Thoughts

Overall, interior basement waterproofing can be done yourself if there are only hairline cracks and minor seepage, but depending on your level of expertise and the extent of the water damage and repairs that need to happen, you may want to get a professional to do it instead. At Aquamaster, , we offer interior waterproofing services that help ensure your basement stays dry. For more information, contact us today!