Both are reliable options, but interior waterproofing is generally far more affordable and just as effective. Exterior waterproofing systems often require heavy excavation, trench drains, and membrane coatings on foundation walls around the perimeter of a home. This ultimately leads to higher costs compared to interior drainage.

Sump pumps are an integral part of an interior waterproofing system and help to discharge water out and away from your home. Sump pumps are placed in a basin beneath the basement floor. A basement drainage system funnels into the sump pump so water can be pumped outside.

Insurance usually does not cover basement water seepage. There are a few exceptions to this including:

• If you live in a flood zone and carry flood insurance
• If the damage is caused by sewer back up
• There is a rider on insurance that allows for sump pump coverage, but you have to have a drainage system in place and either a battery backup or a generator installed

The first sign of water in the basement can be tough to locate if you don’t go down there often. That is why efflorescence is the best indicator because we know the walls have been exposed to moisture from the chalky stains left behind. 

Once water has actually leaked into the basement, it generally starts off slow. The stain on the floor will look rounded as water will take the shape of its container. The stain will either pool in an area (rounded) or it will seek the lowest point of the basement and become a stream of water.

Buying a house with water issues can be tricky. It is very similar to buying a house that needs new roof or siding. It can either be worked into the deal as a dollar amount off, or it can be contingent upon the sellers remedy to the problem. 

Unfortunately, water issues in the basement tend to be an overlooked problem in the house buying world. We get many calls from new homeowners who find water problems that weren’t disclosed. An unfinished basement that needs waterproofing is the best case scenario because it is the least expensive time to do it. 

The white chalky substance on basement walls is called efflorescence. Efflorescence is a salty residue leftover when water is present in concrete block, brick, stone and other common building surfaces. This white stuff is often the sign of basement water issues. Learn more about efflorescence.

There are a number of reasons you shouldn’t paint your foundation walls. It’s a temporary solution at best and creates a source for mold, to name a few. Find out more about the problems with painting basement walls.