If your basement has experienced flooding quite a few times, you know how annoying things turn out to be. You have to spend hours pumping the water out of your basement. Then, you have to clean the mud and dirt. Also, you have to discard a lot of things that got drenched in the flood water and are destroyed. If you do not do all of these, then the collected water can result in mold, mildew, and cause other serious issues.

Why do you anyway need to experience such issues over and over again? Why not instead waterproof the basement and prevent any future flooding? Yes, this indeed is possible and you can do it all by yourself. Surely, you must be keen on learning how should you waterproof your basement. Well, that is exactly what we are now about to discover. So, continue reading and discover the methods.

1.Start Exterior Grading

The ground surrounding your house and basement must slope away from your home. If the ground sloping is good, the water will always be directed away from your home's foundation. This is one of the main reasons behind basement leaking, and if treated the right way, it can prove to be your best defence.

If there are any paved surfaces like sidewalks, patios, and driveways located adjacent to your home, then that can also be an issue. These surfaces shed water very fast and can then create bigger pools close to your foundation. So, make sure all paved surfaces slope away from your home. Also, if there are any holes or cracks, close to the foundation, they must be patched to avoid water from collecting underneath the surface.

2.Check Your Gutter System

It is your gutters that determine how proper your drainage system will be. In case your gutter system does not work the right way, water will directly run off your roof. And, since it will have no other place to go, it will start collecting around your foundation.

The ground surrounding your foundation is known as an excavation ring. This area is packed loose compared to the other areas, and owing to this, the soil gets saturated easily. If you want to prevent pooling, you need to install a drainage system and control the amount of water that comes in this area.

If you have a proper gutter system, the water from your roof will be directed to the right location. You can use gutter extensions to improve your gutter system and extend the drainage further your excavation ring. This will prove helpful in case your gutters are not draining into some underground down spot. Also, do remember to clean your gutters on a regular basis to avoid any clogs.


3.Waterproof the Interiors

If your basement has small leaks, and only at times, then interior waterproofing may help keep the water out. Yet, you need to remember the best way to waterproof your basement is from the exterior.

You can apply waterproofing or sealant solutions to the walls of your basement, and perhaps that will be enough to prevent any leaks in the future.

There are three kinds of interior waterproofing that you can choose from. Opt for the one that fits the wall material of your basement in the best way.

·Concrete Waterproof Sealant - This sealant is a good option if you have concrete and masonry walls. You cannot use it on painted surfaces. Simply use a Tampico bristles heavy brush and apply the sealer.

·Silicate Concrete Sealer - If your walls have never been painted and nor sealed before then you can use this sealant. You can use a roller or a brush to apply the sealer or may even spray it. After the sealer has completely soaked into your brick or concrete walls, it will turn into a waterproof surface.

·Waterproofing Paint - This one is quite like the usual wall paint. It has been created to be applied onto painted surfaces. You need to apply it onto your walls using a sprayer, roller or paintbrush.


4.Repair Any Cracks

If your foundation has any cracks, then it can contribute to leaking. So, it will be wise to frequently keep checking your basement walls for any cracks. And, if you happen to notice them, then first call a foundation specialist or a structural engineer for inspection.

Cracks can not only allow water to seep into your basement but can even cause more troubles. These cracks can weaken your home's structural integrity.

If, however, the cracks are not too serious, then you can go ahead and patch them.

5.Install a French Drain

If there are serious water problems, then you can install a French drain to solve the same. A French drain is basically a continuous piping system running beneath and the perimeter of the basement floor.

A perforated pipe is surrounded by coarse gravel, and it supports water drainage towards a sump pump. The water will then be removed from the area with the help of the sump pump.

6.Use a Hydroclay Injection

You cannot perform this technique yourself at home and need the help of a professional. The fact, however, cannot be denied that hydro clay injection can prove to be a very effective waterproofing method.

Clay will be pumped into any voids and the pathways through which water enters your foundation. Hydroclay will draw all the water in and keep your basement sealed from the outside.

To Conclude -

So, now that you know how you should waterproof your basement, you can go ahead and complete the task. But remember, though this guide will prove to be immensely helpful, if the problem is already huge you will need professional assistance. They will inspect your property, find out the problem, and treat it before it gets completely out of control.


Whether the problem is small or big, waterproofing your basement is immensely important if you already have experienced flooding at least a few times. And once the waterproofing is correctly done, you will never have to worry no matter how badly it starts raining. Your home and its basement will always stay protected and safe.