Basement Waterproofing FAQs

General Questions

• How much does basement waterproofing cost?

  There are so many variables that go into the cost of waterproofing a basement, such as whether it’s waterproofed from the interior or exterior, the size of the foundation, if it is currently a finished space, how old it is & what kind of shape it’s in, and finally how it was built. Without knowing all these variables, it’s impossible to calculate the cost to waterproof a basement.

• Why do you have a wet basement?

  Most likely, it’s because when the foundation was originally constructed, it was never properly waterproofed underground & all around the perimeter before it was backfilled. The building codes have gotten better over time to help with that, but still fall short of what’s really needed.

• How long will my job take?

  That depends on what work is being done, but most jobs fall between 1-3 days, while larger jobs can sometimes take a couple of weeks.

• Where is the water coming from?

  It’s coming from rainwater, snowmelt, & water runoff from higher elevations. All this groundwater accumulation builds up in and around our foundations, eventually finding its way inside.

• Do you specialize in basement waterproofing?

  Yes, this is our main focus of expertise. Our systems have proven themselves over many years at keeping basements dry, with tons of satisfied customers throughout NJ.

• Do you offer a warranty?

  Yes, all work is backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty that protects your investment.

• Can I waterproof the basement myself?

  To waterproof a basement, someone would need a lot of manpower, foundation knowledge, materials, proper equipment, & machinery. It is highly unlikely that anyone could or should attempt to waterproof a basement unless they are a professional. Furthermore, attempting this can compromise the structural integrity of the foundation unless you are an expert in this field.

• Are you licensed and insured?

  Yes, we are fully licensed, insured, & bonded in the state of NJ.

Basement Waterproofing Process & Solutions

• What is a sump pump?

  A sump pump is a mechanical device usually placed in a pit that will pump water to another location through a discharge pipe when the float lever is triggered. There are many different styles, sizes, & horsepower ratings of pumps on the market today. We size & spec out all our pumps to work best & most efficiently with all our jobs.

• Why do basements leak?

  Simply because the foundation was never properly waterproofed when it was first built. Over time, the foundation takes on many different pressures from water (hydrostatic), soils (expansion & contraction of clay), & constant movement & shifting underground. Also, concrete will start to weaken & deteriorate over time when underground & exposed to all the elements.

• Is basement waterproofing intrusive?

  It can be if the company and crew are not properly trained to perform this work. Our systems & how we perform them are the least intrusive compared to any others. We pay special attention to keeping the work environment as clean as possible & leave no mess behind.

• Why should I fix my basement?

  It can add valuable living or storage space to any home. Not to mention, it will protect the structural integrity of the foundation. It also creates a healthy living space for all occupants.

• Can you provide references?

  Yes, we have many satisfied customers throughout the state of NJ who can share their positive experiences about us performing this work at their homes.

• Do you offer a warranty?

  Yes, all work is backed by an industry leading lifetime warranty that protects your investment.

• Why is water coming through my basement floor?

  If you’re seeing water coming up through your basement floor, it’s usually caused by hydrostatic pressure. After heavy rain or snowmelt in Northern New Jersey, the soil around your home’s foundation becomes saturated. As groundwater builds up beneath your basement, it looks for the easiest path inside, often through small cracks or where the concrete floor meets the walls.

  The water isn’t necessarily coming from a broken pipe – it’s often groundwater being pushed upward by pressure beneath your home.

  At Eco-Dry, we will perform a professional inspection to determine whether an interior drainage system, sump pump, or another waterproofing solution is the best long-term fix.

• Why is water coming where the basement wall meets the floor?

  Water appearing where the basement wall meets the floor is one of the most common basement waterproofing issues we see throughout Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.

  This area is a natural seam where the concrete floor and foundation wall meet. It isn’t a structural crack, but it’s often the first place groundwater enters when hydrostatic pressure builds outside your home.

  If you notice a damp carpet, puddles, or a musty smell after a heavy rain, it’s time to react.

  The good news is that this problem can often be corrected with an interior drainage system that collects the water before it reaches your basement floor. We can provide this service.

• Should I waterproof my basement from the inside or outside?

  Such a common question. Ultimately, it depends on what’s causing the water problem.

  Interior waterproofing manages groundwater after it reaches the foundation by collecting it and directing it safely to a sump pump. It’s often the most practical and cost-effective solution for many homes in Northern New Jersey.

  Exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the foundation to stop water before it reaches the wall. While effective in certain situations, it’s typically more disruptive and expensive but every home is different. At Eco-Dry, our professional inspection can identify where the water is entering and recommend the right solution based on your home’s construction, drainage conditions, and foundation.

• Will a sump pump stop basement flooding and keep your basement dry?

  A sump pump alone won’t stop water from entering your basement.

  Its job is to pump water out of the sump pit. An interior drainage system does the equally important job of collecting groundwater and directing it to the sump pit in the first place.

  Simply put, the drainage system catches the water, and the sump pump pumps it away from your home.

  When these components work together, they help protect many Northern New Jersey basements from water intrusion during heavy rains and spring snowmelt.

Comprehensive Basement Waterproofing Starts Inside and Out