My basement gets damp during heavy rain and ive got some efflorescence on the walls. No actual standing water or flooding, just moisture and that white crusty stuff. A waterproofing company wants to install an interior drain tile system and sump pump for $12,000. Is this really necessary or am i being upsold? The house is 30 years old and weve owned it for 5 years without any major water issues.
9 Comments
Efflorescence is just mineral deposits from water moving through the concrete - its a sign of moisture but not necessarily a crisis. Have you tried exterior solutions first? Cleaning gutters, extending downspouts, grading the soil away from the foundation? Those are way cheaper and often solve 80% of basement moisture issues.
gutters are clean, downspouts go about 4 feet out. not sure about the grading honestly
check if the ground slopes toward or away from your house within the first 6 feet. you want it sloping away. a few wheelbarrows of dirt can make a huge difference for like $50
I was in the exact same boat. Got quoted 14k for interior waterproofing. Instead I spent $200 on a good dehumidifier, $150 fixing some cracks with hydraulic cement, and $300 on better downspout extensions. Problem solved for under $700. Still dry 3 years later.
this really works? my basement gets pretty humid in summer
works for moderate moisture problems like what OP described. if you have actual water intrusion or flooding thats different. but for dampness and efflorescence? absolutely try the cheap stuff first
Interior drain tile systems are great but theyre designed for actual water intrusion, not just humidity. If youre not getting standing water or wet spots on the floor, you probably dont need a sump pump. Those companies make their money on big installs so of course theyre gonna recommend the full system.
Only time id say definitely do it is if youre planning to finish the basement. Then having proper waterproofing before you put up walls and flooring is worth every penny. Otherwise for an unfinished storage basement? Manage the moisture cheaper ways.
took this advice when i was in the same boat. extended downspouts, added a dehumidifier, sealed some obvious cracks. cost me under $500 total. three months later and no more dampness. definitely try the cheap fixes first before dropping 12k