Basement Waterproofing Problem Signs
Whether it’s through plumbing leaks, wall cracks, or poor drainage, standing water in your basement always is bad news.
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Basement Flooding
A basement flood can lead to extensive damage to finishing materials and stored items. Today’s small leak can lead to serious flooding in the future — don’t wait to fix your wet basement!
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Flooded Stairs
Leaking hatchway doors are a nuisance for homeowners who’d like their basement to be dry — especially in a finished basement.
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Leaky Windows
Water will find its way into your basement in any way it can. Even if you seal off your concrete walls and install a perimeter drain, leaks can still occur through a variety of possible ways.
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Basement Cracked & Leaking Walls
Leaking water from basement walls is an alarming sign for homeowners, and can be the result of more damage that the eye can see.
Having standing water in your basement can turn into a nightmare for your home. Whether it is residual water from a flood, leaking in through cracks in your foundation, or due to faulty plumbing, water can lead to a slew of problems. When moisture is uncontrolled and running rampant in your home you can experience elevated humidity, high energy bills, and increased mold and mildew formation. Moisture can also lead to damage to your home’s structure which can cause warped floors, sticking doors and windows, and cracks in your walls. It’s important to find the root of the problem and address it at the source so that you can prevent unwanted water in your home. By waterproofing your basement, you can rest assured that you’re protected from the damaging effects of basement water and that your family stays safe. At Indiana Foundation Service we have three decades of experience and background in dealing with basement issues and offer tailored solutions for your home.
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Leaky Basement Causes
Water can leak inside your basement because of a variety of factors. Here are some common causes for your wet basement.
As the construction of your home began, a large hole in the ground had to be made to accommodate the house and its foundation. After the foundation was built, there still was a gap around the house between the structure and rest of the earth. Some of the previously excavated soil is replaced or “backfilled” around the walls. This soil is looser and fluffier than the rest of the hard-packed, untouched soil. This allows water to collect in the soil immediately surrounding the house and create a “clay bowl,” as well as put pressure on the walls and lead to cracks and leaking water.
This constant force exerted on the walls by saturated soil is known as hydrostatic pressure. When this force becomes too much for the walls to handle, they will begin to show signs of failure in the form of cracks and inward movement. Water can easily find its way in through any cracks and openings, and your home’s structural stability is at risk.
A footing drain was installed outside the foundation walls of your home during its construction in order to help keep water away. But this drain can easily clog and allow water to collect by the walls. Preventing this is difficult, and so is cleaning and flushing the drains.
Clogged or above-ground exterior drainage pipes could allow water to puddle next to the home and find its way inside any crack or gap in the foundation walls. It’s a good idea to place these lines in the ground and direct them far away from your house to prevent draining water from leaking inside. But you also need to make sure these lines are doing their job. If they crack, collapse, or clog, you could end up with water in your basement.
Sump pumps are needed to keep water out of the basement. Many sump pump systems are installed with metal basins placed in the floor and have lids that rest on top of the basin and openings for the discharge pipes. Some may not have lids at all. These are ineffective systems that will only cause more problems. Metal basins can easily rust and corrode, and partial or nonexistent lids allow water to evaporate back into or flood the basement. This leads to unpleasant odors and moisture issues that defeat the purpose of the sump pump in the first place. Debris and other items also can easily fall into the system and damage the pump if the sump pit is not completely covered.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable and brutal, and Indiana experiences its share of wild weather. Heavy rainstorms can dump a lot of water on the ground with nowhere to go, and wintertime snow melt results in runoff water. This water can then find its way inside through saturated soil and wall cracks.
Award-Winning Service
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After contacting IFS, I met with Doug Caister who provided an on time inspection. He provided full details of findings, along with guidance of services and options available to repair areas. He was very professional and explained step by step what…
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Had a GREAT talk today with Chuck Bravdo We had an issue that needed address, we all came to a salution that was good for both.
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Crawlspace encapsulation. Great company to work with.
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Nick Z., DakotaC., Zach, Taylor and Quiten did an excellent job in our crawl space. They had to scrape out old spray on insulation and prepare the area for a dehumidifier. The work was completed in half the time estimated. They were pleasant, on…
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Gavin was a valuable (and patient) resource for us in identifying potential future concerns with deflection/bowing in our basement block walls. He provided a good service with minimal cost to help us deal with a leak we were having in one corner.
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Andrew P Dylan B Chris K These guys earned their money, very tough job. Thanks guys for a job well done.
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Gavin G. performed a 2 year follow up service on our waterproofing system and was excellent. IFS is a very thorough and professional company. I would highly recommend their services.
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We are very happy with the service from Indiana Foundation. We had them work in our crawl space and outside our home. The men that came (Cory Moore, Dakota Culp, and Brian something) were all very professional and pleasant. I would recommend their…
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Had basement wall repaired . Logan H., Chris K, and Andrew P. are hard workers and very professional. They cleaned up afterwards left the place on good shape. I would hire them again. Thanks guys!
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We have used Indiana Foundation in multiple homes for a variety of jobs. Every experience working with the company has been excellent. Today, the crew of Dylan and Dylan reinforced the floor in our 140 year old basement. They were professional,…
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Doug C. was great. He came out and gave us a detailed estimate for the work we needed and sent everything over very quickly. He also got back with me very quickly with a follow up question I had.
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Would definitely would use Indiana Foundation again. Cody Fargo, James Vest-Patton and Eddie Crister explained what they were doing and were very good at getting the job done. Very thorough work. Thank you
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We had to have our entire crawlspace redone due to water damage. Dane, Nate, and Brian came out to do the scheduled repairs, and they were on time and professional. Dane walked us through the progress each day so we were kept in the loop on the…
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Doug C provided me a quote after giving my crawl space a thorough inspection. He was friendly and explained the entire process to me in a way that way digestible.
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Joe called prior to his visit to let me know when he would arrive. He introduced himself and told me what exactly he was going to do. He was polite and professional and friendly, and went about his business. When finished, he explained what he…
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The experience I had with Indiana Foundation Service was excellent. The representative who did the initial inspection was very thorough and he was able to correctly identify the issues causing the problem as well as how to correct them. The three…
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They came for annual check. Joe Carson was very helpful and professional. Thank you
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They were asking if we needed more info or had questions. We appreciated their suggestions plus the patience with Noodle(our dog)as he was overseeing their work. You have a wonderful company and the comfort between customer and the service techs was…
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The crew that came out to work on my basement ( Christian R. Chad B. Dylan A. And Tim M.) did a great job. They finished the job quickly and it turned out better than I had imagined. It has rained and stormed twice now since the put up the water…
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Indiana Foundation Service waterproofed our basement last year. Today was our one year inspection. We really appreciated the service provided by Phillip and Joe C. They were both friendly and personable while also very professional and efficient.…
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Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Your home is your sanctuary and it’s important to protect it from the damaging effects of water. All our custom-tailored solutions are engineered in-house and are tested to ensure their durability and quality. By installing permanent basement waterproofing systems from Indiana Foundation Service, we can guarantee your home stays dry and clean for years to come.
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BasementGutter™ Below-Floor French Drain
A Subtle, Below-Floor Drain System That Includes A Lifetime Written Warranty!
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SafeDri™ Sump Pump Systems
Indiana Foundation Service has been using SafeDri™ pumps all over Indiana, and they’ve proven their value time and again.
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Basement Wall Vapor Barrier
Preventing leaks and mold growth is essential for any basement. Given the naturally damp environment of a basement, installing a vapor barrier on a wall is essential for protecting the room.
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Interior Basement Drainage
The best way to keep your basement dry all the time is to install a drainage system along the inside perimeter of your basement floor.
Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for Me?
As a homeowner, it’s important to guard your home against any damage it faces from the outside elements. One of the biggest ways you can do this is by waterproofing your basement. While basement waterproofing can seem costly and even excessive, it’s an important part of protecting your home against moisture-related problems. These problems can manifest into mold and mildew formations, foundation cracks, uneven floors, sticking windows and doors, and more.
The health and safety of your home and loved ones will be directly impacted once water is able to get in and cause issues. Fortunately, our team at Indiana Foundation Service has the expertise and knowledge in dealing with the causes and problems of basement water. We know how to diagnose the root of the problem and offer proven, customized solutions for your exact situation.
The IFS approach to combatting basement waterproofing is a multi-step process that ensures your home is sealed and protected from water for good. By installing an interior drainage system with our superior sump pump system, we’re able to effectively drain water away from your foundation in the event of a flood. From there, we also suggest installing a vapor barrier in tandem with a dehumidifier to ensure the humidity levels in your basement stay under control especially if you reside in Clayton, Ellettsville, Poland, or Avion, Indiana.
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, here are some additional problem signs to watch out for that could alert you to a basement water problem.
FAQs
Whether it’s through plumbing leaks, wall cracks, or poor drainage, standing water in your basement always is bad news.
There are several reasons why your home has these issues, and many of them stem from one common source – the ground your home was built on. The soil, as well as the health of that soil, plays a big part in your home’s condition and structural stability.
There are various soil types across Indiana, but three main ingredients make up a soil type and its texture – sand, silt, and clay, as well as any combination of the three. Indiana has all three of these soil ingredients and is particularly rich in clay soil. Indiana also has a state soil called Miami, which is made up of silt loam and clay loam. Sandy soils tend to drain water faster, silt has more intermediate drainage properties, and clay is more likely to hold onto water and expand and contract as it becomes saturated and dries out.
Even before reading about typical basement problems and their causes, you probably wondered why you should bother fixing this area of your home. Whether or not you are regularly in your basement, it’s important for the part of your home to be healthy and safe. There are many reasons why you should address the issues in your basement, and here are just a few benefits of doing so:
- Improved Health and Quality of Life – More than half the air you are breathing in your home comes from areas like the basement underneath your main living space. That means whatever is in your basement also is in the air moving through the rest of the house and affecting you. Mold loves damp, dark places, so you could have this toxic growth in your basement. Mold growth can lead to and worsen health conditions like asthma and allergies. Keep your family from getting sick by eliminating possible water intrusion and mold growth. Choosing a reliable dehumidifier also will help keep moisture and humidity in check and help improve the overall air quality in your home.
- Protected Structural Stability – Water could be finding its way inside through wall cracks and gaps, which also means the safety of the structure could be at risk. When the water has nowhere to go, it will build up inside the walls. This, coupled with hydrostatic pressure, results in an unsafe mess for your foundation walls and basement floor. Don’t subject your loved ones to an environment that could cave in at any moment. When your basement is properly waterproofed, you also are protecting the foundation holding up the rest of the house and ensuring a longer lifetime for your home.
- Improved Energy Efficiency – Below-grade areas like basements naturally are cooler and damp, and leaking basements will experience even more of a drop in temperature. This will cause HVAC units to run more often to keep the living area warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which, of course, leads to higher energy bills. Stop wasting money on heating and cooling bills by instead investing in reliable waterproofing solutions that will save your home and your wallet in the long run.
- Increased Real Estate Value – If you have a wet basement, this affects the value of and ability to sell your home. While different factors play into your home’s appraisal value, it’s important to be aware of any water problems. As an Indiana homeowner, you must fill out the Seller’s Residential Real Estate Sales Disclosure form to the best of your ability. Some items on the checklist that you need to disclose include any known past or current issues with water and moisture in the basement or crawl space, and flood damage. Instead of having these problems come up when trying to close, why not take proper steps to waterproofing and protect your home? This shows the buyers that you care about the home and its safety.
By now, you’re probably eager to kick those basement problems to the curb. Before you run out to your neighborhood hardware store, hear us out. Basement waterproofing and repair is serious work that best left to professional contractors.
There’s nothing to stop you from applying paint or sealant on your basement walls, but these are in no way permanent solutions that will properly address the problem. These are cheap, quick fixes that will end up popping and flaking, and this indicates there’s a lingering moisture problem. Water also follows the path of least resistance, so even if you “seal” off one leakage point, it’s going to find another way in.
Why not fix the problem the right way the first time? Trusted solutions from a reliable contractor are the best way to go.
You’ve probably heard horror stories from friends and family about their experiences with contractors who didn’t finish the jobs or installed shoddy products. So, it’s understandable that you’d feel wary of working with a contractor yourself. But don’t let that completely influence your decision.
Before hiring a contractor, make sure you do your homework and are comfortable with who you bring into your home. Ask more about the company; look at reviews; references; proof of insurance, licenses, and other certifications; a written contract; and examples of completed work.
Still not sure what to expect? Rest assured, you and your family will be in good hands with us every single step of the way. We have highly trained, professional teammates whose No. 1 priority is you. Your safety and satisfaction with the job is what matters most to us, not trying to make a sale.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and estimate with one of our expert inspectors! During the appointment, our inspector will thoroughly evaluate your home and recommend the best solutions tailored to address your specific basement problems. He also will discuss your budget and financing options.
When you decide to have us complete a repair project, we will schedule the work with one of our experienced installation crews. The crew will treat your home with the utmost care and respect as they install the best solutions proven to protect your home. If something comes up during the process, there’s no need to worry. Our team works until the job is done right and you are 100% satisfied. We also offer service and maintenance opportunities to ensure the systems we installed continue to operate at a high level to protect your home.
In our commitment to you, your safety, and your family’s well-being, we install only the best solutions that will effectively and permanently work to keep your basement and home dry and healthy. Our United States-manufactured wet basement repair products carry longtime warranties, and they are made to work together in protecting your home the way it deserves to be protected.
Here is what we’ll use to fix your basement problems, and why they work. Our inspectors will work with you to help you design the best solutions customized to meet your specific repair needs.
- Interior Perimeter Drainage System – The best method of basement waterproofing involves interior drainage. Our BasementGutter™ perimeter drainage system is specially designed to sit in the basement’s sub-floor and out of the “mud zone” to collect seeping water from the walls and floor. This water is then directed to a sump pump system.
- Grated Drain Pipe – Grated drainage pipes are installed in a similar way in the floor in front of doorways, stairways, or entryways. These systems also are easy to connect to the rest of the BasementGutter™ system.
- Sump Pumps – Once the water is intercepted, it needs somewhere else to go other than your basement floor. Our sump pump systems will direct this water to a sump pump so it can be safely and effectively pumped out of your basement and away from your home. We have several sump pump system variations to meet your needs – SafeDri™ Pro X Premier Sump Pump System, SafeDri™ Battery Backup System, SafeDri™ TripleSump™ Pump System, and SafeDri™ Pro Crawl Space Sump Pump System.
- Dehumidifier – Part of keeping your home dry and healthy is conditioning the air and removing moisture. We have a dehumidifier unit that is powerful but energy-efficient that will clean and filter the air, control moisture and humidity, and reduce odors and the potential for mold growth. Unlike conventional dehumidifiers, this unit is self-draining and can be directed to your perimeter drainage or sump pump system, so there are no buckets to have to empty.
- Crack Repairs – We can seal and repair any wall cracks to prevent water intrusion. Our foundation repair solutions may also be needed for significant cracking and wall movement.
- Exterior Discharge Line Freeze Prevention – The FreezeGuard™ outlet can be attached to the exterior sump pump discharge line to prevent water flowing back into or flooding your basement if the line should freeze or become blocked for any reason.
We’ve saved the best concern for last. This is one of the most-asked questions we hear from homeowners. And rightly so. Your home is a significant investment, and you want to make sure you’re using the best, cost-effective solutions to protect it.
On average, homeowners can expect to spend approximately $4,000 on basement waterproofing, with different projects typically ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. The return on investment from basement waterproofing is estimated to be around 30 percent. But when you think about it, the health and structural and safety benefits, not to mention peace of mind, are priceless.
Every home is different, and each project calls for different solutions. We can customize solutions specific to your repair needs. It’s not fair to give you even a ballpark estimate for repair right off the bat. That’s why it’s so important to physically observe what’s in your home. Our inspectors need to visit your house to get a better idea of what they are dealing with. Your inspector will take into consideration your repair goals, the severity of damage or problem areas, square footage, and your budget. It’s not just a “one size fits all” fix. So, what may have worked for a friend or neighbor might not necessarily be what your home needs.
Contacting us for an expert opinion is your best bet. We will not try to throw bandages or cheap, quick fixes on the problems, or push you to buy all our solutions just to make a sale. We genuinely care about you and your family’s health and safety.
What’s holding you back from a project that will protect your home and your family? Be proactive and let the experts at Indiana Foundation Service give you a hand! We are excited to help you create a safer and healthier living environment!
Why is Basement Waterproofing Needed?
For the most part, many homes, old and new, have some sort of water management system. Although the age and effectiveness may vary, it’s important to maintain regular inspections to ensure they’re in good working condition. Here are some common reasons why waterproofing your basement is an important step in protecting your most valuable asset, your home.
Protects Your Home Against Moisture-Related Problems
Many homeowners have had to face mold and mildew in their homes at some point. Unfortunately known as a common occurrence that stems from moisture in your home, mold can also wreak havoc on the health of your loved ones. Certain strains of mold are toxic and can cause severe respiratory issues and allergies. When you install waterproofing systems in your basement such as a vapor barrier or dehumidifier, you’re able to tackle moisture levels in your home and prevent mold.
Eradicates the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is the force from oversaturated soil that’s exerted on your foundation walls. This can lead to cracks along your basement walls that allow water to easily seep in. If the soil surrounding your home becomes overly wet, you may experience pooling water around your cove joints or on your basement floors. To prevent this, you must consider a few things first. These include repairing any damage to your foundation, checking the grade of your yard, and inspecting your gutters for clogs or damage. Afterward, lining your basement walls with a durable vapor barrier can seal out the effects of hydrostatic pressure. Installing an interior drainage system can also help direct any excess water away from your home.
Adds Value to Your Home
If you go to sell your house in the future, having a finished, waterproof basement can add appeal to potential buyers. This is mainly because of the added livable space which can be used for a variety of purposes. It also is attractive to buyers who don’t want to worry about having to install waterproofing systems once they move in or do any invasive construction. Our warrantied solutions ease the minds of future owners so that they can have the same protection for their new home.
Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes
Over the decades, we’ve heard it all and seen it all when it comes to homeowners deciding to waterproof their basements. It’s important to us to make sure all our potential and current customers are educated and knowledgeable about what’s going on in their homes. Here are some of our tips and mistakes to avoid when waterproofing your basement.
Helpful Tips for Waterproofing Your Basement
- Did you know that by waterproofing your basement, you’re also saving money on your energy bills? By installing waterproofing measures in and around your home, you’re protecting your HVAC system from having to work harder. When moisture gets into your home, it leads to humidity levels rising which makes it difficult for your heating and cooling appliances to run efficiently. Waterproofing your basement will keep moisture under control, create a comfortable living environment, and reduce the money you spend on energy costs.
- In most cases, gutters aren’t commonly known by homeowners to protect the interior of their homes, only the exterior. In fact, gutters play an important role in protecting your basement. Their main purpose is to catch rainwater from your roof and direct it away through downspouts. Gutters with proper downspouts and downspout extensions are a great way to keep water away from the edge of the home’s foundation and away from the basement. It is important to note that gutters should be regularly inspected for damage or clogs to ensure they’re working properly. Having gutter guards installed can also prevent clogs from forming as a result of tree debris.
- Although having a sump pump installed is a step in the right direction, having a battery-powered backup can make all the difference during a power outage. Since your main sump pump runs off your home’s electricity, if the power goes out, so does your protection from standing water. When you choose to have a backup sump pump installed, you’re protecting your basement from water and any damage that could arise because of it.
Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing Your Basement
- When your home was first constructed, the soil that was backfilled around your foundation is usually compacted, but still won’t be as dense as when it was dug up. Indiana’s clay soil makes it easy for oversaturation to occur due to its poor drainage capabilities. This can lead to hydrostatic pressure wreaking havoc in your basement. To keep this from happening and allow that soaked-up moisture to enter your foundation, it’s important to check the grade of your yard to ensure any water runoff flows away from your home and not towards it.
- For most repairs around your home, you can easily DIY them, but when it comes to waterproofing your basement, it’s best to leave it to the experts. There are many necessary steps that need to be taken in order to ensure your home is properly waterproofed. If something is left out or not inspected thoroughly, your water problems will likely persist causing more damage. It’s important to have a professional come out and inspect the interior and exterior of your home so that your basement is adequately protected.
- If you aren’t maintaining your gutter systems, chances are you’re still going to be experiencing moisture-related problems in your home. It’s vital to regularly check your gutters and downspouts for signs of damage including cracks or holes, separated joints, and clogs. By cleaning out your gutters and repairing any damage, you can feel confident in knowing your basement waterproofing measures are efficiently working.
Find your service area

Lafayette, IN
Lafayette homeowners need to be aware of the area’s above-average rainfall and silty, clay soils. This combination can cause problems for your foundation, but IFS has world-class solutions that protect your most important asset.

Kokomo, IN
Above-average precipitation levels and the area’s clay-based soil leads to big problems for your Kokomo basement, crawl space, and foundation. Indiana Foundation Service has the best products to repair your home permanently.

Bloomington, IN
Bloomington’s climate and above-average precipitation wreak havoc on your foundation. The experts at Indiana Foundation Service know how to protect your home permanently.

Terre Haute, IN
Musty basement? Wet crawl space? Indiana Foundation Service has seen and repaired them all. Let us help.

Indianapolis, IN
Wet basements, moldy crawl spaces, cracking foundations and concrete are common in Indianapolis homes, but they are destructive. Indiana Foundation Service has the best solutions to keep your home safe, dry, and stable.