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Basement Waterproofing

Basement leaks can lead to significant damage. Learn about Indiana Foundation Service's trusted basement waterproofing solutions.

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Water can accumulate in your basement for many reasons; no matter how it gets there, standing water in your basement causes a slew of problems. Uncontrolled moisture leads to elevated humidity, high energy bills, and increased mold and mildew formation. It 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 basement areas with water, you can rest assured that you’re protected from the damaging effects of moisture and that your family stays safe.

At Indiana Foundation Service, we have three decades of experience with basement waterproofing in Indiana, offering tailored solutions for your home.


Leaky Basement Causes

Water can leak inside your basement because of a variety of factors. Here are some common causes of 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 the 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, creating a “clay bowl,” and exerting pressure on the walls that leads 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 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 leak through cracks or gaps 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 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 snowmelt results in runoff water. This water can then find its way inside through saturated soil and wall cracks. 

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Steven T and Dylan B completed the concrete leveling of our garage floor and sidewalk. Their work was excellent and the results are…

Steven T and Dylan B completed the concrete leveling of our garage floor and sidewalk. Their work was excellent and the results are amazing. They were professional and completed the project with care. We highly recommend Indiana Foundation.

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I recommend Indiana Foundation and specially, Mr. Doug Caister. He did a great job with an inspection he just did to our basement. He…

I recommend Indiana Foundation and specially, Mr. Doug Caister. He did a great job with an inspection he just did to our basement. He explained in detail the situation with technical support, and also explained signs of worsening and solution that will help us plan and prepare for the preparation to avoid bigger damages. Thank you, Eva L.

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Doug C. was very thorough in going through all the details of the services that Indiana Foundation provides. He has worked up a detailed…

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Mark Gladish was super professional and family friendly!!! He was on time and his work was very thorough. I would highly recommend and the…

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Mark was a professional

Mark was a professional

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Tim was wonderful. He explained things so well and was patient with our questions. He checked everything so carefully. We appreciated…

Tim was wonderful. He explained things so well and was patient with our questions. He checked everything so carefully. We appreciated the service.

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Doug C did a foundation inspection for me today. He was on time, very knowledgeable and professional. I greatly appreciated the way he…

Doug C did a foundation inspection for me today. He was on time, very knowledgeable and professional. I greatly appreciated the way he explained the inspection process to me. Thank you so much!

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Thank you. I would like to add a great big thank you to all the members of your team, Bryant, Blake, JC, Kristin, Tim, Ken, and Ethan. I…

Thank you. I would like to add a great big thank you to all the members of your team, Bryant, Blake, JC, Kristin, Tim, Ken, and Ethan. I was shown pictures of the work performed, from beginning to end. All questions were answered and explained. Damian Stevenson

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Doug did a fantastic job for us. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. He took time to explain everything clearly and answer all our…

Doug did a fantastic job for us. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. He took time to explain everything clearly and answer all our questions. He was very friendly, and we do not feel pressured or like we were being oversold on things we did not need. We highly recommend Doug and Indiana Foundation Service.

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Doug C. was very helpful. On time and professional. Was very kind!

Doug C. was very helpful. On time and professional. Was very kind!

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I’m a real estate agent and Indiana foundation services came in at a pinch to look at what we were told was a foundation problem by a…

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Andrew S and Jesus R. did an outstanding job leveling our sidewalk and front step. They were very good at explaining what they could do…

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Jon Erfmeier Took amazing care of us when we had our foundation inspection prior to buying our home. His expertise helped us to make an…

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James Jewell, Nick C, Gus T, and David waterproofed my basement. My basement looks incredible and I no longer have to worry about flooding! …

James Jewell, Nick C, Gus T, and David waterproofed my basement. My basement looks incredible and I no longer have to worry about flooding! James was the foreman and he paid close attention to detail and also did a really good job explaining the system and answering all of my questions. The whole crew was professional, efficient, well mannered, and they cleaned up their workspace before leaving…I’d highly recommend this crew to anyone looking for home owner’s peace of mind!

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Justin was great! My issue was not a service that Indiana Foundation provides but he guided me in a great direction. Highly recommend.

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Highly recommend for anyone with a complex sump pump setup Super grateful to Anthony W and Bruce T! Our 100+ year old house has a very…

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My experience with Jacob Rose has been amazing! He came out and looked at our foundation issues and was so thorough in his inspection. He…

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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…

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Jackie S. We didn't need her service. But, she helped us order a new crawl space cover.

Jackie S. We didn't need her service. But, she helped us order a new crawl space cover.

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Brandon and Asher did a great job. Very professional. Explained everything. Took pictures so I could see the crawl space work they did and …

Brandon and Asher did a great job. Very professional. Explained everything. Took pictures so I could see the crawl space work they did and leveled my front sidewalk that had dropped over 4 inches from the porch. Would highly recommend. Thanks again Brandon!!

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. Waterproofing basement areas affected by water intrusion is essential to prevent problems including mold, foundation cracks, uneven floors, and sticking windows and doors that endanger your family’s health and safety.

Indiana Foundation Service has more than 30 years of experience in diagnosing basement water problems and installing trusted solutions to address basement waterproofing in Indiana. Our multi-step process ensures your home is sealed and protected from water for good. Internal basement waterproofing solutions such as interior drainage and a superior sump pump system effectively drain water away from your foundation.

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

The ideal humidity levels for basements are between 40 and 50%. It’s important to keep the levels below 60% to avoid moisture-related issues. If you need assistance maintaining your basement’s humidity levels and ensuring its protection, contact Indiana Foundation Service. Our team of professionals offers reliable basement waterproofing solutions. 

While a damp and musty basement is common, it is not normal or healthy for your home and family. The presence of water and humidity causes other issues like mold growth, damaged belongings, structural instability, and more. That’s why waterproofing your basement is essential. The most effective methods include an interior drainage system, sump pump, wall vapor barrier, and dehumidifier. Working in tandem, these solutions keep water from infiltrating your home and prevent humidity from wreaking havoc.

Absolutely! If the source of the odor is mold, inhaling mold spores can worsen allergies or cause illness. It’s important not to disregard persistent musty odors. We encourage you to contact Indiana Foundation Service for a free inspection and basement waterproofing estimate. We address musty basement smells at their source and provide solutions that protect your home. 

Regular maintenance includes checking and cleaning your gutters, inspecting your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning properly, and monitoring any cracks in the walls for changes. You can take advantage of Indiana Foundation Service’s annual maintenance programs to ensure your basement waterproofing systems are in top shape.

Why is Basement Waterproofing Needed?

Most homes 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.

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 waterproof basement areas affected by moisture with solutions including a vapor barrier or dehumidifier, you’re able to tackle moisture levels in your home and prevent mold.

bowed basement wall

Eradicates the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the force oversaturated soil exerts 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, consider repairing foundation damage, checking the grade of your yard, and inspecting your gutters for clogs or damage. Additionally, lining your basement walls with a durable vapor barrier can seal out the effects of hydrostatic pressure, and interior drains and a sump pump help direct excess water away from your home.

Adds Value to Your Home

A finished, waterproof basement can add appeal to potential buyers when you decide to sell your house. This is mainly because of the added livable space, which can be used for many 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 years, 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 basement areas.

Helpful Basement Waterproofing Tips

  • Did you know that waterproofing your basement can also save you money on your energy bills? Installing waterproofing measures in and around your home protects your HVAC system from having to work harder. When moisture gets into your home, it leads to increased humidity levels, which makes it difficult for your heating and cooling appliances to run efficiently. Waterproofing basement areas controls moisture, creates a comfortable living environment, and reduces 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. 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 work properly. Installing gutter guards can also prevent clogs from forming as a result of tree debris.
  • Although installing a sump pump is a step in the right direction, 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 install a backup sump pump, you’re protecting your basement from water and any damage that could arise.

Basement Waterproofing Mistakes to Avoid

  • 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. 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.
  • Some home repairs can be completed on your own, but basement waterproofing is not meant to be a DIY project. Many necessary steps need to be taken 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 inspect the interior and exterior of your home so that your basement is adequately protected.
  • If you don’t maintain 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.

Providing Expert Basement Waterproofing in Indiana

Pennsylvania trusts Indiana Foundation Service for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

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Indianapolis, IN

624 North Front Street
Whiteland, IN 46184

Kokomo, IN

2731 Albright Rd
Kokomo, 46902

Lafayette, IN

8 N 3rd St
Lafayette, IN 47901