Basement Waterproofing: How To Keep Your Philadelphia Basement Dry

A damp basement can cause all kinds of problems. From mold to damaged foundations, there are lots of unpleasant repercussions if you don't deal with the problem of a wet basement quickly. If you do have a damp basement, you can save yourself a lot of money and stress by having your basement waterproofed properly.

In this article we will cover how to keep your basement dry using various basement waterproofing methods - from sump pumps to French Drains, find out how to keep your Philadelphia home's basement dry all year round.

Why Is My Basement Wet?

The basement is often used as an extension of the home's living space or for storing things and it’s an area of the home that is often neglected.

If your basement walls or floor are wet and you don't know why, it's probably best to get a professional waterproofing company to take a look at your basement. If you don’t have any basement waterproofing, then you may need a full waterproofing system installed in your Philadelphia home. If you have a waterproofing system installed already, your sump pump or other equipment may need repairing or replacing.

There are many reasons why water gets into your basement - rainwater from the ground, a broken down sump pump, or even a ruptured pipe in your area. Whatever the case, your best bet is to call in a company that specializes in basement waterproofing to ensure you get the right solution.

Internal vs External Basement Waterproofing Systems

There are two types of basement waterproofing system: internal and external. In most homes you will need  interior waterproofing, which could involve  sealing any visible cracks in your basement walls plus an internal drainage system like a sump pump. 

If the natural drainage around your home is poor, you may need an external waterproofing system like a French Drain installation to help prevent problems with water seeping into your basement. 

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are a good method for draining basement water. A sump pump is a mechanical pump designed to pump water out of the basement and away from your home. This kind of pump is most commonly used to pump water from basements because it allows for flow-through to prevent standing water from collecting.

French Drains

The most common external basement waterproofing method is a French Drain. When water from rain or snow has nowhere else to go, it can build up in the ground and create major problems like water damage and mold infestation. French Drains are designed to drain water away from your house and prevent the excess water from becoming a problem.

If you’re experiencing issues with leaks or flooding in your Philadelphia basement, call in waterproofing experts like Over The Top Waterproofing as soon as possible. Our family-owned waterproofing company has installed numerous French Drains in Philadelphia.  In fact, we’ve been serving Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey, and the Tri-state area with basement waterproofing solutions for more than 25 years. Contact us today for a free estimate and our expert waterproofers will also provide a customized plan for waterproofing your basement.