What it covers
Basement waterproofing is any repair that keeps water from getting into your basement or moves it away before it does. That can be as small as a window well drain or as big as drain tile around the whole foundation.
The southwest metro mixes river-valley neighborhoods, where groundwater can run high, with hilly lake country, where runoff heads for the uphill side of the house. Knowing which one you're dealing with is the first step, and it's what a good inspection should tell you.
Signs you need it
- Water on the floor after rain or snowmelt
- Damp or discolored spots low on the walls
- Water coming in around a basement window
- Efflorescence, the white powder on concrete
- Musty smell or mildew on stored belongings
Steps in a typical job
Diagnosis
The contractor checks walls, the floor joint, cracks, window wells, downspouts and grading to pin down the source.
Estimate in writing
You get the scope and price. Ask what's included, how long it takes and what the warranty covers.
The fix
Depending on the cause: interior drain tile and a sump, crack injection, window well drains, or outside drainage work.
Check it works
The system or repair is tested with water before the crew leaves.
What it costs
Compare every service in the cost guide. These are rough ranges; the real price comes after an inspection.
Questions
Interior or exterior: which is better?
Exterior waterproofing stops water at the wall but means excavating along the foundation, which costs more and disturbs landscaping. Interior drain tile with a sump is more common in the Twin Cities. Our guide compares them.
Can one repair fix everything?
Sometimes. A leaking window well or one crack can be the whole problem. If water comes in along several walls, a drain tile system is usually needed.
How disruptive is the work?
Small repairs take a few hours. Drain tile usually takes one to three days and involves cutting concrete, so expect noise and some dust.
Read more
Related services
- Foundation crack repair: Stop leaking cracks and get structural cracks assessed before they get worse.
- Interior drain tile: A perforated pipe at the footing that carries groundwater to the sump.
- Sump pump installation and replacement: Reliable pumps and backups so storms and outages don't flood the basement.
- Window well drainage and leaks: Drains, covers and sealing for window wells that fill with water and leak inside.
Where we serve
We connect homeowners with contractors across Scott, Carver and southwest Hennepin counties, including Shakopee, Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Carver, Prior Lake, Victoria, Minnetonka. See all service areas.