Q&A for How to Waterproof Your Basement

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Can Dry Lock, or a similar product, be used over painted block walls?

Community Answer

This is not recommended. Dry Lock, and other similar products, will only be as strong as the first coat of paint applied. For best results, Dry Lock needs to be applied to a clean, unpainted block or brick wall.

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Question

I'm digging out the side of my basement due to water damage. Once it's dug out, what is the best water sealer to use?

Andy Orr

Community Answer

It depends on the foundation material, but plastic-based paint, either brushed on or professionally spray-applied is always a safe bet. It runs about $50 a gallon.

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Question

If the walls are already painted, what should I use to seal them?

Community Answer

I would use a concrete-based paint on top of the existing paint; clearly the existing paint isn't stopping the leak.

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Question

I have window wells that let water come into my basement. How can I seal them?

Community Answer

You can get silicone to seal them at a hardware store like Home Depot or Ace Hardware.

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Question

What kind of service do I call to determine whether the water problem is due to ground sloping, the foundation, or gutters?

Andy Orr

Community Answer

I'd speak to a basement waterproofer, a gutter installer, an experienced landscaper, and/or a well-versed general contractor.

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Question

I have used a waterproof product on a basement wall in the past. Can I use Dry Lock over the previous product?

Community Answer

No. You will need to remove the previous product before using Dry Lock.

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Question

The middle of our basement floor is damp (due to a high water table). Would a sump pump help with that?

Community Answer

Yes, it would, if properly installed around the entire basement perimeter. Contact a waterproofing specialist or plumber for this.

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Question

Can I put a sump pump water discharge into a sewer line?

Community Answer

You'd better check with a contractor on that. Ground water isn't supposed to be pumped into sewer lines, which are intended only for waste water (toilet/shower/sink).

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Question

Can I install a drain tile around the outside of the foundation and run it to a sump pump inside a basement?

Community Answer

Plumbing 101: you never bring outside water into the house. Install the drain tile outside then direct water away from home but not to a neighboring or any other private property.

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