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Basement Waterproofing and Drainage for Midwest Homes

Protect your home’s foundation with our house leveling, basement wall repair, and pier and beam foundation repair services.

Are you dealing with a wet basement?

A wet basement can create the perfect conditions for bacteria and mold to thrive in, leading to various health hazards. It can also damage priceless family heirlooms and sentimental treasures that can’t be replaced.

How does water get into my basement?

Going downstairs to find water in your basement can be alarming, especially when you aren’t sure where it is coming from. Here are the top 10 ways water can get into your basement*:

*Want to learn more about how water gets into your basement? Check out our blog post – Repairing a Wet Basement

The 3 Step Plan for A Dry Basement:
Seal, Support, Drain

Water can comes into your basement through something as simple as a widow leak, or something as serious as a bowing wall. At Epp, we’ve developed a 3-Phase Basement Repair Process to evaluate your basement and offer easy to understand recommendations, to seal cracks and reduce dampness, support your foundation, and drain any future water intrusion. 

1
vapor barrier in basement

Seal

We start off by identifying every area of intrusion to determine which techniques are needed to seal any cracks and control the flow of incoming water.

2
support

Support

If there are structural issues affecting parts of your basement (i.e. bowing walls or foundation settlement), we investigate the causes and then install the proper foundation support system.

3
drain

Drain

We assess the condition of your current basement drainage system and install a new interior/exterior drainage system to keep water out of your basement.

We get it. Wet basement problems can rob you of your peace of mind.

At Epp Foundation Repair, we believe every home should have a basement equipped to protect you from the elements. Since 1994, we’ve helped clients in Southeastern Nebraska, Northwestern Missouri, and parts of Northeastern Kansas with repairs and waterproofing for their basements.

“I had EPP Concrete do a lot of work on my basement. Had drain tile, carbon straps, wall anchors, vapor barrier, sump pump and had 2 egress windows installed. Everyone did an amazing job. I want to give a huge thanks to everyone that helped out with this project. Ryan was very knowledgeable when he came out to see what I needed done and answered all my questions. A big thank you to Dustin and Sam for being so professional and prompt and answering questions that I had. Thank you for cleaning up each day. Very much appreciated it. I will definitely recommend EPP.”

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
& DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

We offer the following options for basement waterproofing and drainage*:

Interior Basement Waterproofing and Drainage Systems:

TAKE THE FIRST STEP
TOWARDS A HEALTHY HOME

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STEP 1:

Schedule Your
Inspection

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Receive estimate icon

STEP 2:

Receive an
Estimate Based
On Your Needs

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STEP 3:

Get Your Repairs

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STEP 4:

Enjoy Your Stable
Home For Years
to Come

Basement Waterproofing and Drainage FAQs

Why is a wet basement bad?

A wet basement can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. The excess moisture could lead to rotting wood, cracking foundations, and weakening the overall structure. This can be expensive to fix and could decrease the value of your property.

Moreover, a wet basement can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. Mold spores thrive in damp and humid areas, and once they take hold, they can release harmful toxins into the air that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

A wet basement can also be a breeding ground for pests like rodents and insects. It’s not uncommon for rats and mice to take shelter in damp areas, and cockroaches and other pests can also be attracted to the moisture.

What is the most effective way to waterproof a basement?

A few methods can be effective when waterproofing a basement, but the best approach depends on the specific situation.

One commonly recommended method is to install a drainage system to redirect any water that might seep into the basement away from the foundation. Sealing any cracks in the foundation walls is essential to prevent water from getting in.

Another option is to apply a waterproofing sealant to the walls and floors of the basement.

It’s worth noting that basement waterproofing is a complex process that a professional contractor should handle. They can help assess the specific needs of your basement and recommend the best course of action to keep your space dry and protected.

What is the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing? Which do I need?

It depends on your specific situation; without a proper inspection, it’s impossible to say which one is necessary.

Exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the outside of your house and installing a drain tile system and waterproof membrane to prevent water from seeping into your foundation. This is typically more expensive and disruptive, but it can effectively prevent water damage to your home.

On the other hand, interior waterproofing involves addressing water issues from the inside of your home. This can include sealing cracks in your foundation, and applying waterproof coatings to your basement walls. This option is usually less expensive and less disruptive, but it may not be as effective in preventing water damage in the long term.

Can I waterproof my basement myself?

Basement waterproofing is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Unless you have experience working in the construction industry, you’re probably not going to know what you’re doing. Even if you’re handy and good at DIY projects, certain aspects of waterproofing (like ensuring proper drainage) are beyond the average homeowner’s expertise.

Another issue with DIY basement waterproofing is that you risk not addressing the root cause of the water infiltration in the first place. Without proper diagnosis, you might throw money at quick fixes that won’t solve the problem long-term. This can lead to wasted time, effort, and money – not to mention frustration when the water starts seeping in again.

Is basement waterproofing worth it?

A waterproofed basement can prevent water damage and mold growth, which can be costly to repair and hazardous to your health. It can also increase the value of your home, as potential buyers will see a waterproofed basement as a desirable feature. For more information, see Basement Leak Repair.

What are the disadvantages of basement waterproofing?

Basement waterproofing can be pretty expensive. Depending on the method used and the size of your basement, the cost can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. This can be a significant financial strain, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Another disadvantage is that some basement waterproofing methods can be quite invasive. For example, if you choose to install an interior drainage system, it will likely require jackhammering up the basement floor and removing sections of the wall. This can be a messy and disruptive process, and you will have to deal with dust, noise, and debris.

See Why Foundation Crack Repair Kits Aren’t the Best Waterproofing Solution.

Can you finish a basement without waterproofing?

The short answer is technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Here’s the thing: basements are notorious for being damp, which can cause all sorts of problems like mold growth and structural damage. That’s why it’s generally a good idea to waterproof your unfinished basement before you do anything else.

How long does it take to waterproof a basement?

The size of your basement plays a big role. A larger basement will take longer to waterproof than a smaller one. The severity of any existing water damage or leaks will also impact the timeline. That said, waterproofing a basement can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on what needs to be done.

How many years does waterproofing last?

There is no straightforward answer to this question because many factors could impact the longevity of basement waterproofing.

Some of these factors include the quality of the waterproofing materials used, the type of waterproofing method applied, the age of your home’s foundation, the level of moisture in your soil, and the frequency and amount of rainfall in your area.

In general, most basement waterproofing systems are designed to last for at least 10 to 15 years, but some high-quality systems can last up to 25 years or more. With proper maintenance and upkeep, you can help extend the lifespan of your basement waterproofing.

Interior vs exterior waterproofing, which do I need?

That depends on what the issue is and what you want to accomplish. Typically most waterproofing is done from the inside of the home. If you have a unique situation or don’t wish to control water from the inside we then can work from the outside. However it’s usually a lot more cost effective and also better to control the water with an interior drainage system than an exterior drainage system.

What if my basement is finished?

We get asked that a lot and also face that issue a lot. If your basement is finished typically portions of that finish will need to be removed so that we can install an interior drainage system. Not always but it usually is better to remove as much as possible to make sure that we are and you (the homeowner) are seeing all of the issues and we don’t miss anything because of coverings on the walls or floor. We deal A LOT with finished basements and can help you on properly removing the least amount needed to complete the work and then getting everything put back together.

What is your basement inspection process like?

After you call our office and book an appointment, one of our foundation repair specialists is sent out to take a look. That appointment typically takes 45-120 minutes depending on what the issues are and how many questions the customer might have for us. After the inspection process is complete the foundation repair specialist will either give an estimate right there on the sport or a day or 2 after the inspection if they need to get any more advice, engineering or the project needs another set of eyes.

What do you base your recommendations off of?

Our recommendations are based on a detailed assessment we perform of your home’s needs. Our proposals take into consideration your preferences as well as budget to ensure you get the repairs you need.

How much will it cost?

Fixing a foundation can be a very complex or a very simple process it just depends what the issues are. A typical foundation waterproofing job done by Epp is around $5K. But that fix might just need to be as simple as an epoxy wall injection which could be drastically less than that. We can give typical costs and have several videos on youtube discussing cost and how you the customer can figure out an approximate cost but every job is so unique and different that its difficult to give a specific cost to fix an issue.

Do you offer financing?

We do. Almost everything that Epp Foundation Repair does comes with some form of a warranty. Because of the type of work we do we obviously can’t have one blanket warranty that covers everything but alot of our main solutions come with a lifetime transferable limited warranty. One thing you can count on is that we will stand behind our work. We will walk next to every customer and make sure that they receive what they thought they were gonna get and we will do whatever it takes to WOW them and make sure we have completed the work to the best of our ability and if the customer isn’t happy we will do whatever we can to make sure they are when we are done.

Do you offer service agreements?

We do. We offer service plans for several items that we insall. They can be purchased yearly or in blocks. We highly recommend that people purchase our service agreements as they are a great thing to have for having a professional that will come out and check your home for any issues on a yearly basis.

How long does a typical project take?

Depending on the scope of work and what we are doing greatly changes our time frame. Our average (general) time frame on a project is 3 days. 90% of our work and our solutions take less than a week from start to finish. There are some solutions that can be accomplished in a few hours and some that may take several weeks depending on the scope and what all needs to be accomplished.

What precautions are you taking amid the coronavirus pandemic?

We are doing everything that we can to keep our employees safe and also our customers. We have a no questions asked sick policy that anyone that is feeling ill or has been in contact with anyone that is ill they must stay away from work. If any of our team members have had any contact with anyone that has or has been exposed to COVID they must follow the CDC guidelines and we have created an open communication with our local health department. We also provide all of the proper PPE to our employees and every morning before trucks leave the shop they are disinfected.

That depends on what the issue is and what you want to accomplish. Typically most waterproofing is done from the inside of the home. If you have a unique situation or don’t wish to control water from the inside we then can work from the outside. However it’s usually a lot more cost effective and also better to control the water with an interior drainage system than an exterior drainage system.

We get asked that a lot and also face that issue a lot. If your basement is finished typically portions of that finish will need to be removed so that we can install an interior drainage system. Not always but it usually is better to remove as much as possible to make sure that we are and you (the homeowner) are seeing all of the issues and we don’t miss anything because of coverings on the walls or floor. We deal A LOT with finished basements and can help you on properly removing the least amount needed to complete the work and then getting everything put back together.

After you call our office and book an appointment, one of our foundation repair specialists is sent out to take a look. That appointment typically takes 45-120 minutes depending on what the issues are and how many questions the customer might have for us. After the inspection process is complete the foundation repair specialist will either give an estimate right there on the sport or a day or 2 after the inspection if they need to get any more advice, engineering or the project needs another set of eyes.

Our recommendations are based on a detailed assessment we perform of your home’s needs. Our proposals take into consideration your preferences as well as budget to ensure you get the repairs you need.

Fixing a foundation can be a very complex or a very simple process it just depends what the issues are. A typical foundation waterproofing job done by Epp is around $5K. But that fix might just need to be as simple as an epoxy wall injection which could be drastically less than that. We can give typical costs and have several videos on youtube discussing cost and how you the customer can figure out an approximate cost but every job is so unique and different that its difficult to give a specific cost to fix an issue.

We do. We offer Greensky financing. Greensky has a few different plans for the customer to choose from and is one of the largest and most respected financing companies in our industry.

We do. Almost everything that Epp Foundation Repair does comes with some form of a warranty. Because of the type of work we do we obviously can’t have one blanket warranty that covers everything but alot of our main solutions come with a 25 year transferable warranty. One thing you can count on is that we will stand behind our work. We will walk next to every customer and make sure that they receive what they thought they were gonna get and we will do whatever it takes to WOW them and make sure we have completed the work to the best of our ability and if the customer isn’t happy we will do whatever we can to make sure they are when we are done.

We do. We offer service plans for several items that we insall. They can be purchased yearly or in blocks. We highly recommend that people purchase our service agreements as they are a great thing to have for having a professional that will come out and check your home for any issues on a yearly basis.

Depending on the scope of work and what we are doing greatly changes our time frame. Our average (general) time frame on a project is 3 days. 90% of our work and our solutions take less than a week from start to finish. There are some solutions that can be accomplished in a few hours and some that may take several weeks depending on the scope and what all needs to be accomplished.

We are doing everything that we can to keep our employees safe and also our customers. We have a no questions asked sick policy that anyone that is feeling ill or has been in contact with anyone that is ill they must stay away from work. If any of our team members have had any contact with anyone that has or has been exposed to COVID they must follow the CDC guidelines and we have created an open communication with our local health department. We also provide all of the proper PPE to our employees and every morning before trucks leave the shop they are disinfected.

The Complete Basement Waterproofing Guide For Midwest Homeowners

Epp Basement Waterproofing Guide

Discover the most common ways water gets into your basement and what you can do to keep it dry.

Epp Basement Waterproofing Guide