Basement waterproofing questions, answered
What homeowners around Columbus ask most about inspections, prices, permits, licensing and the work itself.
Inspections and pricing
What happens at the free inspection?
We look at every basement wall, the floor joint, the sump, window wells, downspouts and the slope of the yard, take moisture readings where water shows, and explain what we found. You get a written price for the fix we recommend.
How long does an inspection take?
Usually under an hour for a typical basement.
Will you give a price on the phone?
Only a rough range. The real price depends on how much wall is involved and how the water gets in, which takes a look. See the cost guide.
Do you push one system on every house?
No. Some basements need a drain, some a crack injection, some just a downspout extension. The estimate says why.
Licensing, permits and insurance
Are you licensed?
Ohio does not license waterproofing at the state level. The crews are registered and insured; plumbing and electrical parts of a job go to licensed tradespeople.
Who pulls the permit?
We do, where one is required. Exterior excavation and foundation work usually need one from the City of Columbus or Franklin County building department.
Do you work outside Franklin County?
Yes, in Delaware, Fairfield and Licking county towns close to Columbus. See service areas.
The work itself
How long does a typical job take?
Crack injection: a few hours. A sump: a day or less. An interior drain: two to four days. Exterior work: several days per side, depending on depth and access.
Is it messy?
Concrete cutting is loud and dusty. Crews use dust control, cover what they can and haul away debris.
Do I need to be home?
For the inspection, yes. For the work, someone needs to let the crew in and see the finished system.
What warranty do you give?
It depends on the work and is written on the estimate. We don't promise anything that isn't on paper.
Water and your house
Why does my basement leak only some years?
Wet springs saturate the clay; dry years don't. Sumps age and footer drains silt up. A basement can be dry for years and then start leaking.
Is sewer backup the same as a leak?
No. Water from a floor drain during a storm can be a sewer backup, which is a plumbing problem. We tell you if that's what we see.
Can I finish my basement after waterproofing?
Yes. That's one of the main reasons people waterproof first.