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GET INFORMATION ON WATERPROOFING

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is waterproofing?

Waterproofing a basement or crawl space begins with a foundation inspection outside and inside to identify drainage problems that cause the leaks in the first place. A waterproofing expert follows many clues to diagnose the problems before he provides a drainage solution that will correct them.

In many cases, a drain system is installed around the perimeter of your basement at the base of the foundation. The drain system diverts water and moisture away from foundation walls and into a sump pit installed in the lowest part of the basement. A sump pump then removes the water from the pit and channels it safely away from the house.

Working together, these drainage system components relieve hydrostatic pressure from basement walls and floors and prevent water from damaging your foundation and causing stability problems.

Do I need waterproofing?

The answer is probably yes, if…

  • You have ever had water or excessive moisture in your basement or crawl space. 
  • You have mold or mildew problems in your basement or crawl space. 
  • You have damp spots, cracks, white stains and/or lines on basement walls and floors.
  • You've noticed a musty smell when you first walk into your basement.
  • If metal objects, furniture or appliances in the basement show signs of rust.
  • If condensation appears on basement windows or walls.
What will waterproofing prevent?
  • Flooded basements and/or crawl spaces
  • Excessive moisture/condensation, which promotes mold and mildew growth
  • Foundation damage, which can lead to expensive structural problems
  • Musty smells associated with excessive basement moisture
  • Discomfort and worry about all of the above
How does water get into my basement?

Hydrostatic pressure builds up around your basement's foundation and forces water into the basement. Most homes experience a wet basement from water seeping in through where the basement walls meet the floor. Water can also seep in through your basement floor from above or under the footers. Seams in walls or the foundation allow water to enter the basement. Sweating or bleeding walls cause water problems too.

What kinds of problems are caused by water or excessive moisture in my basement?
  • Excessive mold and mildew
  • Allergic discomfort
  • Humidity throughout your home
  • A breeding ground for termites
  • Musty air in basement travels to upper living areas
  • Water damage to personal property
  • Rust on appliances and other metals
  • Dry rotted wood
  • Cracked walls or floors
  • Peeling paint or wrapped paneling
  • Chalky white substance caused by calcium in water
What are the benefits to waterproofing my basement or crawl space?
  • Protects your investment
  • Prevents structural damage
  • Increased property value
  • A healthier home for you and your family
  • A more attractive and comfortable home
  • Increased living space
How long will it take to waterproof my basement or crawl space?

In most cases, it takes only one day to waterproof a basement or crawl space. We will arrive early in the morning with all of the supplies necessary to complete the job and will leave your basement dry and clean.

What are the steps involved in waterproofing my basement?

After a careful onsite inspection of your basement water problem, one of our waterproofing experts will propose a solution to eliminate water for good. When you've accepted our proposal, our team will follow these steps:

  1. Test for moisture
  2. Jackhammer perimeter of basement floor
  3. Excavate rocks and soil
  4. Drill weep holes near the bottom of concrete block foundation
  5. Install perforated pipe in excavated trench
  6. Install drain tiles at base of foundation
  7. Fill trench with stone
  8. Re-concrete floor
  9. Install sump pump(s)
What services does Roto-Rooter Waterproofing offer?

  • Emergency pump out service
  • Installation and repair of perimeter drain systems, French drains and/or sump pumps to redirect ground water away from the foundation
  • Solutions to reduce hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls
  • Installation and repair of battery backup sump pump systems
  • Cleaning and repair of basement floor drains
  • Replacement of faulty sump pumps
  • Solutions to your basement water or moisture problems for good
  • Crawl space encapsulation

Is your service guaranteed?

Roto-Rooter has been solving water problems since 1935 and we stand behind our work. Our waterproofing service includes a transferable guarantee and a free annual inspection to ensure your basement remains dry.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, we provide free estimates on all of our services. Of course, we want your business, but we will not charge you if we do not perform any work.

How much does waterproofing cost?

This is a good question and a tough one to answer without a visual assessment of the problem. Additionally, the cost of the service is dependent on specific water issues to be solved. A Roto-Rooter Waterproofing expert will provide a free onsite inspection and proposal.

Does mold in the basement cause health issues for my family?

Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. The most common effects are allergic responses from breathing mold spores. These allergic responses include hay fever or asthma and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or lungs. Reactions to allergens can vary greatly depending on individual sensitivity. Allergic responses can come from exposure to dead as well as to living mold spores. Therefore, killing mold with bleach and or other disinfectants may not prevent allergic responses. Allergy and irritation are the most common symptoms of mold exposure. Although symptoms will vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include: Nasal and sinus congestion; eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes; respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing; cough; throat irritation; skin irritation, such as a rash; and headache.

Will waterproof paint on the basement walls and floor solve my water problems?

No, waterproof paint will not solve your water problems. Waterproof paint might keep walls and floors dry temporarily, but the moisture will continue to build behind the walls and under the floor. Eventually, structural damage could result and create additional problems.

Will liquid sealer and crack filler solve the water problems?

No, like waterproof paint, these types of repairs are temporary solutions to a long-term problem. Moisture will continue to build behind the walls and under the floor. Eventually, structural damage could result and create additional problems.

My basement is full of water. Do you offer pump out service?

The first step to fixing a flooded basement is getting the water out. Keep in mind that a flooded basement is very dangerous! Don't take chances, never enter a flooded basement. You could trip and fall, be electrocuted or seriously cut by objects you can't see. You could even drown. The professionals at Roto-Rooter Waterproofing will safely pump out your flooded basement. We can vacuum the water right out of your basement and into a holding tank on our pump truck. Once the water is gone, a Roto-Rooter Waterproofing expert can provide a free estimate for a wet basement solution that will prevent basement flooding once and for all.

How do you waterproof a crawl space?

Crawl space waterproofing requires installation of a liner on the floor and walls of the space. The process is called encapsulation and it is designed to eliminate moisture issues resulting from the open earth of a crawl space. Molds dwell in warm and dark places—and thrive in places like crawl spaces. The liner, or vapor barrier, is sealed to the wall, making it moisture, gas and insect proof. Encapsulation prevents outside air, specifically warm air, from moving into the crawl space and coming into contact with the cooler crawl space air causing moisture issues.  The crawl space will be drier and healthier environment around your home. 

Do you do outside excavation to solve the problem?

No, we do not excavate around your home or disturb your landscaping. We install our drainage and pump systems in the basement to solve water problems inside the home.

Why should I choose Roto-Rooter Waterproofing over a competitor or doing it myself?

Waterproofing is a major undertaking you should trust only to a professional. There are many reasons why Roto-Rooter Waterproofing is the right choice for you:

  • The Roto-Rooter name has been trusted and recommended since 1935 for all types of water problems.
  • We will provide a professional diagnosis and solution to your basement water problem.
  • We use only high-quality materials and install only Venturi pumps and systems.
  • We will obtain necessary permits and schedule the service at your convenience.
  • Our technicians and plumbers are drug-screened, background-checked, licensed and insured for your protection.
  • A licensed plumber will install your sump pump system.
  • We will provide a written report for completed work.
  • Our service comes complete with a transferable warranty.
  • Our service includes free annual inspections to ensure the system is working correctly and that your basement remains dry.
  • We offer flexible financing options for qualified buyers.
  • Our professionals will fix your problem permanently.
  • You'll have the peace of mind that comes from a job well done.