Basement Waterproofing in Burlington County, NJ

Why a referral service, and what that means for you

Basement water problems tend to show up at the worst time: during a nor'easter, overnight, or the week you planned to finish the basement. We built this site so you only have to explain the problem once. You tell us what is happening and where, and we route the request to an independent waterproofing contractor that works in your part of Burlington County. They contact you, inspect the basement and give you their own written proposal.

We are upfront about what we are: a referral service. We do not dig, drill, install pumps or seal walls. The contractor does the work under their own contract. In New Jersey, home improvement contractors, including waterproofing companies, must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs, and you can look up any company's registration online before you sign.

If water is coming in right now

• Electricity first. Do not walk into standing water if it could reach outlets, extension cords, a furnace, a water heater or the electrical panel. Call your electric utility or an electrician if you cannot safely shut power off.
• Check the sump pump. Is it plugged in, is the breaker or GFCI tripped, and is the float stuck? A pump that runs but does not lower the water may have a clogged or frozen discharge line.
• Is it groundwater or a pipe? Water that keeps coming with the power and water main shut off is coming from outside. Water from a burst pipe, water heater or washer hose is a plumbing emergency first.
• Photograph everything before you clean up, and call your insurer. Standard homeowners policies generally treat flood, groundwater seepage and sewer backup differently, so ask what your policy covers.
• Pumping out and drying is usually a water damage restoration job, separate from waterproofing. Fixing why the water got in comes after.

Where basement water usually comes from

Most wet basements in this area trace back to a few causes. Roof water from gutters and short downspouts dumps right against the foundation. Soil around the house settles over the years and slopes toward the walls instead of away. During long rains, groundwater rises and pushes up through the joint where the floor meets the wall, or through cracks. Older homes with stone or brick foundations let water wick through the mortar. A good contractor should tell you which of these is happening in your house before recommending a system.

What affects the cost of waterproofing

We do not publish prices, because only a contractor who has seen the basement can quote it. These are the factors that usually drive the number:

• Whether the fix is outside (grading, gutters, downspout extensions), inside (an interior drain and sump), or exterior excavation down to the footing.
• The length of wall that needs drainage, and whether the floor has to be cut and patched.
• Finished walls, stairs, built-ins or mechanicals that have to be moved or worked around.
• The type of foundation: poured concrete, block, or old stone and brick.
• Pump choices: primary pump, battery backup, alarm, and where the discharge line can go.
• Permits and electrical work, where required.