One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is the discovery of water in the basement of his house. Fortunately, there are ways that you can prevent such a disaster from happening. Depending on the source and cause of the water, these methods are not, however, cheap.

Condensation
About $280

If you notice excess condensation in your basement (on the walls or pipes) this water can drip onto materials and cause water damage. The simplest solution to this problem is to purchase a good quality dehumidifier. A decent, heavy duty dehumidifier typically costs about $250. In addition, you can insulate the pipes in your basement and ensure that all of the windows in your basement are closed and sealed during the winter to prevent cold air and rain from producing water on your walls and pipes. Cheap insulation and plastic sheets taped over the windows are the cheapest insulation solution, running at about $30.

Ground Water
$8 Per Crack or $11 Per Square Foot

A very costly problem in basements in ground water seeping through cracks in the floor or walls. If there is a visible crack in either, you may seal the crack with epoxy or caulk to prevent the problem from occurring. These materials typically cost around $8 per tube. One tube is normally enough to seal a crack. However, if there are no visible cracks or a large number of small ones, you may need to invest in a sump pump and interior drain. Do it yourself kits typically run at around $11 per square foot. Although this price can add up quite rapidly, professional installation would more than double the do it yourself cost.

Lawn Slope
Typically Around $100

Some lawns slope towards the foundation causing water to rush towards the house and seep through cracks in the basement. The major cause of this is flower beds or shrubs placed too closely to a house (less than one foot) These plants can reduce ventilation and cause moisture to build in the areas where they are planted. If slope is your problem, you can dig an irrigation ditch to draw water away form the house or install some simple underground pipes to allow ground water to flow into a nearby river or drain. Besides the time you spend digging and removing shrubs or flowers, this is arguably the cheapest solution to basement water problems. Plastic pipes from your local hardware store typically run at about $100, depending on how many you need.

Professional Waterproofing
Can Range From $2,000 to $12,000

If none of your home remedies work, you may need the assistance of a professional. Shop around before committing to a contract as waterproofing rates vary widely. Ask your neighbors is they used a service and what the results were. People that have used a contractor’s service will likely be more reliable sources than the company itself. Professional waterproofing should be your last result as the fee is normally anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on the problem and the contractor.