Where the Water Comes From
Water enters a basement in a few main ways: through cracks or the joint where the wall meets the floor, through floor drains that back up, through window wells, and through groundwater rising under the slab. Each has a different fix, and treating the wrong one wastes money.
The plumber looks at when the water appears. Water that arrives only during heavy rain points to groundwater or surface drainage. Water with sewage smell points to a sewer line problem. Water that appears without rain may be a leaking pipe, which the leak detection page covers.
Waterproofing Approaches
| Approach | How it works | Fits when |
|---|---|---|
| Interior drain and sump | A drain along the wall base collects water and sends it to a sump pit | Groundwater seeps in at the wall and floor joint |
| Crack sealing | Cracks are injected or sealed | Isolated cracks without ongoing movement |
| Sump pump upgrade | A better pump, check valve and backup | The pit is overwhelmed or the pump is failing |
| Window well repair | Drainage or covers for the wells | Water enters at window wells |
| Exterior grading and downspouts | Surface water is directed away from the house | Water enters after rain and the ground slopes toward the house |
Water in the Basement Now?
Call the 24/7 line. A same-day appointment is offered when available, and the price is clear first.
How a Waterproofing Job Starts
- 1
Describe the pattern
You tell us when and where the water appears.
- 2
Inspect
The plumber checks walls, floor, drains, sump pit and discharge.
- 3
Clear price
You get a clear price before work starts and a plan for the work.
- 4
Install and test
The system is installed, then tested with water.
Local Water Context
Rolling Meadows is a flat-to-gently-rolling city along Salt Creek, and the city manages more than 54 miles of storm sewer, with Plum Grove Reservoir and Twin Lakes Reservoir helping to control heavy rain. Its storm water guidance tells residents to expect up to 48 hours for standing water to drain before calling it a storm sewer problem.
Because much of the housing dates from 1950 to 1980, many basements have older walls and floor slabs that have settled and cracked over the decades. We do not guess at your foundation. The plumber looks at the actual cracks, drains and pit and explains what he sees before you decide.
Low-Cost Steps Before Major Work
- Clean gutters and extend downspouts several feet from the foundation
- Check that the ground slopes away from the house
- Test the sump pump by pouring water into the pit
- Keep window wells clear and covered
- Store valuables off the floor and away from the walls
Interior Versus Exterior Work
Exterior waterproofing means digging around the foundation, which is a larger job that involves excavation. Interior systems collect water that reaches the wall and floor and send it to a sump. Interior systems are more common in finished homes and are usually the plumber's part of the job.
Some problems are best handled by a foundation or masonry specialist, such as large structural cracks. We will say so if that is the case, so you are not paying for plumbing work that will not solve the problem.
What Affects the Price
Basement waterproofing depends on the length of wall and the system chosen.
Insurance often excludes groundwater seepage. Check your policy. Want your real number? Call (847) 281-8626.
Sources and Local Rules Behind This Page
Plumbing work in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, which municipal inspectors enforce, and the Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers. The storm water notes here come from City of Rolling Meadows storm sewer guidance and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Watershed Management Ordinance of 2014, according to which storm water is regulated across Cook County.
We name these sources so you can check them yourself. Rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the city office or the state before you rely on any detail for a permit or a purchase.
Common Questions
Yes. The emergency line is open 24/7. If water is near electrical equipment, stay out and call the electric utility or 911.
If the pit overflows or the pump fails, the pump is the first fix. If water enters at the wall and floor joint even with a working pump, interior drainage may be needed.
No. Condensation, grading and gutters can cause dampness too. The plumber checks for pipe and drain causes first.
We focus on plumbing-side solutions such as drains and sumps. We will tell you when a masonry or foundation specialist is the right call.
It depends on the length and floor. The plumber gives a window when you approve the price.
Still not sure what you are dealing with? Call (847) 281-8626 and describe it to our dispatcher.