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How to waterproof a basement?

· Examine the home foundations.

· Gutter outlets or drain spouts should go six feet beyond foundations.

· Check gutters and drains for things preventing water from draining, and if found, remove them.

· Purchase premixed concrete and epoxy waterproof caulking to fix small cracks. You could mix your own waterproof compound. How to apply is indicated in the directions.

· Apply the waterproofing products onto the interior exterior foundation. Follow the package directions using a sprayer, roller or brush. As the material is completely water-soluble, cleaning up is easy. Tar gives a dense and waterproof seal, consider applying that to your basement walls.

If water pressure is building up against the foundations and leaking through your walls, install the weep pipe. This pipe empties into some bucket or the basement floor drain. Cut out a hole or groove in your concrete and insert the pipe into the foundation, providing a space for filling mortar. Install this pipe where the water pressure is greatest or where the floor joint and side wall meet. Put in place the weep pipe. Put waterproof mortar one the pipe and seal it. Work meticulously, making sure there aren’t any air pockets between your mortar, the pipe and basement concrete.