Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?
All basement water problems are different so we customize every repair with its own unique solution. Therefore we have to look at the basement to determine what needs to be done. We will ask you “what do you want us to accomplish for you”. Then we will design a solution to meet your needs. We give a free basement analysis and proposal. Our only requirement is that the decision maker be present.

Are you going to dig up my house?
No, our work is done from inside the basement. When you dig up the house you’re just redoing the same process that already failed. See why they leak. Odds are high that the problem will occur again in a few years. It’s the biggest mess and the most expensive means of correction and in most cases has no warranty.

What are you going to seal the walls with?
We don’t seal the walls on the inside. If your roof were leaking you wouldn’t nail shingles inside your attic. It’s sort of the same thing. We’ve inspected thousands of basements over the years; over 90% of them will already tried sealing the interior walls with no success. Trapping water inside block walls can cause excess pressure on the walls, deterioration of the block and increases the chances of mold growth on the organic paints. If you want to solve a basement water problem you have to get rid of the water. All of our systems are designed to do that.

What is that musty odor in my basement?
Most musty odors in the basement or crawl space are caused by moisture. It could be mold growing on some organic surface in the basement. Solving a moisture problem in the basement will usually solve the odor problem.

What are the stains on my basement wall?
Most stains are caused by moisture. The white chalky stains are efflorescence, which is a deterioration of the cement as the water passes through the block. The brown stains could be mold or they could be acid stains from water passing thru a highly acid soil. The black stains could be mold and mildew. Mold will grow on painted surfaces more so than it will on a bare block because most paints have organic properties which gives the mold something to feed on. Any of the stains indicate the presents of water.

I don't get water on the floor but I get a musty odor from my basement. What can I do?
Vapor termination thru block walls and high humidity levels, especially behind paneling or drywall cause odor problems. A SaniDry Basement Air System is the solution.

Are your waterproofing systems guaranteed?
We offer a double warranty. We guarantee that no water will enter the basement in any areas that we work on. The warranty is for the life of the structure and is transferable should the property be sold. If we should ever go out of business Basement Systems will provide an additional warranty.

I’m selling my house, is it worth spending money on repairing the basement?
Just because you may have lived with the problem for years, doesn’t mean that someone else wants to. Surveys have proven that 92% of the people shopping for a home will not be interested in a home with a wet basement. If a problem exists you will pay for it one way or another. If nothing is done a potential buyer will want a large discount to deal with the problem. In most cases the discount will be more than the price of having the problem corrected. If the water problem is eliminated the property will be appraised higher and there will be an opportunity to recuperate your investment on the sale.

How will you know what to do to correct my problem?
We focus on below grade water problems every day and have seen it all over the past 20 years. We are certified and take annual training as to system design and instillation of our various products. Our success rate has been over 99% on the first attempt, with an occasional rare adjustment having to be made to correct that remaining 1%. Don’t take my word for it, check out our testimonial page to hear comments from our customers. If you live in the area you’ll probably find a comment from someone you know.

Contact us for a free basement condition report in Pennsylvania. We will examine your basement, discuss any concerns with you and provide you with options on the right solution for your basement water problem.