Basement Waterproofing: Is Digging Outside Required?

Digging outside was required in this case because our customer had a broken sewer pipe.

Do not get fooled by sales tactics: digging around the outside of your home is almost never required.

The Facts

  • The water enters your basement from the lowest point, which is the floor (often at groundwater level).
  • A drainage system below the basement floor will move the water away from the foundation without having to dig outside.
  • Installing or improving an interior drainage system to be installed a foot below the basement floor will effectively lower the groundwater level and will insure a dry basement for life.