How Much Does It Cost to Waterproof a Basement in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Basement waterproofing costs homeowners an average of $5,213, with most spending between $2,459 and $8,181 for a complete solution. Minor repairs can be as low as $600, while extensive projects like installing a full waterproof membrane might reach up to $15,000. The size of your basement, the waterproofing method, the condition of your foundation, and how often you perform maintenance influence the overall cost.

Investing in basement waterproofing is essential to protect your home and avoid unexpected expenses down the line. Hiring a professional basement waterproofer ensures the job is done correctly, addressing all potential issues and preventing future problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly impact your costs, so staying on top of your basement’s health is important.

Cost Factors of Waterproofing a Basement

Several factors determine how much you'll spend to waterproof your basement. Let's dive into the major cost factors so you know what to expect.

Basement Size

The size of your basement plays a big role in your waterproofing costs. Larger basements need more materials, time, and labor to waterproof than smaller ones. On average, you'll pay between $3 and $10 per square foot for basement waterproofing services.

Type of Sealant

The total cost of a basement waterproofing job will be primarily determined by the sealing method you choose.

• Acrylic: $1–$8 per square foot

• Epoxy: $5–$7 per square foot

• Silicate: $4–$6 per square foot

Interior vs. Exterior Waterproofing

Some methods of basement waterproofing are performed inside the basement with a sealant applied to the interior walls, while others focus on preventing water from penetrating the outside and work to seal the exterior. Exterior waterproofing typically involves excavating the foundation and adding sealant or installing a waterproof membrane.

Exterior waterproofing is complex work, often requiring specialized equipment and training. It’s also more expensive than interior waterproofing, with even the lowest-priced solutions averaging a total price of $1,000.

Labor Costs

Basement waterproofing contractors charge around $200 per hour. Since labor is usually included in the overall project price, you don't need to budget for it separately. If you're curious about labor rates in your area, reach out to a local basement waterproofing pro for more details.

Foundation Condition and Repairs

Cracks and holes in your foundation occur naturally over time but can lead to significant moisture damage. Even a durable concrete foundation can collect moisture inside the blocks. Waterproofing methods can't effectively address these issues until a pro repairs the foundation first. Repairing a foundation costs an average of $5,000 but can range from around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the project. Major structural issues with your foundation are the most expensive to repair, costing $25,000 to $50,000.

A leaking basement isn't merely the result of insufficient waterproofing but can indicate bigger problems like cracks in the walls, floor, or foundation. In many cases, making the repairs necessary to correct such an issue will exceed the cost of waterproofing alone. The cost of repairing a foundation depends on the extent of the problem:

• Narrow crack: $800–$1,500 per crack

• Structural repairs: $25,000–$50,000

• Wall repairs: $790

• Cost to repair floors: $250–$800

Home Age

The age of your home could also influence the cost of waterproofing. If the house was built before building codes started requiring foundations to be built with footings—which are supports typically made of concrete and rebar that secure the foundation in the soil and more evenly spread the structural weight—you could pay significantly more for exterior waterproofing since it's more complicated to direct water away from your home without them.

Environmental Factors

If you live in an area with a high water table, you might need more extensive waterproofing methods to keep your basement dry. It may require elaborate exterior solutions to prevent leaks and meet building codes. Sometimes, excavation is necessary, especially if contractors can't access your basement from the inside or if water is leaking through the foundation. Excavation can cost between $50 and $200 per cubic yard of dirt, which affects your overall project cost.

Mold Remediation

Leakage or dampness in the basement can very quickly result in mold. If you see or smell signs of mold growth when you descend the basement stairs, it’s time to hire a mold remediation pro near you to remove the dangerous fungus. In a basement, removing mold costs between $500 and $3,500.

Drainage and Landscaping Improvements

Effective drainage and proper landscaping are crucial for preventing water from entering your basement. Improvements may include installing or upgrading basement drains and sump pumps, which cost around $700 to $5,200. Addressing standing water issues may involve costs of $1,000 to $3,000 for removal.

Your home's gutters also play a significant role in keeping your basement dry by directing rainwater away from the foundation. Repairing or replacing poorly pitched, damaged, or clogged gutters costs between $4 and $40 per linear foot. Together, these improvements can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and the associated costs.

Excavation

Several basement waterproofing solutions require excavation and may be necessary because contractors can't access the basement from the inside. In other cases, the problem primarily can stem from water leaking through the foundation, entailing exterior sealing. Expect the costs of land excavation to fall between $50 and $200 per cubic yard of dirt. In some cases, it's a manageable DIY job, but you'll need specialized equipment costing around $75 to $350 per day to rent. Depending on accessibility, it should only take two to three days to dig out the foundation.

Exterior Sealing Methods

Consider these exterior sealing methods to keep your basement dry.

Cement

A cementitious solution is a thick coat you can apply directly to your exterior walls and probably the easiest way to keep water out. In fact, anyone with painting experience can apply it. A 5-gallon bucket of dry cementitious solution mix for cement waterproofing costs about $40 and covers 100 square feet of your foundation. Add professional labor and additional work in patching cracks, and you'll pay about $1,000 to $1,500 for cement waterproofing. It works equally well for crawl spaces and full basements.

However, this option is also the most inflexible. Because cement hardens completely, any joint movement or developing cracks will compromise its effectiveness. As a result, foundations in dry climates with sandy soil, which doesn't significantly expand or contract, tend to respond better to this option.

Waterproofing Membrane

Adding a waterproofing membrane is one of the more expensive options, but in many cases, it's also the most effective. You can expect to pay $3 to $6 per square foot for a liquid membrane, and $1,500 to $3,000 for a sheet membrane. These membranes consist of rubberized asphalt, which is laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film. It's unforgiving and needs to be installed just right, which is why this job is best left to the pros.

When installed correctly, this option's flexibility and durability might be the perfect fit for your basement, particularly in wet climates with expanding clay soil. It isn't used as frequently for crawl spaces as for full basement waterproofing, but its functionality remains similar.

Weeping Tiles

There's also the option of removing the water before it can seep into your walls. French drains cost to install a weeping tile system between $60 and $120 per linear foot, depending on the excavation depth and location accessibility. Despite the name, weeping tiles are plastic pipes with regularly punched holes. Water that would otherwise enter your walls enters these pipes, where it's guided away from the home.

Exterior weeping tiles can function well for concrete foundations, basements, and crawl spaces, especially in damp climates. With the proper installation, grading, and materials, this may be the most sustainable and successful option for your home. You can install a weeping tile system in addition to cement and membrane options.

Bentonite Clay

A natural sealant, sodium bentonite is a material similar to clay that you can mix with the dirt surrounding your foundation, where it absorbs water and swells up to fill cracks. Some contractors advise against this method since it can lead to unintended consequences, such as clogged drains, and some building codes prohibit its usage. You'll pay between $3 and $4 per square foot to apply it.

Interior Sealing Methods

Check out the variety of means by which you can waterproof your basement from the inside.

Epoxy Injection

In addition to a simple coating, you can use a product like Perma-Seal epoxy sealer to protect your basement. This acrylic/epoxy mixture provides an incredibly durable solution that improves the life of your concrete floors and walls in addition to their seal. When done by pros, it'll cost you between $800 to $1,500 per injection, depending on the location, product, and prior repairs needed.

Silicate Concrete

Concrete sealers are inexpensive at around $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot. Add professional labor costs, and applying silicate sealer will cost about $3 to $9 per square foot.

In contrast to concrete, silicate sealers work by penetrating the walls where they're applied. They provoke a chemical reaction with the concrete, increasing its chance of staying dry without changing its look. In fact, your concrete walls will look exactly like they did before you applied this method. Penetrating options like silicates also work well because they allow moisture to escape instead of trapping it.

Paint

Perhaps the simplest way to keep the interior walls of your basement dry is to paint them with the right paint, typically acrylic, giving it the bonding it needs to keep the moisture away. Think of this option as a thicker version of everyday paint. Waterproofing paint costs between $1 and $8 per square foot. More expensive solutions, designed for professional use, will cost more per square foot. You'll need both coats for the paint to work.

Vapor Barrier

You can also install a vapor barrier if you have a crawl space, which is at higher risk for water damage because it’s typically less protected against leaks and moisture. At its core, a vapor barrier is a plastic sheet designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the house. But installing it can get tricky, so it makes sense to work with pros. Depending on its size and the sheet thickness, professionally installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space can cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

Baseboard Channels

If you’ve got block walls, you can install channels in the baseboard that function like gutters, draining water away from the house. Contractors charge around $30 per linear foot to drill weep holes in the walls and put in the channels.

Subfloor Drain Tiles

Another option is to install a drain tile system in your basement subfloors. These waterproof, interlocking tiles can be placed an inch or two beneath the finished floor on the surface of a concrete slab subfloor. You can expect to pay between $25 and $55 per square foot for this drainage system.

The drainage system directs water away from your home, preventing liquid from accumulating in the basement. But it doesn't prevent moisture from entering through the air or walls, so the tiles need to be combined with another moisture-proofing solution.

Interior French Drains

While outdoor French drains (or weeping tiles) are more common, you can also install them in your basement’s interior. The drains are typically placed around the perimeter of the basement, collecting and delivering excess water to a sump pump or pipes that bring it away from your home. You’ll pay around $60 to $120 per linear foot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While some simple basement waterproofing tasks can be DIY-friendly, like sealing small cracks or applying waterproof paint, major projects are best left to the pros. Fully waterproofing your basement is a significant undertaking with little room for error, and mistakes can be costly.

Plus, many manufacturers require professional installation to honor their warranties. If you're unsure about the source of moisture or the best solution, consider hiring a local basement waterproofing pro. A qualified basement waterproofing contractor can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the most effective approach. To protect your home and ensure the job is done right, investing in professional help is a smart move.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.