Basement Waterproofing2026-11-05T11:10:09-06:00

Basement Waterproofing in Sioux Falls

Do you have water on the floor, damp walls or a musty smell in your basement? Blackburn Foundation Repair will find where the moisture is coming from, explain what's causing it and recommend the right solution to help keep the space dry.

Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing

Basement water problems rarely start with a flood. Slow leaks, seepage and excess humidity can continue for years before leading to visible damage. Spotting the problem early can help prevent moisture-related damage and, when foundation problems are involved, more serious structural repairs in the future.

  • Standing Water or Puddles After Rain

    Discovering puddles or standing water after heavy rain is an obvious sign that water is entering your basement. It may be entering through the floor, walls, cracks or the seam where the wall meets the floor as groundwater collects around your foundation.

  • Water Where the Wall Meets the Floor

    A wet line or puddle along the basement perimeter often means water is entering through the cove joint—the small seam where the foundation wall meets the floor. This often occurs when groundwater pressure increases around and beneath the foundation.

  • Musty or Earthy Smells

    That basement smell almost always has a source. Persistent musty or earthy odors can be a sign of excess humidity, hidden moisture or mold growth. Even when you can’t see water, elevated moisture levels can affect stored belongings and the air throughout your home.

  • White, Chalky Residue on Basement Walls

    White, powdery deposits on concrete or masonry walls are called efflorescence. It’s left behind when moisture moves through the wall and evaporates. The residue itself isn’t the problem, but it’s proof that water is making its way through your foundation walls.

  • Cracks in Basement Walls or Floors

    Foundation cracks can open a direct path for groundwater to enter your basement. Some cracks are due to normal concrete shrinkage, while others may suggest foundation movement. An inspection can determine where the water is coming from and whether the crack needs structural repair.

  • Condensation, Rust or Peeling Paint

    You don’t need puddles to have a moisture problem. Condensation on pipes or windows, rust on metal surfaces, peeling paint, or damp belongings can all point to high basement humidity. A basement dehumidifier can help control moisture that stays in the air.

Causes

What Causes a Wet Basement?

Water generally enters a basement because of what's happening around or beneath the home. Groundwater, drainage problems, foundation cracks and failed sump systems can all create a path for moisture to get in.

  • Groundwater & Hydrostatic Pressure

    After heavy rain or snowmelt, the soil around your foundation can become waterlogged. As groundwater accumulates, it creates hydrostatic pressure—simply put, water pushing against your basement walls and floor. Over time, that water can force its way through cracks, joints or porous concrete.

  • Foundation Cracks & Openings

    Cracks in basement walls and floors provide direct paths for water. They can develop from concrete shrinkage, foundation settlement, soil pressure or seasonal movement. The right repair depends on both why the crack formed and where the water is entering.

  • Poor Drainage Around the Home

    Clogged gutters, downspouts that end too close to the home, grading that slopes toward the home or cracked or settling pavement can push rainwater toward your foundation instead of away from it. Over time, that extra water saturates the surrounding soil and increases the chance of basement seepage.

  • Drainage or Sump Pump Failure

    Sometimes the failure is in the system that is meant to remove the water. A blocked or deteriorating basement drain, failed sump pump, power outage, plumbing leak or storm sewer backup can easily turn an otherwise manageable moisture problem into basement flooding.

Basement Waterproofing Done Right

See why XX,XXX homeowners have trusted Blackburn Foundation Repair to help keep their basements dry and protected. Book your free, no-obligation concrete inspection today.

Our Basement Waterproofing Services

A complete basement waterproofing system does more than address a single visible leak. The goal is to handle water where it enters, collect and remove it safely, control wall moisture and reduce excess humidity so your basement stays drier and more comfortable year-round.

How It Works

Our Basement Waterproofing Inspection Process

Benefits

Why Sioux Falls Homeowners Choose Blackburn Foundation Repair

You shouldn't have to guess what's making your basement wet or what it will take to fix it. Blackburn Foundation Repair begins with a free inspection and written estimate, then recommends a solution based on what we find in your home.

Our trained, in-house crews do the work, and financing options are available when you need them. With long-term warranty protection and annual maintenance available for installed systems, we'll be here to help keep your basement protected after installation, too.

What To Expect

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free estimate to start your repair journey with Blackburn Foundation Repair.

Schedule your inspection

Fill out our form or give us a call to book your inspection. Share what you’ve noticed so we can send the right expert to your home.

Full home
inspection

An expert will inspect the problem area and surrounding conditions, including soil movement, drainage, structural integrity, and any related concerns.

Clear explanation
of findings

We’ll walk you through what we’re seeing in easy-to-understand language so you know the root cause of the issue, not just the symptoms.

Review recommendations

If repairs are needed, we’ll outline your options, pricing, and timeline so you can make the best decision for your home.

Schedule your free inspection—

It'll only take
a minute

Meet with a trusted expert, and get
clear answers about your home.

"*" indicates required fields

1Your Info
2Schedule Your Inspection
3Review & Submit

Customer Information

Don't just take our word for it

See what our customers have to say about our work.

Before & after photos

Check out before and after photos from some of our completed projects.

Blackburn Foundation Repair Service Area

Foundation, Basement, Crawl Space, Concrete and Radon Services Across South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does basement waterproofing take, and is the warranty transferable? 2026-10-06T11:08:11-05:00

Installation time depends on the size of your basement and the waterproofing system being installed. Many residential projects can be completed within a few days, while larger or more complex repairs may take longer. Blackburn Foundation Repair offers warranty protection on qualifying systems, with transferable coverage available on certain products. Your specialist will review the exact terms before installation. 

Can I waterproof my basement myself with sealant or waterproof paint? 2026-10-06T11:07:44-05:00

Waterproof paint or masonry sealer may help with minor surface moisture, but it won’t stop water being pushed through cracks, joints or beneath the basement floor. If you have recurring seepage or standing water, the underlying drainage or groundwater problem needs to be addressed. Painting over it can mask the symptom without fixing the cause. 

Who should I call when there’s water in my basement? 2026-10-06T11:07:07-05:00

If water is entering your basement, start by calling a basement waterproofing contractor who can pinpoint where the water is coming from before recommending a repair. Blackburn Foundation Repair provides a free basement inspection to pinpoint the source of the problem and determine whether you need drainage, a sump pump, crack repair, humidity control or another solution. 

Why does water come into my basement only after it rains? 2026-10-06T11:06:11-05:00

Water commonly shows up in a basement after rain because saturated soil raises groundwater and pressure around the foundation. That water can then enter through foundation cracks, porous concrete or the joint where the basement wall meets the floor. 

Grading that slopes toward the home, clogged gutters, short downspouts and other drainage problems can make the problem worse by sending even more water toward the foundation. 

Do I need interior or exterior basement waterproofing? 2026-10-06T11:04:56-05:00

It depends on where the water is coming from. Interior waterproofing collects water that reaches the foundation and moves it away before it enters your living space. Exterior solutions address water before it reaches the foundation. Some homes need one approach; others benefit from a combination. An inspection helps determine what makes sense for your home. 

Is basement waterproofing worth it? 2026-10-06T11:04:18-05:00

Basement waterproofing can be worth it when your home has recurring seepage, standing water or excess humidity because it addresses the conditions allowing the moisture problem to continue. A properly designed system can help protect the basement from moisture-related damage and make the space cleaner, drier and more usable. 

The key is addressing the source of the water rather than simply covering visible symptoms. 

How much does basement waterproofing cost in Sioux Falls? 2026-10-13T13:28:07-05:00

Basement waterproofing costs depend on the size of the basement, the way water is entering and which repairs or waterproofing components are needed. 

What is basement waterproofing, and what does it actually include? 2026-10-06T11:01:09-05:00

Basement waterproofing is a combination of solutions designed to keep unwanted water and moisture out of your basement. Depending on the source of the problem, that can include an interior drainage system, sump pump, wall vapor barrier, dehumidifier, crack repair or exterior drainage improvements. The right system depends on the way water is entering your home. 

Related pages

Service Areas

Blackburn has locations throughout South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska.

Resources

Access valuable resources to help keep your home healthy and your family safe.

The Thrasher Promise

At Thrasher, we pride ourselves on providing permanent solutions, and stand behind our work with industry-leading, fully transferable warranties and guarantees.

Schedule your free inspection today

Don’t let unanswered questions about your
home worry you any longer.
Go to Top