Quick Fix Walls
Look for obvious places where water can enter. Plugging those leaks may be all you need to keep you basement dry.

Fill Cracks and Gaps
Whether because of settling, poor construction, or just age foundations can develop seams, cracks, and gaps that are an open invitation for water. Look for cracks in corners, under windows and doors, and where the basement floor meets the walls. Gaps often open up around windows, where an exterior stairwell meets the foundation, and anywhere pipes penetrate.

SOLUTION
Path cracks in concrete with hydraulic cement. “It expands so like it’s almost like welding the concrete back together. And it sets fast, so you can plug holes even if water is actively coming through.” For masonry foundations, he digs the old mortar out of the joints and fills them with new.

Cover Exposed Openings
Many basements depend on window wells to bring in natural light, and on an exterior stairwell that provides access to and from the outside. Both these features make great rain catchers if not properly covered. If you see dark water stains under the windows and on the steps and sides there is a good chance they are leaking.

SOLUTION
Add clear plastic window-well covers, which let in light while keeping out water and debris. Standard sizes are available in home centers for $10 to $40 dollars. Custom covers can cost as much as $125. You may also refit a weather-tight metal or fiberglass door over the stairwell. They’re sold in lumberyards for between $200 and $300.

Improve Gutter System
An average size roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of rain that falls. If the gutters leak and overflow, or downspouts don’t extend far enough from the house, all that rainwater could end up in your basement.

SOLUTION
Attach down spouts extensions and add splash blocks to carry the water at least 3 feet from the foundation. If you don’t like the looks of the extensions, or they’re in inconvenient spots, bury a drainpipe to carry water to daylight or to a drywell- a perforated barrel buried at least 8 ft from the foundation. A filter at the top of the downspout keeps the drain clear; filter fabric wrapped around the drywell keeps gutters in good shape with twice yearly cleanings and necessary repairs.