Basement Waterproofing Cost in Toledo: What the Price Ranges Mean

How much does basement waterproofing cost?

As a general national range, This Old House puts interior waterproofing methods at about $2,000 to $6,000 and exterior waterproofing at about $7,000 to $15,000. Your price depends on what is causing the water and how much of the basement needs work. These are not Toledo quotes, and they are not our prices; we are a referral service and do not do the work.

Here are the main jobs side by side:

Why is there such a big range?

Because "waterproofing" covers very different jobs. A single leaking crack in a poured wall is a small, targeted repair. Drain tile around the whole perimeter of a basement with a new sump pit is a much bigger job. Digging out the outside of the foundation down to the footing is bigger still.

What makes a Toledo basement cost more or less?

The things that usually move the price:

• Linear feet of wall involved. Drain tile is priced by the foot. One leaking wall costs far less than the full perimeter.
• Wall type. Hollow block walls often need weep holes and a wall membrane along with drain tile. Poured walls with a single crack may only need injection.
• Whether a sump pit exists. Many older Toledo homes have none. Cutting a new pit, adding a circuit and running a discharge line adds cost.
• Battery backup. A backup pump adds to the price, and in a storm-and-power-outage area it is often worth it.
• Finished basements. Drywall, flooring and built-ins along the walls have to come out and go back in.
• Access. Tight basements, low ceilings and full storage take longer. Exterior work costs more when a driveway, porch, deck or landscaping is in the way.
• Wall movement. If a wall is bowing, the job adds reinforcement, and possibly an engineer.
• Permits and inspections. In Toledo, structural, plumbing and electrical work typically need a permit. Ask whether the permit is included.
• The real source of the water. If water comes up the floor drain, the right fix may be a check valve or standpipe, not a drainage system. In Toledo, that kind of sewer backup fix may qualify for the city's Basement Flooding Grant.

What is the cheapest thing to try first?

Outside water control. Clean gutters, extend downspouts well away from the house, and make sure soil slopes away from the foundation. On Toledo's slow-draining clay, roof water dumped at the corner of the house goes straight to the basement wall. This will not fix a high water table or a sewer backup, but it reduces the load on any system you install later, and it is worth doing before you spend thousands.

How do I compare two waterproofing quotes?

Put them side by side and check that they describe the same job:

1. What does each say is causing the water? If they disagree, ask each one to explain why.
2. How many linear feet of drain tile? Which walls?
3. What pump, what pit, what backup? Model numbers, not just "sump pump."
4. Where does the discharge go, and how is it protected from freezing?
5. What happens at the walls? Weep holes in block, a wall membrane, crack repair?
6. How is the floor restored, and who hauls away the debris?
7. Is the permit included?
8. What does the warranty cover, for how long, and does it transfer if you sell?

A lower price that leaves out the pump, the permit or half the walls is not actually lower.

What are the red flags?

• Pressure to sign the same day, or a "today only" discount
• No written scope, or a scope that just says "waterproof basement"
• A diagnosis that does not match what you see, such as drain tile for water that is clearly coming up the floor drain
• Reluctance to pull a permit, or a suggestion that you pull it yourself for work they are doing; in Toledo, if a contractor does the work, the contractor must pull the permit
• No proof of license and insurance when you ask

Will insurance pay for waterproofing?

Do not count on it. Homeowners policies are built around sudden damage, and many exclude seepage and groundwater. Sewer backup coverage is usually a separate add-on. Ask your agent about your policy before you assume either way. The insurance section of our guide explains the general rules.

How do I get a real number for my house?

Have at least two companies look at it. Call (419) 515-4608 and press 2, and we connect you with a local waterproofing or foundation company. If there is water in the basement right now, press 1 for a local water cleanup company first; the long-term fix can wait until it is dry.