Basement Waterproofing in Milwaukee & the Suburbs
Keep Water Out for Good.
Puddles after storms, damp walls, musty air or a sump that never stops running: Basement Specialists finds where the water is getting in and stops it at the source.
- Since 1981Locally owned & operated
- Free EstimatesWritten & no-pressure
- Warranty BackedUp to 20 years
- Licensed & InsuredFully bonded
- 4.7 Stars on GoogleFrom local homeowners
Waterproofing Since 1981
Dry Basements Start With the Right Diagnosis
Southeastern Wisconsin is tough on basements. Clay soil holds rain against the walls, groundwater climbs in low areas and plenty of homes still rely on drain tile that was laid generations ago. When the ground fills up, water finds every weak spot.
That's why we never sell a system before we know the source. A leaking crack, seepage at the floor line and a failed sump all need different fixes. We trace the water, explain what we find and give you a written estimate for the fix that will actually keep it out.
We've been keeping Milwaukee-area basements dry since 1981. Whether you're dealing with a single leaking crack, seepage around the whole floor or a sump that can't keep up, we'll explain your options in plain language and help you choose the fix that fits your home and your budget.
Water problems we fix:
Our Waterproofing Services
How We Keep Basements Dry
Wet FloorsWet Basements
Water on the floor after a heavy rain usually has more than one way in. We trace it to the cracks, joints, windows or failed drainage letting it through.
Once we know where it's coming from, we fix the source instead of just mopping up the symptoms.
We check outside too: downspouts, grading and window wells often play a bigger role than people expect.
Wet Basement Repair
Wall LeaksLeaking Walls
Poured walls leak at cracks and tie-rods. Block walls fill with water inside their hollow cores. Older stone walls seep through worn mortar.
Each wall type needs a different fix, from crack injection to interior drainage.
For older stone walls, we combine drainage with repointing the worst mortar so the wall is stronger and drier.
Wall Leak Repair
SeepageFloor Seepage
Water that shows up along the base of the walls or through floor cracks is coming up from below, pushed by groundwater under the slab.
Sealers won't hold it back. Drain tile that relieves the pressure will.
Only a narrow strip along the walls is opened, and it's patched with fresh concrete when we're done.
Seepage Solutions
Drain TileDrain Tile
Old clay tile clogs, cracks and collapses, and some older homes never had any. When it fails, groundwater has nowhere to go but in.
New interior or exterior drain tile carries water to your sump before it can reach the floor.
New pipe set in clean stone carries water freely, the way the original system was supposed to.
Drain Tile Replacement
ExteriorExterior Waterproofing
For widespread leaks, we excavate along the wall, repair it, seal it with a waterproofing membrane and add new drainage.
It keeps water off the wall entirely and is a great fit when a wall is being straightened anyway.
With the wall exposed, we can repair cracks and reinforce it before it's sealed and backfilled.
Exterior Waterproofing
Sump PumpsSump Pumps & Backups
Your sump pump moves everything your drain tile collects. If it's undersized, worn out or loses power, the basement floods.
We install properly sized pumps and battery backups that keep running when the power goes out.
We also make sure the discharge carries water well away from your foundation.
Sump Pump SystemsWater in Your Basement After Every Storm?
We'll trace where it's coming from and tell you how to stop it.
What Causes It
Why Basements Take On Water
Water problems and structural problems often go together. If your walls are cracking or moving too, see foundation repair.
What to Expect
Our Waterproofing Process
- 1Trace the WaterWe find exactly where and how water is getting in.
- 2Check the DrainageWe look at your sump, drain tile, downspouts and grading.
- 3Explain the FixA plain-English recommendation and a written estimate.
- 4Keep It DryWe install the solution and leave your basement clean.
Common Questions
Waterproofing FAQs
Why does my basement only leak sometimes?
Leaks usually appear when the ground is saturated, after heavy rain or during spring thaw, and stop once the soil dries out.
Is interior or exterior waterproofing better?
Interior drain tile handles water that reaches the foundation without digging up your yard. Exterior waterproofing keeps water off the wall. The right choice depends on your home.
Do waterproof paints work?
They can help with minor dampness, but they won't stop water that's being pushed in under pressure.
Can you waterproof a finished basement?
Yes. Interior drain tile needs a strip along the perimeter opened up. We'll explain exactly what's involved first.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If your basement is finished or your pump runs often, yes. Storms knock out power right when your pump is needed most.
How long does waterproofing take?
Most interior drainage jobs take a few days. Exterior work takes longer because of excavation.
What Homeowners Say
Trusted by Milwaukee-Area Homeowners
“We had Basement Specialists do foundation work for us, they were affordable, completed the work in a timely manner, and did a great job at cleanup. We even had some extra work done around the porch foundation which was reasonable and looks great. We would highly recommend them!!”
“We have used Basement Specialists a couple of times. They have been simply wonderful to work with. To start with, the office is responsive, and they were easy to schedule with. Dale showed up promptly…”
“Just had them do foundation work for us. They did a good job, they did put runners down. Even put some on the basement steps, even after I told them they didn't have to…”
Tired of Wet Floors?
Let's Keep Your Basement Dry for Good.
We'll trace where the water is getting in and give you a free written estimate to stop it.