Top Tips for Preventing Basement Seepage

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 11, 2025

Learn why basement seepage happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent it with help from ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Chicagoland’s trusted water damage experts.

Basement seepage is one of the most common — and preventable — causes of water damage in Chicagoland homes. Whether you live in Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, the North Shore, or surrounding suburbs, understanding how to keep water out of your basement is essential to protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses protect their properties for over 40 years. As part of the ServiceMaster family, founded in Chicago in 1929, we carry forward a legacy of trusted restoration expertise nationwide.

Here’s what you need to know about basement seepage — what causes it, how to stop it, and why professional help may be the best solution.

What Is Basement Seepage?

Basement seepage happens when water from outside your home seeps through the foundation, walls, or floors into your basement. It’s often caused by:

Rainwater pooling near the foundation
Melting snow saturating the soil
Groundwater pressure forcing water through cracks
High indoor humidity causing condensation on cold surfaces

Left unaddressed, seepage can lead to mold growth, damaged belongings, structural issues, and health hazards.

How to Identify Basement Seepage

Start by checking where the moisture appears. Is it:

On one wall or multiple walls?
At the base of the wall or coming through cracks?
Damp spots, wet patches, or visible water?

Test tip: Tape aluminum foil to a basement wall. After 24–48 hours, check:

Moisture on the outside → high indoor humidity
Moisture behind the foil → water leaking through the wall

How to Fix Basement Seepage

Seal visible cracks
Apply epoxy sealant during dry conditions. Make sure it’s pressed deep into cracks for a watertight bond.
Control humidity
Seal leaky dryer vents, install a bathroom fan, run a dehumidifier, and keep windows closed on humid days.
Remove standing water
Use a wet vac or pump to clear pooled water, then dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers.

How to Prevent Basement Seepage

Repair gutters and extend downspouts at least six feet from the house.
Slope soil away from your foundation (2 inches per foot).
Apply interior waterproofing sealant to basement walls.
Insulate cold water pipes to prevent condensation drips.
Consider professional external waterproofing to seal foundation walls underground.

When to Call the Professionals

DIY solutions can help, but some problems need expert care. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers:

External waterproofing solutions to seal your foundation
Industrial-grade moisture detection to locate hidden problems
Licensed and certified technicians trained by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) — the gold standard in our industry

We are proud to be an MBE/WBE-certified, family-run company trusted across Chicagoland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is basement seepage common in Chicagoland?
Heavy rains, freeze-thaw cycles, and clay-rich soils put constant pressure on local foundations, making seepage a widespread issue.

Can waterproofing paint fix seepage?
Waterproofing paint can help reduce minor moisture, but it won’t stop active leaks or groundwater pressure. Professional solutions are usually required.

Do I need professional waterproofing?
If you’ve sealed cracks, managed gutters, and controlled humidity but still see water or mold, it’s time for professional assessment and solutions.

How do I get a quote?
Call us at 773-376-1110 or visit our website for a no-obligation professional quote. Early intervention is key to saving money and protecting your home.

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Learn More in Our Book

Want a deeper guide on protecting your home? Check out our book, RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — written to help homeowners like you understand, prevent, and recover from disasters.

Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Today

Don’t wait until basement seepage becomes a major problem. Our expert team is ready to help you protect your home, restore your property, and give you peace of mind.

Call 773-376-1110 or visit servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com today to schedule your consultation.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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