Basement waterproofing is usually completed when a basement is still in the very early stages of water damage. The first step in waterproofing is to identify the source of a wet or flooded basement, since dealing with the water source will ensure long-term success. Waterproofing a basement can be implemented either internally or externally. The choice of which system to use is as important as knowing the source of the problem. In order to solve the problem of leaky basements, the job must be done efficiently; it is essential to make sure that leaks will not happen again. Any system that does this is known as a waterproofing system.

Basement waterproofing systems are basically of two different kinds: external and internal. External basement waterproofing systems involve either backfilling the foundation or digging up the foundation and putting layers of thick plastic tarping or vinyl underground gutters around the areas of hydrostatic pressure and whole foundation. This process is then completed with the addition of an external sump pump. Internal solutions may mean fixing a leaky pipe or building a sump pump and permanent ground gutters to relieve hydrostatic pressure; additionally, this process can involve the installation of special thick plastic tarping over the floor to stop dampness.

In the end, one should choose the waterproofing system that solves the wet basement problem once and for all. But unless all the water sources are identified in the original inspection, including, seepage, damp walls, mildew, rust cracks, slumps and sinkholes, they may all return.