Basement waterproofing is a broad term. It can mean sealing walls, regrading a yard, adding a drain and sump system or protecting a floor drain from sewer backup. Lodi Pro Plumbing handles the plumbing side: the drains, pumps and valves that move water out. This page explains what that covers and where you may need another trade.
If water is in the basement right now and a pump has failed, go to the sump pump repair page. This page is for planning a lasting fix.
Wet basement and not sure why? Call (973) 488-5410 and describe where the water shows up.
Call (973) 488-5410Where the water comes from
The fix depends on the source, so the first job is to diagnose it.
| Where you see water | Likely source | Plumbing fix | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor, along the wall edge | Groundwater pressure under the slab | Interior perimeter drain and sump pump | |
| Wall, after heavy rain | Seepage through the wall or a crack | Interior drain, plus exterior or masonry work | |
| Floor drain, during storms | Sewer or storm water backing up | Backwater valve on the drain line | |
| Around a window well | Poor drainage or a full well | Drain in the well, regrade, clean out | |
| Near the water heater or a pipe | A plumbing leak, not groundwater | [[leak-detection | Leak detection]] and repair |
| Everywhere after river flooding | Flood water over the banks | No plumbing fix, see the flood section below |
Do the simple test first. Tape a square of plastic wrap to the wall or floor, seal it at the edges and check it after a day. Moisture on the room side means condensation. Moisture under the plastic means water is coming through.
What plumbing-side waterproofing includes
We install and service the pieces that move water out:
- Interior perimeter drain: a channel cut along the footing that collects water and sends it to the sump pit.
- Sump pit and pump: the place water collects and the pump that sends it out. See sump pump installation.
- Backwater valve: a valve that closes when sewage tries to flow back up the drain line.
- Floor drain upgrades: new drain bodies, trap primers and cleaned lines.
- Discharge piping: the line that carries water away from the foundation.
What we do not do is repair concrete walls, inject cracks, apply sealants to block walls or regrade a yard. When your problem needs one of those trades, the plumber says so and you decide how to proceed.
Water and the Saddle River in Lodi
Lodi sits along the Saddle River, and its low areas flood in heavy rain. After the remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021, CBS New York reported that entire sections of the city were under several feet of water. In March 2024 the river crested overnight and covered Main and Sydney streets, according to a separate CBS report.
Where flood water reaches the street, no basement drain can keep up. Interior drains and pumps help with groundwater and seepage. They do not protect a basement from a river that is over its banks. A homeowner in a flood-prone block benefits from several measures together: a sump pump with backup power, a backwater valve and keeping valuable items and utilities off the floor.
To learn whether a property sits in a mapped flood zone, check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and ask the borough about flood insurance and permits. Lodi's website lists a Stormwater Management page under Public Works.
Backwater valves: when sewage comes up the floor drain
When heavy rain overloads sewers, water can push back through a house's drain line. The result is sewage coming up through the lowest floor drain, which is a health risk as well as a cleanup. A backwater valve installed in the main drain line has a flap that closes when flow reverses.
A valve is installed by cutting into the drain line, so it requires a permit and a careful plumber. It also needs maintenance, because debris can hold the flap open. The plumber explains how to check yours and what the valve will and will not do. It protects against backups from the sewer. It does not stop groundwater coming through the floor.
Planning the job
Plan around the season. Interior drain work cuts the basement floor and creates dust, and it is easier in dry weather. Before it starts, move items away from the walls and clear access to the sump area. The plumber walks the basement, looks at the walls, floor drain and any existing pump, and explains the plan and the sequence.
What decides the cost of waterproofing work
- Length of drain
- A perimeter drain along one wall costs less than one around the whole basement.
- Floor
- Cutting and repairing concrete takes time and materials.
- Equipment
- A pump, battery backup and backwater valve are priced separately.
- Discharge
- A long run to a safe outlet adds pipe.
The plumber states the price before work starts, with each element listed so you can phase the work if you prefer.
What to do while water is in the basement
- Stay out of standing water if outlets, appliances or the electrical panel are nearby, and shut off power at the panel only if you can reach it dry.
- Shut off the main water valve if a pipe, a heater or an appliance may be the source.
- Move valuables, boxes and stored items above the waterline.
- Do not run the washer, dishwasher or showers while the drains are slow.
- Take photos and video before cleanup for your insurance claim.
- Call a plumber to check the sump pump, the floor drain and the lines.
Basement waterproofing questions
Can plumbing alone waterproof a basement?
For groundwater and seepage, an interior drain and sump pump often solve the problem. For cracks in walls or poor grading outside, other trades may also be needed.
How do I know if my floor drain needs a backwater valve?
If sewage has come up the drain during heavy rain, a valve is worth considering. The plumber checks the line and advises.
Is a dehumidifier enough?
A dehumidifier handles humidity. It does not remove water that is entering the basement.
Do I need a permit?
Some work, such as cutting into the drain line, may require one. Check with the borough Building Department, and the plumber explains how it applies.
Will waterproofing protect me from river flooding?
No. Interior systems handle groundwater and seepage, not a river that is over its banks.
Code basis. Plumbing work in New Jersey follows the state plumbing subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15, which adopts the 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code. Ask which permits apply to your job and confirm with the Lodi Building Department.