Basement Waterproofing in Des Plaines, IL

Des Plaines sits along the Des Plaines River flood plain. The water table here is very high, especially east of the river and near the River Road corridor. When it rains, the river swells and groundwater levels rise fast. That water pushes up against the bottom of your basement slab with strong force. It finds floor cracks, the floor-to-wall joint, and weak spots in the concrete. This is why many Des Plaines homeowners see water coming up from the floor instead of through the walls.

Yes. Homes closer to the river have a higher water table and are more likely to be in or near the flood plain. Neighborhoods along River Road, near Lake Opeka, and in the O'Hare area are at the highest risk. But even homes a few blocks from the river can be affected because the water table rises across the whole area during heavy rain. If your sump pump runs often or you notice damp floors, your home is likely feeling the effects.

A sub-floor drain tile system is the best option. Pipes are installed in a gravel bed below your basement slab. They capture rising groundwater before it reaches the surface and move it to a sump pump. The pump sends the water outside and away from your home. This system relieves the upward pressure that causes floor flooding. It works even during the worst storms when the river is high.

It is common because of the high water table, but it is not ideal. A pump that runs nonstop wears out faster and may fail when you need it most. If your pump cycles every few minutes, the drainage system feeding it may not be working well. Or the pump may be too small for the volume of water coming in. A-Proseal can check your system and tell you if a larger pump or better drainage would help.

Interior waterproofing protects against rising groundwater that pushes up through the floor. It handles the normal flooding that Des Plaines homeowners deal with after heavy rains. If the river overflows its banks and surface water enters your home from outside, that is a different situation that may need additional steps like exterior grading or flood barriers. For the typical high water table flooding that most homes here face, a drain tile and sump pump system is very effective.

In most cases, we can visit your Des Plaines home the same day you call. Our crews work in this area regularly, so we are always nearby. The inspection is completely free. We will look at your basement, check the water entry points, explain what we find, and give you a written estimate. You can take your time deciding with no pressure from us.