Basement Waterproofing Done Right - the First Time
Interior and exterior waterproofing systems for homes across PA, NJ, and DE. We find where the water is getting in, fix it properly, and back our work with a lifetime warranty.
The Morgan Standard
A written proposal at every inspection. A dry basement when we're done. A warranty that transfers if you sell your home.
A wet basement gets worse over time. Water that seems like a simple nuisance in the spring becomes a mold problem by summer and a foundation issue by the time you're ready to sell. We've seen it hundreds of times.
Morgan has been fixing basement water problems in southeastern PA, South Jersey, and Delaware since the mid-1980s. We come out, take a look, tell you what's going on, and put it in writing before we leave. No pressure, no vague estimates. Just a straight answer.
Interior Waterproofing
Interior French Drains & Drainage Systems
For most homes we work on, interior waterproofing is the right solution. It's effective, less disruptive than exterior excavation, and in most cases it's done in a day or two.
We cut a channel around the inside perimeter of your basement floor, install a perforated drain pipe that collects water before it can pool (aka, a French drain), and tie it into a sump pump that pushes it away from the house. When we're done, the concrete is patched and the system is invisible. You won't think about it again.
- The drain pipe is set at the correct slope for your specific floor; this matters more than most contractors will tell you
- We size the sump pump to your basement and your local water table, not a one-size package
- Every French drain installation comes with a lifetime transferable warranty
Exterior Waterproofing
Stopping Water Before It Reaches Your Foundation
Sometimes the right answer is to go outside. Exterior waterproofing means excavating down to the footing, applying a waterproof membrane directly to the foundation wall, and installing drainage that redirects water before it ever builds up against your house.
It's more involved than interior work, and not every job needs it. But when interior drainage alone isn't enough, or when the wall itself needs to be sealed from the outside, exterior is the only permanent fix. Morgan has been doing this kind of excavation work for over 40 years. We protect your landscaping, we restore the area when we're done, and we know what we're doing.
Technical Spotlight: Why French Drains?
High-Capacity Drainage You Can Count On
Water takes the path of least resistance. A properly installed French drain creates that path; a gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe that intercepts water along the foundation perimeter, and moves it toward the sump pump before it reaches your floor.
The difference between a French drain that works for 20 years and one that fails in five comes down to installation. Pipe size, slope, gravel spec, and how it connects to the pump all matter. We've installed thousands of these systems in the clay-heavy soils of this region. We know what holds up here.
Sump Pumps & Battery Backup
The sump pump is what makes the whole system work. We install high-capacity pumps matched to your basement size and local conditions, and we always recommend a battery backup.
Here's why: power outages and major storms happen at the same time. A battery backup keeps your pump running exactly when you need it most. We offer primary pump systems, battery backup units, and water-powered backup for homes on municipal water supply.
Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing
You don't always see it coming. These are the things we see most often when we show up:
- White mineral deposits (efflorescence) on basement walls
- A musty smell that doesn't go away, even after cleaning
- Damp spots or puddles on the floor after rain
- Mold or mildew on walls, floor joists, or stored items
- Horizontal cracks in the foundation wall
- Paint that's peeling or drywall that's bubbling
- Humidity that stays high even in dry weather
Any one of these is worth a call. If you're seeing several of them, water is already doing damage you can't see yet.
How do I know if my basement needs waterproofing?
The most common signs are water stains or white mineral deposits on the walls, a musty smell that doesn't go away, visible mold or mildew, damp spots on the floor after rain, and horizontal cracks in the foundation wall. Any one of these is worth having looked at. A free inspection will tell you exactly what's going on.
What's the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing?
Interior waterproofing captures water after it enters the foundation perimeter and channels it to a sump pump before it can pool on your floor. Exterior waterproofing stops water before it ever reaches the foundation wall by excavating around the outside and applying a waterproof membrane directly to the foundation. Interior is more common and less disruptive. Exterior is the right call when interior drainage alone isn't enough.
How long does a basement waterproofing job take?
Most interior waterproofing jobs are done in one to two days. Exterior excavation work takes longer depending on how much of the foundation needs to be exposed. We'll give you a realistic timeframe at the inspection.
Does basement waterproofing come with a warranty?
Yes. We provide a lifetime warranty on French drain installations. The warranty is transferable, which means it stays with the home if you sell it.
Will waterproofing increase my home's value?
A dry, warranted basement is a selling point, not a liability. Buyers and home inspectors both notice water problems. Having a documented waterproofing system with a transferable warranty makes the conversation much easier when you're ready to sell.
Do I need to leave my home during the work?
No. Our crews work in the basement and generally don't need you out of the house. We take precautions to contain dust and clean up when we're done.
What causes basement water problems in this area?
The clay-heavy soil in this region holds water rather than draining it. Combine that with hard winters, heavy spring rains, and the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle, and you have conditions that put a lot of lateral pressure on foundation walls. Older stone and block foundations are particularly vulnerable.
Is a sump pump enough, or do I need a full drainage system?
A sump pump alone only works if there's somewhere for the water to collect before it reaches the pump. In most cases a French drain system is needed to channel water from the perimeter to the pump. We'll assess your specific situation and tell you what's actually necessary.
Can I waterproof my basement myself?
DIY waterproofing products like paint-on sealers treat the surface but don't address the underlying water pressure. Most basement water problems require a drainage system to manage water properly. A poorly installed system can make things worse. We're happy to give you an honest assessment of what your basement actually needs.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
Every basement is different. The size of the space, how water is getting in, and whether interior or exterior work is needed all affect the price. After the inspection, you'll have a written quote before we leave. No ranges, no ballpark figures.
Client Testimonials
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We recently had Morgan Waterproofing install a complete interior French drain system in our basement, and I have been extremely pleased with both the work … More and the results.
This was a big job. They removed a strip of the concrete floor around the inside perimeter of the foundation, excavated it, installed a gravel bed and perforated drain pipe, installed a new deeper sump system, and then re-cemented everything. They also power cleaned the entire basement floor, painted the block walls, epoxy coated the floor, and replaced the basement windows.
What impressed me almost as much as the finished job was how they handled the work. There was a lot of concrete demolition and a considerable amount of our stuff that had to be moved around as they worked. Despite that, at the end of every day they left the basement clean and organized.
The difference is dramatic. What had always been a dark, somewhat unpleasant basement is now clean, bright, dry, and actually feels inviting, even though it is still unfinished space.
And most importantly, we've now had several very heavy rains. The drainage and sump system are clearly doing exactly what they were designed to do.
This was a substantial project, and Morgan Waterproofing did an excellent job. I would absolutely recommend them. -
I was very impressed with Morgan Waterproofing from the estimate to the completion of the job. They were very thorough in explaining the issue and the … More corrective action needed. The crew were very courteous and respectful of the property and work area. I was very impressed with the end result. A day or so after the work was completed we had a hard rain and there was no water in the basement. I would highly recommend this company.
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French drains and new sump pump work completed in one day Price was reasonable. And workers worked very hard.
Ready for a Dry Basement?
We serve homeowners across PA, NJ, and DE. A free inspection takes about an hour. When we're done, you'll have a clear picture of what's going on, and what it will cost to fix it.
