Basement Waterproofing in Los Angeles

Your basement should be dry, secure, and free from water intrusion. Many Los Angeles properties face moisture problems due to our unique soil composition, seasonal rainfall, and aging foundation systems. Water seeping through basement walls or pooling on basement floors can damage stored belongings, compromise structural integrity, and create conditions for mold growth.

We specialize in basement waterproofing solutions that address the root causes of water intrusion. Our IICRC-certified team has protected Los Angeles homes and commercial properties for over 30 years. We understand how Southern California’s expansive clay soils and winter storms create hydrostatic pressure against basement walls.

Call (310) 678-4345 for a basement waterproofing consultation. We serve Los Angeles and surrounding areas with interior drainage systems, exterior foundation sealing, sump pump installation, and comprehensive moisture control solutions.

Los Angeles isn’t known for basements like cities in colder climates, but many older properties and hillside homes have below-grade spaces vulnerable to water damage. These areas face specific challenges that make waterproofing critical.

Soil Conditions and Hydrostatic Pressure

Much of Los Angeles sits on expansive clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. During the rainy season, this soil absorbs water and pushes against your foundation walls. This pressure, called hydrostatic pressure, forces water through tiny cracks, mortar joints, and porous concrete.

Your foundation wasn’t designed to resist constant water pressure. Over time, this stress creates new cracks and widens existing ones. Water finds the path of least resistance into your basement.

Seasonal Rainfall Patterns and Flash Flooding Risk

Southern California experiences most rainfall between November and March. When storms arrive after dry periods, the hardened ground can’t absorb water quickly. This leads to surface runoff that pools around foundations.

Flash flooding in Los Angeles can overwhelm older drainage systems. Properties in foothill areas or near storm channels face particular risk. Your basement becomes the collection point for water that can’t drain away from your property.

Catching water intrusion early protects your property from extensive damage. These indicators mean you should call for a professional assessment.

We tailor waterproofing systems to your specific basement configuration, water intrusion patterns, and Los Angeles building conditions. Most effective solutions combine multiple methods.

Interior Drainage Systems

Interior drainage captures water at the point it enters your basement and redirects it to a safe discharge point. We install perimeter drain systems along the base of your foundation walls, where water typically collects.

This system includes a channel or French drain beneath your basement floor slab. Perforated pipe collects water and directs it to a sump pump basin. The pump then lifts water up and out, away from your foundation.

Interior systems work effectively in Los Angeles where exterior excavation may be impractical due to landscaping, hardscaping, or proximity to neighboring properties. We can install these systems in finished or unfinished basements with minimal disruption.

Exterior Waterproofing and Foundation Sealing

Exterior waterproofing stops water before it reaches your basement walls. This approach requires excavating soil around your foundation to expose the exterior walls.

We apply a waterproof membrane directly to your foundation walls, creating a barrier against moisture. This membrane might be spray-applied or sheet-applied, depending on your wall condition and soil characteristics. We then install a drainage board that channels water down to a footer drain system.

This footer drain, often called a foundation drain, collects water at the base of your foundation and directs it away from your property. We typically combine this with fresh gravel backfill that promotes drainage away from your walls.

Exterior waterproofing is particularly effective for Los Angeles properties where hydrostatic pressure is severe or foundation walls show significant cracking. While more invasive than interior systems, exterior waterproofing provides comprehensive protection at the source.

Sump Pump Installation and Backup Systems

A sump pump is your basement’s last line of defense against water accumulation. We install primary pumps sized appropriately for your basement square footage and typical water volume.

• Battery backup systems ensure your pump continues working during power outages, which often accompany severe storms in Los Angeles. Your basement can flood quickly if the pump fails during heavy rain.
• Water-powered backup pumps use your home’s water pressure to evacuate basement water if the primary pump fails. These systems work without electricity and can handle significant water volume.

We position the sump basin at the lowest point in your basement where water naturally collects. The discharge line carries water away from your foundation to a safe drainage point, such as a storm sewer connection or surface drain away from your property.

Foundation Crack Repair

Water intrusion often occurs through cracks in your foundation walls or floor. We repair these cracks using methods appropriate to the crack size and cause.

• Epoxy injection permanently bonds concrete together for structural cracks. This method restores your foundation’s integrity while preventing water entry.
• Polyurethane injection expands to fill voids and remains flexible, making it ideal for actively leaking cracks. This material accommodates minor foundation movement common in Los Angeles’s expansive soils.
• Hydraulic cement rapidly stops active water leaks in accessible areas. We use this for immediate water control before implementing comprehensive waterproofing.

Foundation crack repair is often one component of a complete waterproofing strategy. We assess whether cracks indicate structural issues requiring additional support beyond waterproofing.

We start with a thorough basement inspection to identify all water entry points and assess your foundation condition. This includes checking for active leaks, measuring moisture levels, and evaluating soil conditions around your property.

You’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining our recommended solution, timeline, and investment required. We explain each component of the system and answer your questions before work begins.

Installation typically takes 3-7 days depending on system complexity and your basement size. For interior systems, we protect your belongings and minimize dust with containment barriers. Exterior work requires excavation equipment and temporary disruption to landscaping, which we restore upon completion.

We test all systems before considering the job complete. This includes running the sump pump through multiple cycles and verifying proper drainage. You’ll receive documentation of the work performed and maintenance guidelines for your new system.

Regular maintenance extends the life of your waterproofing system. We offer annual inspections to test sump pumps, clear drains, and catch potential issues before they cause problems.

Los Angeles Expertise Since 1990

We’ve waterproofed basements across Los Angeles County, from hillside properties in Pacific Palisades to older homes in Pasadena. This experience with local soil conditions, building codes, and typical foundation types means we design solutions that work specifically for Southern California properties.

Our team understands how Los Angeles’s unique geology affects your basement. We know which neighborhoods face the highest hydrostatic pressure, where soil settlement is common, and how different foundation materials (concrete block, poured concrete, brick) require different waterproofing approaches.

IICRC and MICRO Certifications

Our waterproofing technicians hold certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Micro Institute. These credentials verify our training in water damage prevention, moisture control, and industry best practices.

We’re also BBB accredited, maintaining our reputation through quality work and customer service. You can verify our credentials and read reviews from Los Angeles property owners we’ve helped.

Contact us: (310) 678-4345 | info@leakmoldrepair.com | 3520 Overland Ave. #A29, Los Angeles, CA 90034