Imagine waking up one morning to find a few inches of water on the floor in your finished basement. Could a pipe have broken? Could it be a sewage back up from the outside drain that leads to the city sewer system? Or is it ground water issue?

Many new homeowners, especially those who have purchased older houses, can be overwhelmed when an issue with water occurs in the house. From finding the source of the problem to knowing who to even call, homeowners can literally feel flooded with worry because water can do so much damage.

For some homeowners, when unexpected water first appears, their natural inclination is to call a plumber. And this is absolutely the right call to make if, for example,

  • Water won’t drain from the bathtub or shower stall
  • The toilet clogs and plunging just doesn’t help the problem
  • Pipes are leaking under one of the sinks
  • A new water line is needed for the refrigerator

But what does the homeowner who woke up one morning to a flooded basement do? Who does she call? To know that answer, she must first understand the difference between the work of a plumber and the work of a basement waterproofer.

Plumbers install and repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and appliances and fixtures to keep the water in homes and businesses flowing smoothly. They manage your sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and washing machines. They are highly skilled professionals who can fit and fix pipes, unclog blockages in drains, and repair broken faucets.

Contractors that specialize in basement waterproofing also work with the water but in a different way. Their job is to keep unwanted water away from your house and out of your basement. Basement waterproofers can waterproof your basement and offer a full range of these services:

  • Structural and foundation repairs
  • French drain installation
  • Mold remediation services
  • Crawl space encapsulation
  • Dehumidification
  • Sump pump installation, repair, and maintenance
  • Floor and wall crack repairs

So, what does the homeowner who found water in her basement do? She should take a good look around the house. If it is clear that a pipe has broken or a tub, sink, or toilet has clogged, then she should call a plumber.

If the water appears to be coming from a crack in the basement wall or along the foundation line —or if it seems to just be seeping up from the floor —call a basement waterproofing company, like us.

Affordable Waterproofing, LLC is a family-owned company that has been helping homeowners for years. We spot problems and keep basements dry. If you wake up to a flooded basement, and it seems to be a waterproofing issue, give us a call. If it is indeed a problem for a plumber, we can provide you with a referral for one of our plumbing professional colleagues. But if your basement needs one of our waterproofing services, you can rest assured that you will have our dry basement guarantee.