Citywide Wet Basement Repair
Basement Waterproofing in NYC by Borough
Row house cellars, groundwater in southeast Queens, hillside runoff in the Bronx and coastal flooding all call for different fixes. See what changes from borough to borough.
- Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx
- Interior drains, pumps and exterior fixes
- Free on site estimate in writing
Where Do We Waterproof Basements in NYC?
We waterproof basements and cellars in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. We do not serve Staten Island. Choose your borough below for local notes and every neighborhood we list, or start with the main basement waterproofing page for how each method works.
How Does Basement Waterproofing Differ Between Boroughs?
The water comes from different places. Brooklyn and Manhattan have old stone and brick cellars with areaways and vaults. Queens has full basements in detached homes and high groundwater in the southeast. The Bronx has hillside runoff and shoreline lots. Coastal areas in every borough face storm flooding.
| Borough | Typical water source | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | Old cellar walls, areaways, coastal blocks | Areaway drains, joints, interior drains |
| Queens | Groundwater, window wells, bay flooding | Sump pumps, interior drains, window well drains |
| The Bronx | Hillside runoff, shoreline storms | Grading, surface drains, wall drainage |
| Manhattan | Vaults, areaways, low lying river blocks | Entry point repairs, interior drains, backup pumps |
Brooklyn and Manhattan
Why Do Old Row House Cellars Stay Damp?
Old stone and brick cellar walls let moisture pass through slowly, and areaways, cellar doors and vaults add leak points. Ground level drainage often falls short. Most fixes start outside at the entry points, then move to wall joints and, if seepage continues, an interior drain and pump.
See notes for Park Slope, Red Hook, the West Village and the Financial District, where cellars and coastal flooding both come up.
Historic districts in both boroughs can bring Landmarks Preservation Commission review for visible work at the front of a building.
What Is Different About Waterproofing in Queens and the Bronx?
Queens has many detached homes with full, often finished, basements. Southeast Queens has a known history of high groundwater and street flooding in heavy rain. The Bronx is hilly, so runoff and retaining walls matter. Both boroughs have shoreline areas exposed to storm flooding.
In Queens, see notes for Laurelton, Howard Beach and Astoria. In the Bronx, see Riverdale, City Island and Mott Haven.
Hurricane Sandy in 2012 hit low lying coastal areas hard, including the Rockaways, Howard Beach and parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx shore. Check current FEMA and NYC flood maps for any address.
When Is a Backwater Valve or Plumber the Answer Anywhere in NYC?
When water or sewage comes up through floor drains, toilets or tubs during heavy rain, the sewer is backing up. No wall work fixes that. A licensed plumber is the right call, and a backwater valve on the sewer line is often the fix they discuss.
Heavy rain can overload sewers in many inland areas of the city. A backwater valve is plumbing work and generally needs a permit. We are not plumbers, and we will tell you when that is who you need. Check with NYC DEP or 311 for current guidance.
Step by Step
How Does a Waterproofing Job Run Across the City?
A visit finds where the water comes from. You get a written plan, outside fixes go first, then wall and floor work, and the pump and drains are tested before hand back. Access varies by borough, so planning is part of the job.
Find the source
Walls, floor, drains, downspouts, grading and windows are checked.
Written plan
Methods and price are listed, with a note if a plumber is needed.
Outside first
Drainage, grading and entry points come before wall work.
Wall and floor work
Injection, coatings, drains, pumps or membranes as planned.
Test and clean up
Pumps run and the space is cleaned before hand back.
Pricing
What Affects Waterproofing Cost Across NYC?
Cost depends on the size of the basement, the method, digging, pumps and access. Borough matters through building type and access: a townhouse cellar with a shared lot line and a detached house with a yard call for different approaches and different costs.
Size
More wall length means more drain or membrane.
Inside or outside
Outside work needs digging and restoring.
Pumps
Pit, pump, backup power and discharge line.
Access
Finished rooms, tight stairs and shared walls slow work.
Wall condition
Cracks or loose mortar may need repair first.
Permits and rules
Sidewalk, landmark or flood zone rules can apply.
Every NYC waterproofing job gets a written price after a free visit.
Request Your QuoteDo You Waterproof Basements in Staten Island?
No. We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx only, and we do not work in Staten Island. If your property is in one of the four boroughs, use the cards above to find your page.
Source before method
The plan follows where the water enters.
Honest referrals
A sewer backup is a plumber job, and you will hear that.
Licensed and insured
Construction, injury and workers compensation insurance, and more than 25 years in NYC.
FAQ
Citywide Waterproofing Questions
The methods are the same. The mix changes with the building and site. Row house cellars lean on areaway and interior fixes, detached homes on pumps and window wells, and hillside lots on drainage.
Yes, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Call (718) 468-8803 and we will schedule a free visit at each address.
Exterior work stops water at the wall but needs digging room. Interior drains manage water that gets in. Many NYC buildings need a mix.
Only with backup power. A battery backup keeps it running for a while, and you should test it a few times a year.
Check your address on the current FEMA and NYC flood maps. Coastal areas hit by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 are more exposed, but every block is different.
Choose your borough page above or send the form. We offer a free on site visit in four boroughs.
Free on site estimate
Get a Plan for Your Wet Basement
Tell us the borough, the address and when the water shows up. We will visit and write up the plan.
Contact
Request a Waterproofing Estimate
Share your address and a photo of the wet wall or floor. We will call to arrange a free look.
- Call us(718) 468-8803
- HoursMon to Sat, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Free on site estimate with a written price
- Licensed and insured, 25+ years in business
- We handle DOT sidewalk permits
- Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx
Get Your Free Estimate
Takes about a minute. No cost and no obligation.