Questions
Short answers. Where a longer one exists, the link goes to it.
You will be put through to an independent local waterproofing company. Calls may be recorded.
About this service
Who answers when I call?
An independent local waterproofing company. Its staff, not this website's, speak to you about the house.
What does the call cost me?
Nothing beyond what your phone plan charges for a local call. Any fee for the referral is paid by the company.
Do you recommend one company over another?
No. This website does not rank, rate or vouch for companies. It makes the connection. Checking the company is your part, and this guide shows how.
Can I book a visit by email or a form?
No. There is no form on this website and email is not passed to a company. The phone is the only way in.
Why might my call be recorded?
Calls can be recorded by the call-handling service for quality and record-keeping. The privacy policy says what is kept.
About the work
How do I know which job I need?
You do not have to know. Start from the symptom on What are you seeing? and let the company that visits explain the cause. Be wary of any proposal that names a product before it names a cause.
Is there a season for waterproofing?
Indoor drain work can be done in any month. Outdoor digging and coatings are harder in frozen ground. A wet spring is the most informative time for an inspection, because the water is there to be seen.
Will I have to move out during the work?
Not usually. Interior drain work is noisy and dusty in the basement while it lasts, and the rest of the house stays usable.
Does waterproofing deal with radon?
It is a separate subject, but the two meet at the sump pit, which is an opening through the floor. If you have a radon system or want one, tell the waterproofing company so the pit and its lid are planned with that in mind.
What about a wall that is cracked and leaning?
Tell the company when you call. Water and movement often come together, but straightening a wall is structural work, and it should be assessed before drains are fitted against it.
About Clifton and New Jersey
Does a waterproofing company have to be licensed in New Jersey?
It has to be registered with the state Division of Consumer Affairs as a home improvement contractor. You can look the registration up yourself; see choosing a company.
Can my sump pump drain into the sewer?
Not the sanitary sewer. Clifton’s rules are explained here.
Who marks buried lines before digging?
New Jersey One Call, reached on 811. The request has to be made at least three full business days before digging starts.
Is my house in a flood zone?
FEMA's map will tell you. How to look it up.