Basement Waterproofing

Portsmouth, Laconia, Dover & Rochester, NH Basement Waterproofing Solutions


When it comes to waterproofing your basement, it is important to recognize that some water and moisture will gain access to your basement. However, setting up a system for controlling how that water gets directed will help you reduce damage to your foundation.


NH Dry Basement offers Dover several basement waterproofing solutions to help you mitigate water exposure in your home’s basement.

A close up of a wooden wall with a stain on it.

There are several indications that moisture is a problem in your basement. Watch for the signs of mold and mildew growth. In addition to dark stains, mold and mildew produce a strong, musty odor that grows more powerful as mold and mildew grow.


Moisture can gradually seep through the foundation walls due to hydrostatic pressure. More direct leaking will result in pooling water on your basement floor and peeling paint on the foundation walls.

The Signs of Water Exposure

How to Safely Direct Water Flow

You can mitigate water damage by controlling its flow. This starts with installing the perimeter drain system that runs alongside the interior of your foundation walls. These drains will carry water to a collection pit where a sump pump pushes the water to the ground surface outside your home.

Proper Ventilation Will Keep Your Basement Dry

Once you direct excess water outside your home, you can also take steps to dry the surface of your basement walls and floor. This involves improving ventilation with a dehumidifier. We can install a Humidex dehumidifier that will help you maintain a cool and dry basement. In addition to eliminating dampness, this system will improve the overall air quality in your basement. If you need a sump pump system in Dover, you can count on NH Dry Basements to provide you with reliable and expert installation services.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

The best way to protect your basement with waterproofing technology is to schedule an evaluation and estimate with NH Dry Basement today. Once we look at your basement, we can recommend the most effective waterproofing steps to take. Contact us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our basement waterproofing solutions in Dover!

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Serving Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye & Hampton NH

If you’re dealing with a wet basement in Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, or Hampton, you’re not alone. New Hampshire’s high water table, coastal moisture, heavy rain, and spring snowmelt cause basement water issues throughout the Seacoast and Strafford County.



Below are the most common questions we get at NH Dry Basement.

  • Why is my basement leaking?

    Basement leaks in Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton are usually caused by:

    • High groundwater levels
    • Heavy rain or coastal storms
    • Snowmelt
    • Foundation cracks
    • Hydrostatic pressure pushing water into the basement

    Homes near the coast, including Rye and Hampton, often see higher moisture levels due to sandy soil and fluctuating water tables.

  • Do I need full waterproofing or just a crack repair?

    It depends on the source of the water:

    • Single wall crack
    • Crack injection may work
    • Water along walls or floor joint
    • Interior drainage system
    • Recurring water or flooding
    • Drainage system with sump pump

    We provide free basement inspections in Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton so you get the right fix

    not an upsell.

  • What is hydrostatic pressure?

    Hydrostatic pressure is water pressure in the saturated soil around your foundation. After rain or snowmelt, that pressure builds and forces water into basements across Strafford County and the NH Seacoast, especially in low-lying areas.

  • What is an interior perimeter drainage system?

    An interior perimeter drainage system:

    • Relieves foundation pressure
    • Captures groundwater before it reaches the floor
    • Channels water to a sump pump
    • Keeps basements dry long-term

    This is one of the most effective waterproofing solutions for homes in Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton NH.

  • Will waterproofing permanently stop basement water?

    Yes. When the correct system is installed properly, basement waterproofing can permanently stop water intrusion. NH Dry Basement designs systems specifically for New Hampshire soil conditions, coastal moisture, and older foundation types common throughout the Seacoast.

  • How long does basement waterproofing take?

    Most basement waterproofing projects in Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton take 1- 2 days, depending on the basement size and system type.


  • Will my basement be a mess during installation?

    We take cleanliness seriously:

    • Floors and walkways are protected
    • Dust control is used
    • Debris is removed
    • Full cleanup is included

    Homeowners throughout the Seacoast are often surprised by how clean the process is.

  • Can I finish my basement after waterproofing?

    Yes. Waterproofing should always be done before finishing a basement. A dry basement protects drywall, flooring, and framing especially important in moisture-prone areas like Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton.

  • Do sump pumps run all the time?

    No. Sump pumps only turn on when water reaches a certain level. During heavy rain or spring thaw in Barrington and Dover, they may run more frequently otherwise, they stay off.

  • What if the power goes out?

    We strongly recommend battery backup sump pumps, especially for coastal areas like Hampton and Rye, where storms and power outages are more common.

  • Is basement waterproofing worth it?

    Yes. Waterproofing:

    • Prevents foundation damage
    • Helps eliminate musty odors and mold
    • Protects finished basements
    • Increases home value
    • Saves money over time

    This is especially important for homes in high-water-table areas of the NH Seacoast.

  • Do you offer a warranty?

    Yes. NH Dry Basement offers a Life of the Home Warranty on qualifying waterproofing systems, giving homeowners in Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton long-term peace of mind.

  • Will waterproofing help with mold and odors?

    Yes. Eliminating moisture is the first step in reducing mold growth and musty basement smells a common issue in coastal New Hampshire homes.

  • Can you waterproof older homes in New Hampshire?

    Absolutely. We regularly waterproof:

    • Stone foundations
    • Brick foundations
    • Block foundations
    • Poured concrete foundations

    Many homes in Portsmouth and Dover are 100+ years old, and we design systems specifically for them.

  • How much does basement waterproofing cost?

    Costs vary based on basement size and water issues. We offer free basement inspections and upfront pricing throughout Barrington, Dover, Portsmouth, Rye, and Hampton NH.

  • Do you work year-round?

    Yes. Interior basement waterproofing can be installed any time of year, including winter.

  • How do I get started?

    Schedule your free basement inspection with NH Dry Basement today.


    603-235-9598

    joe.m@nh-dry.com

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