What is the WaterGuard basement drainage system?

WaterGuard is a patented interior sub-floor drainage system designed to keep your basement permanently dry. Unlike traditional French drains that sit at the bottom of the wall and clog with mud over time, WaterGuard features a special wall flange that captures wall seepage while keeping dirt and debris out. Rear perforations also capture water rising from below. It won the CQIA Innovation Prize and is patented in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Why is my basement leaking water?

Basements leak because they are built below grade in soil that exerts hydrostatic pressure against the walls and floor. Water enters through wall cracks, the floor-wall joint (cove joint), floor cracks, and any gaps in the foundation. In South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska, spring snowmelt and heavy rains increase soil moisture levels, making basement leaks especially common during wet seasons.

What are the best methods for waterproofing a basement?

The most effective method is an interior sub-floor perimeter drainage system combined with a sump pump. Blackburn installs the patented WaterGuard system, which is specifically engineered to resist clogging, the main failure point of traditional drainage systems. Other approaches include exterior excavation, interior baseboard systems, and negative-side sealants, but interior perimeter drainage consistently delivers the most reliable, long-term results.

How do I know if I need basement waterproofing?

Warning signs include visible water on the basement floor, damp or musty odors, white mineral deposits (efflorescence) on walls, peeling paint, mold growth, water stains on walls or floors, and a constantly running sump pump. Even small amounts of moisture can lead to mold, structural damage, and reduced air quality throughout your home.

Does Blackburn offer free estimates for basement waterproofing?

Yes. Blackburn Foundation Repair provides free, no-obligation estimates for basement waterproofing throughout South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. A trained inspector will assess your basement, identify the source of water intrusion, and recommend the right solution for your home. Call 1-800-392-3389 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate.

Will waterproofing my basement increase my home's value?

Yes. A dry, waterproofed basement is a significant selling point and adds usable living space to your home. It eliminates moisture-related issues like mold and musty odors, protects stored belongings, and gives potential buyers confidence in the home's structural integrity. Blackburn's lifetime transferable warranty further enhances value by covering future owners.

How long does basement waterproofing installation take?

Most basement waterproofing projects are completed in one to two days. The WaterGuard drainage system installation involves cutting a narrow channel along the perimeter of the basement floor, placing the drainage pipe, and connecting it to a sump pump system. Blackburn's crews work efficiently with minimal disruption to your home.

Basement Waterproofing in South Dakota, Wyoming & Nebraska

South Dakota: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Huron, Yankton, Pierre… | Wyoming: Gillette, Casper… | Nebraska: Scottsbluff, Crawford…

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Basements, by design, are imperfect structures. Made of concrete they are built below grade in soil that varies from region to region. Water from the soil leaks into the structure due to pressure. This situation has caused problems for homeowners for over 100 years. Water will enter a basement through the walls, floors and any joints between them. Over the years a wide variety of methods have been developed, by contractors and engineers, to help keep basements dry. As you might expect some methods were more effective than others.

A wet basement is more than an inconvenience. Water can damage finished spaces, encourage mold growth, and make the entire home feel damp. Blackburn designs waterproofing systems around where water enters and how it can be collected and removed. Depending on the home, the solution may include an interior basement drainage system, wall protection, and a dependable sump pump.

Exterior Excavation
Interior Sub-floor
Interior Baseboard Systems
Negative-side Sealant

An interior perimeter drainage system collects water where the basement floor meets the foundation wall and directs it toward the sump pump. The system must be designed to resist clogging and remain accessible for service. Blackburn evaluates the source of the water and recommends a drainage layout suited to the basement.

A secondary issue for sub-floor systems is how to capture water from the walls while hiding the unsightly gap that those systems can have along the perimeter. This gap can collect dirt and debris as well, which is another factor in the clogging of the drain.

The WaterGuard basement drainage system, installed by Blackburn Foundation Repair, is designed to collect water from the basement perimeter while remaining protected from mud and debris. Paired with a properly sized sump pump system, it provides dependable water management for homes across South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

Schedule a free basement inspection to learn where the water is entering and which waterproofing solution fits your home.

WaterGuard Basement Drainage System

Keeping a basement dry has been a challenge for over a century. Contractors have used many methods over the years with varying degrees of effectiveness, though none have been completely successful. Most drainage pipes, the most widely used method, sit at the bottom of the wall and get covered with soil, leading to clogging over time. What good is a system that gets clogged from soil that will then allow your basement to get wet?

Our WaterGuard sub-floor drainage system:

Is engineered specifically to resist clogging, keeping your basement dry.
Our special wall flange creates a space between the floor and the wall that captures wall seepage while also keeping dirt and debris from inside the basement out.
Perforations at the rear of the pipe allow water to flow into the system as well, capturing water that comes up from below too!
Winner of the CQIA Innovation Prize.

WaterGuard is patented in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Our state-of-the-art WaterGuard system is the best, most permanent, solution to YOUR wet basement!

Get a Free Basement Waterproofing Estimate

Basement Waterproofing Services

Testimonials

Casey Lillefloren

Very knowledgeable team, very up front on the issues we had and didn’t try to book any unnecessary work. Worked with us to customize the job and stay within our budget

Brenda Schlup

Technician was very personable, friendly and knowledgeable. The project turned out great. Now, only time will tell about longevity.

Michael Miles

Was very professional. Very knowledgeable. Tanner and his crew were awesome. Hopefully we won't need anymore repairs. But if we go, they will be the first call.

Wanda

Tanner was very friendly and knowledgeable

Lois Mack

Very friendly, knowledgeable and prompt. He answered all of our questions!

Lowell Christensen

Tanner and his crew were very professional, always keeping me in the loop as the project progressed.

Rob Houdek

The Blackburn team was very professional and explained to me exactly what the were going to repair. They also asked me to inspect their work to ensure I was satisfied.

Sacora Rogers

Sinan was through and explained everything in detail to my parents. He gave multiple options and was very honest on current and past issues and why other things did not work before. He was super patient and kind.

Kasthuri Church

Lot information and estimate on the repair of our foundation.

Gwen Lehman

The service technician was thorough and polite. He gave us a report on our system.

Verified by Trustindex

Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Blackburn Foundation Repair
Service Area

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Why is water getting into my basement?

Basement water can enter through wall cracks, floor cracks, foundation joints, or openings around pipes. Poor exterior drainage and pressure from groundwater can also force water inside.

What is the best way to waterproof a basement?

The right solution depends on where the water enters. Many homes need an interior drainage system, wall protection, and a dependable sump pump working together.

Can basement waterproofing help with musty odors?

Yes. Controlling water and humidity can reduce the damp conditions that cause musty odors and support mold growth.

How do I know if I need a sump pump?

A sump pump may be recommended when groundwater or water collected by a drainage system needs to be safely pumped away from the foundation.

How can I find the right solution for my home?

Blackburn Foundation Repair can inspect the basement, identify where water is entering, and recommend a solution for the home. Schedule a free basement inspection to get started.

Sioux Falls, SD

Our primary service hub covering the greater Sioux Falls metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

Learn More

Spearfish, SD

Serving the Black Hills region with comprehensive services for residential and commercial clients.

Learn More

Casper, WY

Extending our quality services to Wyoming’s second-largest city and the surrounding Natrona County area.

Learn More

Pierre, SD

Serving Pierre and communities across central South Dakota with trusted foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete leveling, sump pump, and radon solutions.

Learn More

Basement Waterproofing in South Dakota, Wyoming & Nebraska

South Dakota: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Huron, Yankton, Pierre… | Wyoming: Gillette, Casper… | Nebraska: Scottsbluff, Crawford…

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

WaterGuard Basement Drainage System

Get a Free Basement Waterproofing Estimate

Basement Waterproofing Services

Testimonials

Blackburn Foundation Repair
Service Area

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Why is water getting into my basement?

What is the best way to waterproof a basement?

Can basement waterproofing help with musty odors?

How do I know if I need a sump pump?

How can I find the right solution for my home?

Sioux Falls, SD

Spearfish, SD

Casper, WY

Pierre, SD

Office Locations

Sioux Falls Office

Spearfish Office

Pierre Office

about company

Services

Make A Payment Online

Basement Waterproofing in South Dakota, Wyoming & Nebraska

South Dakota: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Huron, Yankton, Pierre… | Wyoming: Gillette, Casper… | Nebraska: Scottsbluff, Crawford…

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

WaterGuard Basement Drainage System

Get a Free Basement Waterproofing Estimate

Basement Waterproofing Services

Testimonials

Blackburn Foundation RepairService Area

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Why is water getting into my basement?

What is the best way to waterproof a basement?

Can basement waterproofing help with musty odors?

How do I know if I need a sump pump?

How can I find the right solution for my home?

Sioux Falls, SD

Spearfish, SD

Casper, WY

Pierre, SD

Blackburn Foundation Repair
Service Area