Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Ask for a sample warranty document before signing any contract.
- Check if the warranty transfers to a new owner and what fees or steps are required.
- Identify required annual maintenance and who must perform it.
- List every exclusion, especially for new cracks, floor seepage, or sump pump failure.
- Confirm the leak-source definition: does it cover only the original repair area?
- Record the warranty length for materials, labor, and any prorated terms.
Transfer and Ownership
If you sell your home, a transferable warranty can be a selling point. However, many warranties require you to notify the contractor and pay a transfer fee within a short window. Some become void if you do not follow the exact process.
Ask whether the warranty stays with the property or the original buyer. A non-transferable warranty ends when you sell. Get the transfer terms in writing, including deadlines and fees.
- Is the warranty transferable?
- What is the transfer deadline after closing?
- Is there a transfer fee?
- Does the new owner need to sign a maintenance agreement?
Maintenance Requirements
Most waterproofing warranties require regular maintenance to stay valid. This often includes annual sump pump checks, keeping discharge lines clear, and maintaining gutters and grading. If you skip maintenance, the contractor may deny a future claim.
Ask who must perform the maintenance. Some warranties require a licensed professional; others allow the homeowner. Keep dated records and receipts. A missed maintenance visit can void coverage.
- What specific maintenance tasks are required?
- How often must maintenance be performed?
- Can I do the maintenance myself?
- What records must I keep to prove maintenance?
Exclusions and Limitations
Warranties do not cover everything. Common exclusions include damage from new water sources, foundation settlement, earthquakes, floods, or plumbing leaks. Some exclude sump pump failure if you did not have a backup system.
Read the exclusions carefully. A warranty might cover the original crack repair but not a new crack that forms nearby. Ask for a clear definition of what is and is not covered.
- Are new cracks or leaks excluded?
- Does the warranty exclude damage from plumbing leaks?
- Is sump pump failure covered?
- Are acts of nature like floods excluded?
- What happens if the foundation shifts?
Leak-Source Definitions
The warranty should define what constitutes a covered leak. Some warranties only cover water entering through the specific area that was repaired. Others may cover the entire basement wall or floor system.
Ask whether the warranty covers water from any source or only from the original problem area. If the definition is narrow, you may need additional coverage for other potential entry points.
- Does the warranty cover only the repaired area?
- What if water enters through a different wall?
- Is floor seepage included?
- How is the leak source determined during a claim?
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Request a sample warranty document.
- Confirm transferability and any fees.
- List all required maintenance tasks and frequency.
- Identify who can perform maintenance.
- Review all exclusions in writing.
- Ask for the leak-source definition.
- Check warranty length for materials and labor.
- Ask about prorated coverage over time.
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Does a basement waterproofing warranty transfer to a new owner?
It depends on the warranty. Some are fully transferable, some require a fee and notice within a certain time, and others are non-transferable. Always check the terms before you buy or sell.
What maintenance is typically required to keep a warranty valid?
Common requirements include annual sump pump checks, keeping discharge lines clear, and maintaining gutters and downspouts. The warranty document will list exact tasks and who must perform them.
Are new cracks covered under a waterproofing warranty?
Often, no. Many warranties only cover the original repair area. New cracks or leaks from different sources are usually excluded. Read the exclusions carefully.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- Protect Your Home From FloodingFEMA
Flood and sump planning; not a waterproofing guarantee or property diagnosis.
- 811 Before You DigCommon Ground Alliance
Utility-location education before excavation; not a substitute for local permits.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.