Debate: should I waterproof my own basement or hire it out?

I've got a 60 year old basement in St. Louis that seeps water every spring. I priced out a professional waterproofing job at $4,200 but my buddy says I can do it myself with hydraulic cement and a drain tile system for about $600 in materials. To me the big question is whether the DIY approach will hold up for more than a couple seasons or if I'm just buying myself a temporary fix. Anybody here tried tackling a damp basement on their own and had it work out long term?

2 comments

2 Comments

tyler_hernandez16d ago

Did the same thing on my 1950s basement in STL four years ago and it's still bone dry. Just make sure you dig your drain tile deep enough and pitch it right or you'll be redoing it next spring.

oliver_torres415d ago

Idk but did you backfill with gravel or something else?