Frequently asked questions
What do people ask about Holdfast?
What is Holdfast Basement Waterproofing?
Holdfast is the place to start for a wet basement, cracked or bowing walls, a failed sump pump or a damp crawl space in the Mahoning Valley. Your request goes to an experienced local waterproofing contractor who serves your ZIP code for an inspection.
What happens at the inspection?
A contractor finds where the water is coming from and puts the estimate in writing. You decide whether to go ahead.
What areas do you serve?
Calls are answered 24/7 across the United States and routed to a local provider that serves your ZIP code. Our most detailed local coverage is here: Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, Poland, Canfield, Struthers, Campbell, Warren, Howland, Niles, Girard, Hubbard, Cortland, Newton Falls, Brookfield, Salem, Columbiana, Lisbon and East Liverpool, plus smaller communities such as Lowellville, North Lima, New Middletown, Sebring, McDonald and Leetonia.
Are waterproofing contractors licensed in Ohio?
Ohio doesn't license waterproofing contractors statewide. Ask for proof of insurance, local references, any city registration, and written warranty terms.
How long does waterproofing take?
Most interior systems take one to three days; exterior and structural work can take longer.
Will waterproofing help when I sell my house?
A documented repair with a transferable warranty usually reassures buyers and inspectors.
Who performs the work?
Independent, insured waterproofing and foundation contractors that serve your area. The contractor you hire quotes, performs and warrants the work.
Which service questions are answered on each service page?
- Is interior or exterior waterproofing better?Basement Waterproofing
- Is a horizontal crack in a basement wall serious?Foundation Repair
- Is encapsulation worth it?Crawl Space Repair
- What humidity should a basement be?Basement Moisture Control
- My sump pump stopped and water is rising. What should I do first?Emergency Sump Pump & Flooded Basement Service
- Does interior drain tile stop water from coming in?Interior Drainage Systems
- Is exterior waterproofing permanent?Exterior Foundation Waterproofing
- How long do sump pumps last?Sump Pump Installation & Repair
- Can I seal a crack from inside with hydraulic cement?Leaking Wall Crack Repair
- How far should downspouts discharge from the house?Yard Drainage, Grading & Downspouts
- How fast do bowing walls get worse?Bowing Basement Wall Repair
- Should I worry about a stair-step crack?Structural Foundation Crack Repair
- Can an old stone foundation be waterproofed?Sandstone & Stone Foundation Repair
- Is some settlement normal?Foundation Settlement Repair
- How long does crawl space encapsulation last?Crawl Space Encapsulation
- Can a crawl space sump freeze?Crawl Space Drainage
- Where should the dehumidifier drain?Basement Dehumidifiers
- Can bleach kill basement mold?Basement Mold Prevention
- Do window well covers help?Window Well Leak Repair
Where can I find answers for my state or city?
Every state guide answers the questions homeowners there ask most, from frost and clay soils in the Midwest to sinkholes in Florida and expansive clay in Texas. City guides go further, with local housing, flood and soil questions. Choose your state.
Which guides answer the most common problems?
What should I ask any contractor before hiring?
- Where exactly is the water coming from, and how will this repair address that cause?
- Is the price, scope and warranty in writing, and does the warranty transfer if I sell?
- Are you insured and, where my state requires it, licensed or registered? Who pulls the permit?
- What will you not fix, and what maintenance does the system need?
What should I do if water is coming in right now?
Stay out of standing water near outlets, cords or the furnace. Check that the sump pump is plugged in and running and its discharge isn't blocked or frozen, move valuables off the floor, take photos for insurance and call. See emergency sump pump service.
Didn't find your answer?
Call and ask. A local waterproofing contractor can answer the specifics for your home.
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