6 Ways to Keep Your Basement Dry Without a Dehumidifier, Home Pros Say

If your home has a basement, keeping it dry and mildew-free can seem like a constant battle. While many basement owners opt for a dehumidifier, they’re really nothing more than a band-aid fix that doesn’t address the root cause of the moisture issues.

Below, we’ve spoken to some home experts about six ways to keep a basement dry without using a dehumidifier, so you can improve your air quality and keep your basement mold and mildew-free.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

If your basement has a sump pump, Kevin McLister, production manager for BOLT Builders, says it’s crucial to maintain it and ensure it’s functioning properly.

A sump pump works by activating a pump whenever it senses water. The pump will send the water through a pipe and out of the basement, where it drains outside.

“A sump pump isn’t just for emergencies,” McLister clarifies. “It actively keeps groundwater from building up under your home. Test it regularly, and consider a battery backup in case of power outages.”

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Make Sure You Have Proper Grading Outside

As mentioned above, dehumidifiers are effective at drying out a basement, but they don’t address the root cause of the basement’s moisture issues.

Oftentimes, the cause of basement moisture issues is nothing more than improper grading on the outside of your house, which results in rainwater draining toward your foundation rather than away from it. McLister recommends checking the slope of your yard around your foundation.

“Your soil should slope away from the house by at least six inches over the first ten feet,” he explains. “This prevents rainwater from pooling near your foundation.”

Adding or reshaping soil to create a slope is an inexpensive solution that significantly reduces the amount of moisture entering your basement, McLister explains.

Extend Downspouts and Maintain Gutters

Even if your home has the proper grading, clogged gutters and downspouts, improperly installed gutters, or downspouts that dump water too close to the house, can send water directly into the basement.

“Make sure downspouts extend at least four to six feet away from your house,” he recommends. “If water is draining right next to your foundation, you’re basically inviting it into your basement.”

He adds that regular gutter cleaning (at least twice a year) can help prevent overflow that might occur during heavy rains, further protecting your basement from dampness.

Seal Foundation Cracks and Gaps

If you see water or feel high humidity, but can’t seem to uncover the source, McLister says that even small cracks in your foundation walls or floor can allow water and water vapor to seep in. He recommends using a high-quality masonry sealant to fill cracks and coat walls.

“(Sealing your foundation) not only blocks moisture but can also reduce musty odors,” he says. “Epoxy or polyurethane injections can work for larger cracks, while a waterproofing paint or sealant can create a protective barrier over the entire surface.”

Improve Ventilation

Most of the time, if a space is experiencing high humidity, the ventilation is inadequate. Though basements are often closed-off spaces, McLister says that introducing better airflow can be the key to reducing dampness.

“Even without a dehumidifier, you can use small fans or passive vents to keep air circulating,” he explains. “If possible, open windows during dry, sunny days to let fresh air in and moisture out.”

He adds that strategically placing vents or even a vent fan to connect the basement air to your home’s primary levels can help balance the humidity levels. However, you would only want to do this if you have a finished or properly sealed basement.

Make Sure Your Dryer is Properly Vented

Even something as simple as drying your clothes in your basement can contribute to moisture issues and poor air quality. Reuben Saltzman, home inspector and owner of Structure Tech Home Inspections, says, if your dryer is located in your basement, it’s essential to ensure it’s venting outside rather than into the basement.

Check that the duct is fastened securely to the back of the dryer, has no holes, and that the other end is fed outside and properly sealed. If any of these aren’t the case, your dryer is dumping humidity directly into your basement.