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Basement waterproofing inspection
A basement waterproofing inspection form for new or remedial below-grade work, on a phone or tablet. Record the system and design, then add each basement wall, floor or room as an area and check the substrate, laps, terminations, penetrations, protection board and drained cavity details before anything covers them, with photos. Log every leak, damp patch and moisture reading with its position, test the sump pump and high-level alarm, record a water test or a look after rain, and note the guarantee. For any other waterproofing zone use the waterproofing inspection checklist; for the condition of an existing basement or cellar use the basement inspection checklist.
For site managers, clerks of works, waterproofing contractors and building inspectors checking basement and below-grade waterproofing before cover-up or handover.
Written in UK English with BS 8102 notes for the UK. In the US, the same form records membranes, cementitious coatings, drainage board, footing drains and sumps, with a note on IRC sections R405 and R406.
- Each basement area as a space: substrate, laps, terminations, corners, penetrations and protection checked and photographed
- Narrowest lap measured and compared with the minimum you enter from the system instructions
- Leaks, damp patches and moisture readings logged with position, height, extent, meter scale and photos
- Sump and pumps: duty and standby pump test and high-level alarm test, with the pump data plate scanned
- Water test or observation after rain, guarantee details, actions and sign-off
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What should a basement waterproofing inspection check?
It is useful when every area is seen and photographed before it is covered, laps are measured against the figure in the system instructions, each leak or damp patch has a position and a reading with the meter scale, and the pumps and alarm are actually tested rather than assumed to work.
Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against BSI Knowledge, BS 8102:2022 Protection of below ground structures against water ingress, BSI, BS 8102:2009 contents (Type A barrier, Type B structurally integral, Type C drained protection), Approved Document C, site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture (England), paras 4.12 and 5.6 and City of Mound, Minnesota, foundation drainage and waterproofing handout (IRC R405 and R406 as amended).
How to inspect basement waterproofing
Inspect each area before it is covered, and test the pumps and alarm rather than assuming they work.
Record the system and design
Tick the waterproofing in the design, the BS 8102 types in the UK, the drawings and revision, the products and the minimum lap from the system instructions.
Check each basement area
Add each wall, floor or room as an area. Check the substrate, the membrane or coating, laps, terminations, corners and penetrations, measure the narrowest lap and photograph it before it is covered.
Log leaks and damp
Record each leak, damp patch, tide mark or reading with its position, height above the floor, extent, the meter and scale, and a photo.
Test the drainage, pumps and alarm
Check the channels, outfall and inspection points. Add water to each sump, see that the duty and standby pumps start and discharge, and lift the float to test the high-level alarm.
Look after rain and hand over
Record a water test the designer has authorised, or a look round after heavy rain. Enter the guarantee details, set actions with owners and dates, and sign.
What makes a basement waterproofing inspection useful
Each area: laps, terminations and penetrations, with the narrowest lap measured
Plant room walls and floor, drained cavity. Floor membrane stops about 150 mm short of the corridor door, detail 12 not formed; damp patch L1 at the threshold, 31 on the meter's reference scale against 9 on dry slab. Narrowest lap 105 mm, minimum in the instructions 100 mm. Sump SP1: both pumps started and discharged, high-level alarm did not sound, cable not terminated.
Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.
A common recording mistake
Signing off a drained cavity system without lifting the float to test the high-level alarm, or letting the dry lining go up before the laps, terminations and penetrations have been photographed.
What happens next
Fix the listed items, retest the pump and alarm, look again after the next heavy rain, then hand the guarantee, the as-built drawings with the inspection points and the servicing requirements to the owner.
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Every question in the basement waterproofing inspection template
A basement waterproofing inspection for new or remedial below-grade work: the system and design (BS 8102 Types A, B and C in the UK; membrane, coating, drainage board and footing drain in the US), each basement area checked for substrate, laps, terminations, penetrations and protection with photos, existing leaks and damp readings as records with position, drainage, the sump with pump and high-level alarm tested, a water test or observation after rain, guarantee details, actions and sign-off. 7 sections and 143 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.
Make it your own: every question is editable
This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.
Details you only enter once
Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.
- Project: the project name
- Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
- Client or owner: the project's customer
Inspection details
- ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name - Site addressShort answerFills in from the site address, from the space or the project
- Client or ownerShort answerFills in from the project's customer
- Location (GPS)Short answer
- Inspection date*Date
- Inspected by*Short answer
- Where is the building?*Choose one
Sets which notes you see.
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- United States
- Other country
- Type of work*Choose one
- New construction
- Basement conversion of an existing building
- Remedial work to an existing basement
- Extension of an existing basement
- Stage of this visit*Choose one
- Before cover-up or backfill
- During installation
- Completion, before handover
- After rain or a water test
- Remedial visit
- Inspector role and companyShort answer
For example site manager, waterproofing specialist, clerk of works.
- Waterproofing contractorShort answer
- Waterproofing designerShort answer
Who designed the system for this basement.
- Weather on siteAnswer
- CheckThis form records what was seen, measured and tested at the basement on the day. It does not design, certify or guarantee the waterproofing. Lap widths, grades, details and test methods come from the design and the system instructions.
System and design
- Waterproofing in the design*Tick all that apply
Tick everything in the design. Many basements combine more than one.
- Barrier: sheet membrane
- Barrier: liquid-applied membrane
- Barrier: cementitious coating or render
- Structurally integral: water-resisting concrete
- Drained cavity: cavity drain membrane
- External drainage board
- External or footing drain
- Internal perimeter drain or channel
- Sump and pump
- BS 8102 protection types in the designTick all that apply
- Type A (barrier)
- Type B (structurally integral)
- Type C (drained)
- Not stated in the design
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant - Grade of protection the design asks forShort answer
As written in the design, if it states one.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant - GuidanceBS 8102. BS 8102 is the BSI code of practice for protecting below ground structures against water ingress (current edition BS 8102:2022). It covers three ways of keeping water out: waterproofing barrier materials applied to the structure (Type A, barrier protection), structurally integral watertight construction (Type B) and drained cavity construction (Type C). In England, Approved Document C refers to BS 8102 for floors subject to water pressure and for walls subject to groundwater pressure, including basement walls. Check with building control whether your basement work needs approval.Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- GuidanceUnited States. In the International Residential Code, foundation drainage is section R405 and foundation dampproofing and waterproofing is section R406. Editions differ and states and cities amend them, and some building departments inspect the drainage and waterproofing before backfill. Check what your building department has adopted.Shown when “Where is the building?” is “United States”
- Design drawings and revision*Short answer
For example WP-01 rev C, details 1 to 12.
- System manufacturer and products*Short answer
Membrane, sealants, collars, channels, pumps.
- Installer approval or training referenceShort answer
If the manufacturer requires one.
- Minimum lap from the system instructions (mm)Number
Enter the figure from the manufacturer or design. The form compares measured laps with it.
- Water the design expectsShort answer
For example groundwater, surface water, perched water; as the design or site investigation says.
- Design, details and system data sheetsPhotos
Basement areas
- GuidanceAdd each basement room, wall or floor as an area. Check and photograph the waterproofing before anything covers it, and log every leak, damp patch or reading as a record with its position and a photo.
- Basement areasRepeat for each area. Each one asks:
- Area*Short answer
For example front vault, north retaining wall, plant room floor.
- Element*Choose one
- Walls
- Floor
- Walls and floor
- Roof slab or soffit
- Light well
- Length (m)Number
- Height or width (m)Number
- Area (m²)Worked out by the formShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- System in this area*Choose one
- Barrier: sheet membrane
- Barrier: liquid-applied membrane
- Barrier: cementitious coating or render
- Structurally integral: water-resisting concrete
- Drained cavity: cavity drain membrane
- External drainage board
- Other
- Drawing details for this areaShort answer
For example details 3, 4 and 9.
- Substrate prepared as the system instructions requireChoose one
Clean and sound, no loose material, voids or sharp projections.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Barrier, coating or membrane continuous and undamagedChoose one
No tears, holes, blisters or thin areas.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Laps and joints formed and sealed to the system instructionsChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Terminations and upstands finished and sealed to the detailsChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Corners, wall to floor junction and construction joints detailed as drawnChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Penetrations sealed with the system detailChoose one
Pipes, ducts, ties and fixings through the waterproofing.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Protection or drainage board in place before backfill or follow-on tradesChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Drained cavity: fixings and plugs sealed, channel clear and falling to the sumpChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Narrowest lap measured (mm)Number
Leave blank if there are no laps. A photo measure is an estimate.
- Lap against the instructionsWorked out by the formShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- a_lap_lowWorked out by the form
- Penetrations in this areaNumber
- Leaks, damp and readings in this areaRepeat for each leak or damp. Each one asks:
- Reference*Short answer
For example L1, marked on the wall or floor.
- What was seen*Choose one
- Active leak (running or dripping)
- Seepage at a joint or penetration
- Damp patch
- Tide mark or salts
- Standing water
- Condensation
- Other
- Position*Short answer
For example north wall, 1.2 m from the corner, at the floor joint.
- Position (GPS), optionalShort answer
- Height above the floor (mm)Number
Highest wet point or tide mark. A photo measure is an estimate.
- Extent along the wall or floor (m)Number
- Moisture readingShort answer
The figure as shown, with where it was taken.
- Meter and scaleShort answer
Make, model and scale used. Readings on different scales cannot be compared.
- StatusChoose one
- Existing before the work
- New since the work
- Not known
- Needs action?Yes or No
- Photos (with a rule or the floor in view)Photos
- Checks needing action hereWorked out by the form
- Leaks or damp needing action hereWorked out by the form
- a_ncWorked out by the form
- Area photosPhotos
- Notes for this areaNotes
- Areas inspectedWorked out by the form
- Area inspected (m²)Worked out by the form
- Area checks needing actionWorked out by the form
- Leaks or damp needing actionWorked out by the form
- Areas with a lap narrower than the minimum enteredWorked out by the formShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Area checks not doneWorked out by the form
- Walk Cam: basement walk-roundWalk Cam video with voice-to-text
Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.
Drainage, sump and pumps
- External or footing drain laid where designed, before backfillChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Drain discharges to the outfall shown on the designChoose one
By gravity or by pump.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Inspection, rodding or flushing points fitted, accessible and marked on the drawingsChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Internal channels flushed and clear on the dayChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Light wells, gullies and ground next to the basement drain freelyChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Drainage checks needing actionWorked out by the form
- dr_ncWorked out by the form
- Is there a sump or pump chamber?*Yes or No
- Sumps and pumpsRepeat for each sump. Each one asks:Shown when “Is there a sump or pump chamber?” is Yes
- Sump reference*Short answer
For example SP1.
- WhereShort answer
For example plant room, north-east corner.
- Position (GPS), optionalShort answer
- Pumps*Choose one
- One pump
- Two pumps (duty and standby)
- Two pumps and battery backup
- Other
- Pump data plateScan a label: make, model, serial number
Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.
- Chamber clean and free of silt and debrisChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Float switches or level sensors move freelyChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Discharge pipe and non-return valve free of leaksChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Access cover fitted and secureChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Pump test: water added to the chamber*Choose one
Follow the manufacturer's test procedure.
- Started and discharged
- Did not start or did not discharge
- Not tested
- Standby pump testChoose one
- Started and discharged
- Did not start or did not discharge
- Not tested
- No standby pump
- High-level alarm test*Choose one
- Sounded when tested
- Did not sound
- Not tested
- No alarm fitted
- Where the alarm sounds or reportsShort answer
For example panel in the hall, phone app, remote monitoring.
- Test detailNotes
What happened, and whether the client was told.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant - s_failWorked out by the form
- Items needing action at this sumpWorked out by the form
- Sump, pumps and alarm photosPhotos
- Sump items needing actionWorked out by the formShown when “Is there a sump or pump chamber?” is Yes
- Alarms that did not soundWorked out by the formShown when “Is there a sump or pump chamber?” is Yes
- Drainage photosPhotos
Water test or observation
- What was done to check for water*Choose one
- Observation after rain
- Water test of a defined area, authorised by the designer
- Pump and alarm test only
- None yet
- CheckOnly water-test or flood-test where the designer has authorised the test, the area and the loading on the structure.Shown when “What was done to check for water” is “Water test of a defined area, authorised by the designer”
- Test procedure and authorisation referenceShort answerShown when “What was done to check for water” is “Water test of a defined area, authorised by the designer”
- Date of the rainDateShown when “What was done to check for water” is “Observation after rain”
- Rain before the visitShort answer
For example heavy rain overnight, steady rain for two days.
Shown when “What was done to check for water” is “Observation after rain” - What was foundNotes
Where you looked and what you saw.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant - Water found inside the waterproofing?Yes or NoShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- CheckLog each wet point as a leak or damp record in its basement area, with a position and photo.Shown when “Water found inside the waterproofing?” is Yes
- Areas not seen and why*Notes
For example floor already screeded, corner hidden by stored materials.
- Test or observation photosPhotos
Guarantee and handover
- Guarantee or warranty given byShort answer
Installer, manufacturer or insurer.
- Guarantee referenceShort answer
- Guarantee periodShort answer
As written on the guarantee.
- Guarantee startsDate
- Conditions on the guaranteeShort answer
For example annual pump service, channels flushed, no fixings through the membrane.
- Pump and channel servicing from the manufacturerShort answer
As stated in the manufacturer's instructions.
- Operation and maintenance information handed over?Yes or No
- As-built drawings showing inspection points handed over?Yes or No
- Client shown the pump, alarm and inspection points?Yes or No
- Guarantee and handover documentsPhotos
Result, actions and sign-off
- Items needing actionWorked out by the form
- ResultWorked out by the form
- ActionsRepeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
- Urgent: water getting in now
- Before cover-up
- Before handover
- Routine
- Who will do it*Short answer
- Due byDate
- Status*Choose one
- Open
- In progress
- Done, checked
- Photo when donePhotosShown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
- Actions still openWorked out by the form
- Decision*Choose one
- Ready to cover up or hand over
- Proceed once the listed actions are done
- Not ready: re-inspect
- Next check or re-inspection dateDate
- Summary for the clientNotes
- Inspector nameShort answer
- Inspector signature*Signature
- Waterproofing contractor nameShort answer
- Waterproofing contractor signatureSignature
See it filled in
A completed basement waterproofing inspection report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.
Basement waterproofing inspection FAQs
What are BS 8102 Types A, B and C?
BS 8102 is the BSI code of practice for protecting below ground structures against water ingress; the current edition is BS 8102:2022. It covers waterproofing barrier materials applied to the structure (Type A, barrier protection), structurally integral watertight construction (Type B) and drained cavity construction (Type C). Many basements combine two, so the form lets you tick more than one. In England, Approved Document C refers to BS 8102 for basement walls and floors subject to water pressure.
Sources: BSI Knowledge, BS 8102:2022 Protection of below ground structures against water ingress, BSI, BS 8102:2009 contents (Type A barrier, Type B structurally integral, Type C drained protection) and Approved Document C, site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture (England), paras 4.12 and 5.6.
Does the form say how wide a lap should be?
No. Lap widths, details and grades come from the waterproofing design and the manufacturer's instructions. You enter the minimum lap from the instructions once, measure the narrowest lap in each area with a rule or from a photo (an estimate), and the form shows whether it is narrower than the figure you entered.
How do I record existing leaks and damp readings?
Add each one as a record inside the basement area: what was seen (active leak, seepage at a joint, damp patch, tide mark, standing water), the position, the height above the floor, the extent, the reading with the meter and scale used, whether it was there before the work, and a photo with a rule in view. Each record can also take a GPS position.
How should the sump pump and alarm be tested?
Follow the pump manufacturer's test procedure. The form records whether the duty pump and any standby pump started and discharged when water was added, whether the high-level alarm sounded when tested, and where the alarm sounds or reports. A pump or alarm that fails counts as an item needing action.
Can I use it in the US for below-grade waterproofing?
Yes. The system list covers sheet and liquid-applied membranes, cementitious coatings, drainage board, footing drains, interior perimeter drains and sumps. In the International Residential Code, foundation drainage is section R405 and foundation dampproofing and waterproofing is section R406. States and cities amend these, and some building departments inspect the drainage and waterproofing before backfill, so check what yours has adopted.
Does the form certify the waterproofing or replace the guarantee?
No. It records what was seen, measured and tested on the day, with photos, actions and signatures. It does not design or certify the system. Guarantee details, conditions and the servicing the manufacturer asks for are recorded so the owner has them in the PDF report or shared link.
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