Basement Water Leak Solutions
A basement water leak is very annoying
A basement water leak is very annoying. Sooner or later most home owners discover one and the cause can be puzzling. Whilst the initial reaction may be to panic, the leak does not necessarily mean that you have a major problem such as a structural defect and there are a number of solutions available to help you.First things first - look for the more obvious causes of such problems; for example, cracks in the foundation or simple drainage issues or an abnormally high water table. For the latter two issues, the installation of a sump pump or the excavation of another drain can provide a fix, whilst available compounds can be used to repair cracking.
One of the more common causes of a basement water leak is a crack in the floor, wall or beneath, in the actual foundation. When a home is built, some shortcuts may have been taken and the composition of rendering of the finished item compromised - for example, shoddy waterproofing. Call in a pro to help locate and solve any major problem such as this. In the case of minor seepage, act fast as this is important! Inaction could lead to a lot more problems and more cost, down the road. If your problem remains you will get some unwelcome visitors in the form of mildew and mold. These unwelcome bedfellows can be even more difficult to get rid of and cause potential health issues to boot. Act now, fix and prevent other problems.
When first searching for the source of a basement water leak, look to the ground. However, if nothing jumps out, look up at the gutters. These are supposed to aid the displacement of water by routing it away from the house. Gutters must be located correctly to ensure that water flows correctly. Likewise, if a gutter is clogged this can lead to pooling and erosion at the base.
Take some steps to prevent a basement water leak by putting in place products to mitigate the effects of any upcoming rain storms. An inexpensive option is a water absorbent sock called a hurricane sock. Aptly named for its' use by Florida homeowners during the well publicized recent cyclones, this item can absorb up to a gallon of water at a time, when placed around basement windows and doors. The sock can be air dried and reused multiple times. Absorbent material can be used to treat areas after fixing a the cause of the leak. When placed around basement doors and windows this can help to reduce the musty spell or dampness in the air. Such material should also be used around water heaters or washing machines that can also leak intermittently.
Commercially available sealants can also be applied to walls and floors to prevent recurring buildups. Maintain your home well. It is an expensive purchase! Take preventive action and fix those cracks using absorbent materials near doors and windows. Prevent a basement water leak from ruining your day!
by: Robert Mcdonough