What is causing your leaky basement?
You fixed that leaky, damp basement months ago, so now what’s the problem? The caulking should have done the trick, right? Well, for a few months there was no problem, but the weather has also been a bit dry lately.
If you’re not so sure about the fixes you’ve made or perhaps the work done by someone else, then there are a few questions to ask and a few issues to work out before the next rain or meltdown arrives. You don’t want your basement flooded because of misinformation or incomplete work.
Let’s take a look at some of the common problems that cause your basement to leak. If you’re looking for a highly trained and experienced basement waterproofing or finishing expert, then you’re in luck. Read on and you’ll also find ways a contractor will solve these problems!
Wall-floor joint
Every home has walls and floors that are connected by a joint. Just as our bodies have joints that sometimes cause us some aches and pains, the joint between the wall and the floor in your home can cause some leaks.
Your basement waterproofing contractor will remove the part of the floor closest to the joint and the leak. A trench will be dug and filled with clean stone to be completed with a drainage system and then the concrete floor will be restored.
Don’t worry about seeing an ugly drain. The job will be covered and a neat and clean wall flange that is part of the drain itself will collect any water that may enter through or through the wall. The water will then be delivered to a sump pump and pumped back outside through a discharge line.
Floors
Another typical leak comes from floors. The same process above is used when curing a leaking basement floor. In severe cases, additional drainage can be added through the basement floor where the cracks are and directed to the sump pump system.
This system can also help with leaks coming from entrances such as the base hatch door. The water will go into a grated trench that is flush with the ground and flow into the waterproofing system.
Windows
Have you noticed water pooling under your windows or seeping around them? Replacement windows don’t seem to be that cheap, so I was hoping to find another cure. Well, you’ve found one.
An expert can go to your home and add a drainage system that will remove the water from the site.
Do you think it is worth changing the windows? Well, here are some buying tips.
Be sure to find an energy efficient window, not only will the replacement save you money due to a more efficient window seal, but also because of its other energy efficient features. But, the rain can also be deflected by a window well.
So whether you’re looking for replacement windows or a window well drainage system, the problem can definitely be fixed.
water heater
Perhaps you’ve had to replace a water heater in the past or noticed a lack in your hot water supply. Although this is the typical sign to replace a water heater, another sign is when the heater begins to leak.
A small leak can go unnoticed and cause a lot of serious damage to the surrounding area. If the water tank bursts, a continuous flow of water can quickly ruin any basement. If the materials used to finish your foundation are not waterproof or water resistant, then there is a high risk of damage to walls, carpet, and more.
How can this be prevented or managed properly? Easy! Your basement waterproofer may recommend that you put a special 4-inch-high ring around the water heater, with a floor drain inside the ring so that any leaks flow back into your drainage system. A water sensitive alarm is also recommended to alert you when there is a leak.
washing machine hoses
Your water heater isn’t the only appliance that can cause flooding and water damage, but washing machine hoses and other pipes can also cause significant damage. Typical washing machine hoses aren’t exactly made to withstand the pressure that water constantly exerts on them, so it’s a good idea to turn off the water supply to the washer after you’ve finished doing your laundry. Who wants to do that? A great solution is to buy washing machine hoses that are made to withstand constant pressure and won’t bubble or blister. The best ones will also have a guarantee!