Home Solutions for a Basement Water Leak

By Jim Zdrazil

The majority of homeowners experience a basement water leak at some point and time. The causes of a basement water leak could be as minor as driving rain during a storm to something major as structural problems. While extremely inconvenient, there are do-it-yourself industrial cleaning solutions that can help clean up minor problems.

If you notice water or dampness in your basement, it's time to do a thorough inspection. Common causes for a basement water leak are cracks or holes in the cement foundation, high underground water levels, or drainage problems. These are fixable problems. Waterproof sealers, such as a sealing masonry, are designed to repair cracks, a sump pump can be installed to address high water levels and drains can be added in the basement to fix drainage issues.

The reasons why a basement water leak occurs vary. It could go as far back as when your house was built. Over time, cracks in the foundation, basement wall or basement floor might begin occurring. Or the home might be in a location that lends itself to improper drainage. Consult with a professional to identify and solve major problems that can cause a basement water leak.

Often times, a basement water leak is a result of a minor problem that can be easily solved by do-it-yourself measures. But if left unresolved, additional problems can occur. Mold and mildew generally follow a basement water leak, which is why it's important to act fact to fix the leak. Otherwise, you'll have three problems to solve, rather than just one. And that translates into additional costs.

Your home's foundation or ground area are the likely causes of a basement water leak. But gutters could also be the driving force for a basement water leak. If gutters are not properly angled to flow water away from the house, water gathers on the ground near basement walls. Gutters clogged with leaves or debris could lead to a basement water leak because standing water can start to erode the foundation.

Preventive steps can be taken to avoid a basement water leak. If a severe rain storm or hurricane is pending, there are products that can be used to prevent permanent water damage. One inexpensive solution is a water absorbent sock that can be placed around basement windows and doors. The Hurricane Sock, sold at the Cleanup Stuff website at www.cleanupstuff.com has been beneficial to Florida homeowners by preventing a basement water leak during a hurricane. Each sock can absorb up to one gallon of water and it can be air dried and reused multiple times.

After resolving a basement water leak problem, a damp feeling or musty spell could linger. Water absorbent materials around the basement walls, windows and doors can prevent this. Since water heaters, washing machines and other items in your basement can leak, place absorbent protection around them as well. Applying a sealant to basement walls and floors is an effective way to stop moisture from building up.

Your home is likely the biggest investment that you will make in your lifetime. So it's important to take preventive steps to keep it well maintained. When it comes to a basement water leak, fixing cracks and using absorbent materials near windows and doors can put an end to leaky problems. - 20759

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

There are number of factors that may contribute to basement leaks but if you detect dampness, mustiness, see white powder, or find wet areas it probably means that you have a leaky basement. If you have a leaky basement, it would be better to contact your nearest waterproofing solutions expert to get your leaky basement fixed.

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