In Canada we have a tough climate that can cause damage to your basement which results in leaks. Plus improper home maintenance can also contribute to leaks in your basement. In this article we’ll break down how to fix a basement leak, step by step.
How To Repair A Leaky Basement Step-By-Step
Although basement leaks are common in most homes, finding your precious items sitting in, or worse, floating in water can be devastating. Rest assured we’ll show you exactly how to repair and waterproof your basement for good!
Step #1: Identifying the source of a leaky basement
Finding a basement leak can be tricky. Rule of thumb is to follow the source as you wouldn’t want to waste your time calling a waterproofing contractor if the source of the leak is a plumbing issue in either your kitchen or bathroom upstairs.
However if you can not find the source of the water then you should contact a local waterproofing specialist as soon as possible. They can help with identifying the source and repairing it.
For a finished basement, wet or moldy drywall and wet flooring is generally the first clue that you have a foundation water problem. In an unfinished basement, a crack in a basement will leak, will leave discolouration or staining on the foundation wall and there may be dry, mildew patches on the wall and floor at the source. You can go outside the problem area and look for any cracks in the wall.
Sometimes high humidity levels in the basement can be indicative of a basement leak.
Step #2: Stop the leak
Many times the leak in your basement can be as easy as replacing a gasket in one of your water lines. However if you find that there is a major crack in your foundation, it’s important to get your foundation crack repaired properly.
While many DIY projects are fun for homeowners, water damage is no joke and if not repaired correctly can result in black mold, structure instability, and a major loss in resell value. Which is why using a certified basement repair company is your best option. Plus Wise Cracks can provide a guarantee on many of our projects.
Fixing the foundation crack depends on the size, location and type of crack. So it’s always best to consult with a specialist before attempting to do this yourself.
Step #3: Setup your home properly
- Keep your home’s humidity below 60%
- Ensure the outside of your house is graded properly
- Redirect all your downspouts to away from your home
- Install a dehumidifier if required
- Do not hang wet clothes to dry in the basement
- Vent bathroom and laundry rooms
After these 3 steps then you have officially fixed your basement leak! Your home should stay nice and dry in the future. In some cases you may even want to install a sump pump as a backup plan in the event you experience periodic flooding.
Can You Fix a Basement Leak?
DIY projects are always fun for homeowners. With that said, your home is one of your greatest assets, where your foundation plays a key role. i.e. holding up the structure.
Fixing a basement leak yourself could be as simple as redirecting a down spout in the area or reattaching an old fallen off pipe.
The next option would be preventing water from coming through the foundation. This requires a marginal investment as you will need to waterproof your foundation. You may need to excavate the area in question all the way to the footing. The foundation will need to be cleaned and a waterproof membrane or coating can be applied to the foundation.
The last option is to plug or seal the hole or crack with hydraulic cement. This can be used to patch a leaky foundation and can be applied wet or dry. As a waterproof contractor, “We try and steer homeowners away from doing this as it is a temporary fix that could cause further damage to your foundation”.
Hire a Waterproofing Contractor for your basement leak?
As previously stated, your home is one of your greatest investments that you’ll make in your lifetime. Your house requires a well maintained foundation to avoid humidity problems, mold issues, and structural damage. Temporarily fixing a leaky basement may be your only financial option, but at least have a waterproofing contractor to advise you, and help you get a full understanding of what you are facing today and down the road. Ensure that with this important decision, that you select the best company to do it!
People are astonished by the fact that it’s usually more cost-efficient to have the repair professionally done!