Here are two steps that will show you how to repair the leaky wall. However, if you have never done this before, it may be wise to have somebody show you in person; fooling around with the foundation of your house is not wise if you don’t know what you are doing.

Step One – Find the Leak

Leaks can come from a variety of places, though poor plumbing and cheap masonry are the two most common. To find the leak, you have to find the moisture first. When you find that, you need to trace it back to it’s point of origin. Not all leaks are apparent, so look carefully.

Step Two – Start Breaking Things

Once you’ve identified the location of the leak, whether it be around an old pipe or some random place in the wall. Now it is a little bit different for pipes than the wall, so I will cover them separately.

For a pipe, you will notice that there is a bit of oddly colored stuff around it. This is probably old hydraulic cement. It may have gotten old or just not been any good to start with. But just get the chisel and start breaking it off while being very careful not to hurt the pipe at all.

Now when this is done, mix up some hydraulic cement. Make sure that it is only enough that you can use in about two or three minutes because that stuff sets FAST. When that is done, shove some of the rubble back in there so that you don’t need to use much cement. Now get the cement in there and fill up and fill up the hole carefully. Also make sure that you get the area around the pipe like it was before.

Now hopefully you are done with that. If it is just a place in the wall, there is likely to be a crack or a void there. Grab a chisel and hammer and break it open. Now fill that with hydraulic cement.

If you need a good hydraulic cement, I recommend the Dap 14090 Quick Plug Hydraulic Cement 10-Pound Pail. It is a high performance compound that is ideal for plugging holes in any concrete or masonry. Also, it creates an airtight seal as it dries, which is great for plugging the holes left behind by leaky basement wall repair. And the best part is that it weighs 10 pounds, you won’t be running out any time soon, no matter how many leaks you have.

Leaky basement walls and a wet basement can cause lot of problems including nasty smells, mildew and mold. These can cause lasting damage. Leaks can be repaired though with an hour of effort and a bucket of hydraulic cement.

Basement Waterproofing Products are the Answer.

Fix it soon, or else it will only get worse. And think, when your basement is nice and waterproofed, you can make it into something nice and actually spend time down there. You can put your treasured items down there in full assurance that they will not be harmed by water. There are many basement waterproofing systems and drainage systems available, but here are a few that can really help with your wet basement, foundation or crawlspace.

The first thing to do as a homeowner, is find where the leak is coming from, so that you can paint over it with basement waterproofing products. There are a ton of waterproofing products out there, and it can be hard to find a good one. This one here is good. Damplock Concrete Waterproofing Paint – 101001 1G Damplock Paint It goes on as a gel, is mold and mildew resistant. Also, it has a low odor formula, which is nice, and all for a good price.

Now, this product is not good for extreme water leakage (only good for about 10 psi os water pressure). If you have water just pouring into your basement, try Ames BMX5RG Blue Max Liquid Rubber Basement Paint. This Basement Paint stuff is liquid rubber, for extremely wet situations. A little pricey, but is great for long term waterproofing.

Applying Basement Waterproofing Products

To apply the paint, read the directions on the back. This is always important. Never apply the paint without reading how to use it. When applying the paint, try to dry up as much of the water as you can with a towel so that the paint will stick better. Also try to seal up some of the larger holes or dents in your wall with caulk or putty, so that you do not have to waist some of the paint trying to fill it up.

Get your leak fixed now by using these basement waterproofing products. If you do not, it will only get worse. Plus, imagine what it will be like to be able to go into your basement, and smell no mold, mildew, or any kind of other water damage. With your new and waterproof basement, you can actually go through with that plan of yours of making it into a lounge, or pool room, or a play room for your grandkids! Even if you leave it a blank basement it will be great, so go and get on that project! You can do it so go get those basement waterproofing products today!

Get A Dry Basement – Use Concrete Waterproofing!

It will be nice, won’t it? When your basement is dry again! Many basements never get dry at all, but keep the water there and slowly evaporate it, while also helping the growth of mold and slowly rotting your house. Also, it can’t be good for the boxes of pictures that everybody invariably has in their basements. Imagine, with only a few coats of these products, your wet basement will have no moisture when it dries out!

Concrete Waterproofing Can Help With Mold

If you are allergic to mold, you will notice a definite increase in your health eventually, also, your house will smell much better, no nasty moldy smell stinking it up. You will finally be able to store things down there and get rid of some of the clutter in your home. All in all, you and your house will be better for it.

Damtite Water Proofing 04072 Waterproofing SuperPatch

This concrete waterproofing and repair spread works very well for fixing leaks and repairing holes in driveways, brick walkways, corners, sidewalks, stucco, foundation waterproofing and your basement. The coating will cover 3 square feet at one quarter inch thick. A good feature of it is it’s ability to adhere to just about any surface including wood, metal, concrete and cement. It is a two component spread, you just mix the dry powder with the bonding liquid. All in all, this is a very nice and high quality waterproofing mix. Just slap on a few coats where it is leaking and it will fix it right away, just make sure it is dry first.

Damtite Water Proofing 02451 Powder Foundation Waterproofer

Whereas the last product was for smaller leaks, if your entire basement is leaking, you might want this concrete waterproofing product instead, it is a powder that mixes with water and you use it instead of cement. it is incredibly tough and won’t let any water get through for a long time. It covers 600 square feet and can be applied to damp walls, this is especially useful because it can be very, very tough to dry out an entire basement. It is extremely useful and will serve you well.

Won’t it be nice you can store things down in your basement again? Your pictures will be safe and much less mold will grow down there. Also, you won’t have to constantly worry if your house will fall down because the foundation is rotting! When you apply a coat or two of these products to any leaking or damaged spot in your basement, you will notice a difference quite soon. These two concrete waterproofing products are some of the best in the field and will definitely save your basement from further damage at the hands of the water.

Waterproofing Membrane Products from Amazon

Self Adhesive Blueskin Weather Barrier, 12″ x 50′

This brand of waterproofing membrane is very easy to use. One of it’s best features is the fact that it is self adhesive, you simply peel it off and stick it wherever you need it, much easier than other brands. It is an SBS rubberized asphalt compound that is laminated to a special blue film. That means that no air or moisture (vapor or otherwise) will ever get through if you apply it correctly.

It can be applied in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. It sticks to many materials including: primed steel, concrete, galvanized metal, gypsum board, aluminum mill finish, and anodized aluminum. Also, if the membrane is punctured, it will self seal, which means no difficult repairs. All in all, this is a very good product that will keep almost anything waterproof.

Laticrete 9235 Waterproofing Membrane – Full Kit

This waterproofing system is one of the best available for waterproofing. It is a roll on application, dries in hours and is ready to use. It helps stop the growth of stain-causing molds and mildews because of it’s antimicrobial protection. It can be applied to most horizontal and vertical surfaces including concrete, cement mortar beds, plywood, brick masonry, and gypsum wallboard. It can be applied both indoors and out. If you are going to protect your floor and walls from water damage and cracks, this is the way to go.

Shower Waterproofing Membrane

This waterproofing membrane is best for waterproofing showers and bathtubs, though it can be used elsewhere. It is notable for being resistant to constant water and from chemicals. That is why it is so good for showers. It can be applied to most surfaces that are dry and even. If you want a good waterproofing membrane that specializes in showers, this is the best for you.

If you need a waterproofing membrane for your shower, patio, basement or sidewalk, you need to be careful not to get the cheap ones, they won’t keep the water out adequately, if at all. Buying cheap and low quality water proofing can be very expensive in the long run, just remember that the best waterproofing membranes for your shower, patio, basement or sidewalk are the Blueskin Weather Barrier Self Adhesive Waterproofing Membrane, 4” x 50’, the Laticrete 9235 Waterproofing Membrane, and the Shower Waterproofing Membrane.

Are you trying to sort out a solution for your wet basement?  You’re absolutely right that there’s no time to waste.  Water damage and dampness from a wet basement can wreak all sorts of havoc in your family and house – from mold and fungus build-up to potential cracks in your foundation, a wet basement can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in unexpected costs unless it’s properly taken care of.  Learn the three basic causes of a wet basement or crawlspace, and how to troubleshoot your wet basement, by reading our helpful hints below.

Wet Basement Sources

Your first step to addressing your wet basement is to identify the exact source of your water seepage or leak.  There are three basic sources of water leaking into a house.  First, you could have a surface water leak, from rainfall coasting down into your foundation walls.  Secondly, you could have a subsurface water leak, from groundwater being pushed into your basement from a flooded lawn.  Thirdly, you could be coping with a storm or sewer system leak, where water from your municipal water system is backing up directly into your house.

Wet Basement Solutions

Clearly, each issue will require a different set of solutions – so the most important thing you can do to combat a wet basement is a complete walk-through of the space, in order to discover the source of your leak.  Once you’ve found it, you can then start trouble-shooting for solutions.  Here are some basic actions to consider:

1)      If you have surface water leaks: Ironically, your problem may be at the top of your house instead of your bottom.  Check to see that your gutter system is in good working order.  You may find clumps of leaves or other debris causing a waterfall straight onto your foundation walls.  If no clogs exist, you may decide that the gutter system is too small for your house.  You can add additional gutters and downspouts to serve as a backup distribution system, in the event of large accumulations of rainfall.

2)      If you have subsurface water leaks: If you have standing pools of water in your lawn or garden surrounding your house, they could be driving additional water underground – and straight into your basement.  To understand the physics behind this, imagine a boat sitting in a lake.  If the boat has any cracks or hairline fractures at all, what will happen to the boat?  Obviously, water pressure from the lake will start forcing water through even the tiniest of spaces.  Subsurface water leaks can operate the same way in your wet basement.  Sadly, there is no quick fix for a subsurface water leak.  Your best bet is to begin interviewing waterproofing contractors in your town, in order to install a drain system in your wet basement.  This sort of renovation may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance, so be sure to check your policy before starting work.

3)      If you have a storm system backup: If your house is an older building from the 1980s or earlier, it may only have an exterior perimeter foundation drain.  If that’s the case, any overflow from your municipal water system may actually be getting sucked into your wet basement.  You may want to consider installing an interior perimeter foundation drain.  When connected to a sump pump, an interior drain can help you navigate excessive rain accumulation or any future backups from your municipal water system.

Now that you’ve uncovered the source of your water leak and addressed it, your wet basement cleanup will progress far more smoothly.  Remember, you’re not just investing in drying a wet basement – you’re investing in your financial return on your house, and your quality of life while living there!

How do you hire waterproofing contractors?  This may be on your mind if you’re trying to address water leaks and damage in your home foundation or concrete after this record-breaking cold, wet winter.  It’s important that customers arm themselves with information, to avoid shoddy repair work and basement waterproofing that’s both costly and frustrating to fix.  This article will walk consumers through the resources available online when selecting  waterproofing contractors that are worth working with.

1. Establish the Damage

Before you even begin researching waterproofing contractors or looking in the yellow pages, the first thing you need to do is assess and establish the damages in your home.  If you’re clear about what’s lurking in your wet basement, you will be less surprised by your contractor’s assessment of the situation.

You should do a complete walk-through of the area to determine if there are any quick fixes that are causing leaks or water collection.  You may have obvious, easily fixed cracks in a basement window or wall, for example, that can be fixed with a little sweat equity and a quick trip to Home Depot, or you may simply have clogged gutters that are forcing water down into the same spot on your grass or lawn, causing leaks into the basement.  Rule out these basic problems before calling in waterproofing contractors, and you’ll save time and money.

2. Research Waterproofing Contractors Online

If you’ve determined the damage is beyond your capability to repair, now’s the time to begin shopping around for waterproofing contractors.  Be sure to use consumer protection resources like your city’s Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List or sponsored links to do a local search for local service waterproofing contractors that are highly recommended in your community.

You can also investigate potential contractors through the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors.  Call 1-800-245-NAWC to see if the waterproofing contractor you’re considering is in good standing.

3. Interview Potential Waterproofing Contractors

Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of waterproofing contractors to two or three candidates, it’s time to connect with them personally for a quick interview.  A quality waterproofing contractor will typically not require a large down payment, and will be able to provide you with an itemized free estimate of project costs, as well as a detailed project plan with accurate start and completion dates.  In addition, your waterproofing contractors should be able to provide you with proof of insurance.  This is crucial; otherwise, you could be potentially held liable for any workman’s comp claims that occur when subcontractors are working in your home.

Use your intuition when dealing with these applicants for your business – you are hiring them, not the other way around, so don’t hire someone who sets off your inner alarms!  If you don’t like what you’re hearing, you’re within your rights to keep shopping.  At the end of the interview, let the waterproofing contractors know exactly when you will be making your decision.  Be professional and respectful of their time, as you would expect them to be with you.

The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems

These three easy tips – assessing your damage, researching online, and in-person interviewing – will help you feel comfortable with the waterproofing contractor you choose. Good waterproofing contractors will help protect your financial investment in your house, and help provide you with both security and peace of mind.

Homeowners, if you’ve recently moved to or bought a home with a basement, congratulations!  You’ve made a savvy decision in increasing the amount of livable space in your home.  In order to convert an unfinished basement into a home office, second living area, or game room, the first thing on your to-do list should be waterproofing your basement walls to ensure a dry basement or crawl space or eliminate a wet basement.  Waterproofing basement walls helps prevent the mold and mildew, as well as the musty smell typically characterizing many basement spaces.  Even if you’ve bought a new home, waterproofing basement walls or foundation walls is a must to protect against leaks or cracks when your house settles after a season or two.  But if you don’t know what’s causing your problem, you’ll spend lots of cash and time trying to come up with a successful solution.  Here are some frequent design issues and concerns to be aware of when waterproofing basement walls.

Waterproofing Basement Walls Fix Musty Odor

If you don’t even want to step downstairs because it smells like the basement is a generation or two older than your actual house, you need to do some odor repair work immediately.  Otherwise, your family will never use the basement space the way you intended.  If you have windows in your basement, open them for some additional ventilation on sunny days, and then sponge walls and floors down with a bleach and water solution.  Next, get some dry charcoal and put it in an open container to help absorb some of the moldy smell.  Once you’ve vanquished the odor, waterproofing basement walls can be done by use a waterproofing membrane on your interior walls.  This will block off any small cracks, and help maintain a clean scent to your basement.  Most compounds work best on untreated concrete walls; consult a specialist at your local home improvement store if you are working in an already painted space.

Waterproofing Basement Deletes the Leak

If you have water or condensation pooling in your basement, and you don’t know where the leak is coming from in your wall, there’s a simple trick to help you narrow down the culprit.  Grab a roll of aluminum foil from the kitchen, and tape down a twelve-inch square of foil to the damp wall.  Smooth out all the wrinkles and get the foil to lie as flat as you can, before sealing all four sides of the square to the wall.  After a couple of days, check for condensation.  If the foil is damp on the side facing you, it’s a condensation issue inside the basement.  If the foil is damp on the side next to the wall, you probably have a leak seeping in through the wall.  Determining the source of the water will make your basement waterproofing project much simpler.

Waterproofing Basement – Standing Water Outside

The problem here may not be with your basement at all.  Instead, look up and check to make sure your gutters aren’t broken or clogged.  Gutters in non-working order will dump water down in one or two spots, creating pools of mud and moisture that can eventually eat away at your basement walls.  Most experts recommend getting your gutters cleaned and inspected on an annual basis.

The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems

Once you’ve identified the source of your problem, waterproofing basement walls can be a fairly simple and inexpensive process.  Do your research and know your home, and waterproofing basement walls will be a preventative measure, not a home repair nightmare.

Does your basement smell musty or moldy? If so, you may have a water problem in your basement. Water can be a big problem when it enters a house uninvited. It can damage furniture, carpet and even affect your health! Many people are allergic to mold and they do not even realize it. In addition, mold spores will travel all over your home.  If you think you have a water problem, you probably do. Once you come to this realization, waterproofing basement walls and fortifying your foundation is the first step in eliminating this problem.

Millions of people own homes, but most of them have only seen the inside of their basement walls and they do not realize that the condition of their home’s foundation is very important to keep up. If the basement walls and foundation of the house become damaged or start to crack and leak, the very structure is at risk.

Waterproofing your basement walls can help guard against this damage. If you live in an area with a high water table, a rainy climate or flooding issues, this is an important safeguard to implement. The very safety and value of your home is at stake.

Waterproofing Basement Walls Outside

Just about anyone can waterproof basement walls from inside their basement. It is relatively easy compared to waterproofing basement walls from the outside. For waterproofing basement walls from the outside, you will need excavation services, which can be very expensive. However, the outside footer drains are an important part of keeping water away from your basement walls. These drains normally lie around the perimeter of the house foundation and whisk away extra water to a safe place away from the footer.

Waterproofing Basement Walls Inside

Although expensive, waterproofing basement walls from the outside is an important part of your overall waterproofing plan. However, using basement waterproofing products on the interior walls of your basement is an excellent way to start your waterproofing efforts. It is affordable, and will also help keep the water out.

There are many different methods of waterproofing basement walls from the inside, including using basement waterproofing products. These employ different methods of application, such as first removing any water damage signs such as mold or mildew, painting with waterproofing paint, and repairing cracks with a special compound.

Waterproofing Basement Walls by Checking Your Drains

You might want to also make sure any drains you have in the basement are draining well and not backing up at all. Some folks do not even realize they have a basement floor drain, but it is often located next to the water heater. If your home does get flooded, this drain needs to be working to help remove the water. You certainly do not want to wait until a flood to make sure this drain is functioning properly.

Repair, Protection and Waterproofing of Concrete Structures

Knowing your basement walls are protected, and thus the valuable contents inside those walls are also safe, will give you peace of mind and increase the value of your home. Waterproofing basement walls is a project that will be well worth your time.