Wet Basement Solutions for Homeowners
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!
