Is water coming out of your basement. The biggest concern with basement in homes is the inside water seeping and pooling on the floor. Wet basements happen after heavy rains or in the winter months. Basement moisture, if left unchecked ruins walls and floors, damage roofing, and encourage mold. Thus, right now, considering basement waterproofing is essential and an immediate need to stop water from seeping into the basement.
Add Gutter Extensions
If you notice the downspouts are dumping less than 5 feet away the water from your house, you may consider metal gutter extensions.
However, extensions are not a long-term solution, if you run over or frequently trip over them with lawn mower. Thus, the permanent solution is underground drain pipe. It moves large quantities farther and is invisible. Digging a sloping trench and installing pipe ensures carrying water away safely.
Basement waterproofing
Interior drainage system ensures the water is out, but lacks basement walls waterproofing. For that, there is a need for an exterior system. An exterior waterproofing and a French drain to release the hydrostatic pressure.
Basement waterproofing is the best solution to eliminate gaps in the foundation. It is a big task, but keeps the water outside, preventing tearing up of finished basement. The expense is going to be high.
Plug Gaps
Water dribbling in the basement around plumbing pipes, through gaps or cracks calls for quick attention. You may yourself plug the opening with polyurethane caulk or hydraulic cement.
Plugging works perfect if it is a small hole oozing water from a wet soil or surface runoff. As the water is coming at the joint where walls and floor meet or through the floor, the plugs trick will not work. It is groundwater issue and you must hire a professional plumber and get it sorted.
Repair Footing Drains
Water leaking into the basement may reach the seams or the walls meeting the floor. It may be the hydrostatic pressure from the ground pushing the water up.
Check the underground pipes, footing drains, to understand the problem. Hire a professional to look for a drain in the basement or clean the pipe that is capped above the floor, a few inches. With clogged drains, you can use a garden hose and flush the pipes, and open the cleanout. If the problem stays unresolved, hire a plumber to do the job.
Seeping water into the basement is a problem that needs immediate addressing, the earlier the better!
