Wet basement walls can cause a lot of issues for homeowners. From mold and mildew to foundation problems to issues with insects and rodents. Are the walls in your basement damp? Do you know how to repair wet basement walls?
There are quite a few things you can do to fix such issues as wet basement Toronto. In the following article, we shall discuss how to resolve issues with wet basement walls as well as how to prevent the issue from recurring. Of course, if the issue is serious, you should contact a plumber, but we are confident that these steps can help keep your basement dry.
How to Repair Wet Basement Walls
Following are some tips from the experts on how to repair wet basement problems:
Install Gutter Extensions
Are the downspouts dumping water away from your home 5 feet or under? Simply adding metal or plastic gutter extensions can redirect the water farther from your home. However, this is not a long-term solution, as this type of extensions is intrusive and may get in your way. It is best to install a permanent drainpipe system underground, as it is sturdier and more capable of moving large amounts of water farther from your house than plastic or metal gutter extensions.
Plug Gaps
Water can leak into a basement via gaps or cracks in or around the plumbing pipes. Using polyurethane caulking or hydraulic cement, you can easily plug these holes on your own. However, if the water is coming in where the walls and floor meet at the joint or up through the floor, plugging will not fix the problems, as the issue is groundwater in this scenario.
Rebuild the Crown
If you tried plugging any holes or cracks and your gutters are not the issue, it could mean that the surface water is not properly draining away from your home. As your home most likely sits on a crown of soil sloping more than 6 inches above the first ten feet going in every direction, you may need to rebuild the crown. Over time, the soil will settle and can lead to water seepage. By simply rebuilding this crown, you can prevent water from entering your basement.
Repair the Footing Drains
The issue could be a result of hydrostatic pressure moving the water upward from the ground. This would result in the water leaking low on your basement walls where it meets the floor. If you have footing drains that carry the water away from your home’s foundation, you can check to see if they are clogged and clean them out by flushing them with a garden hose.
Insert a Curtain Drain
If the issue does not lie within the footing drains, a curtain drain can be used to divert the water. This is a shallow trench (1.5 feet across and 2 feet deep) that is filled with perforated piping and gravel. It will catch the water and move it away from your home. However, if the drain area passes underneath shrubs or trees, you should use solid piping, as the roots could grow into the pipe and cause it to become easily clogged.
Waterproof the Basement Walls
If none of the above methods seem to resolve the issue, you should waterproof the basement walls. This is the most reliable way to keep your basement dry. Exterior waterproofing will protect the foundation of your basement while the French drain system will help to lower the hydrostatic pressure. This is an involved process that requires the work of a professional plumber, but it is the best means of protecting your basement walls from water damage.
If you have any further questions on how to repair wet basement walls, do not hesitate to contact DrainCom. We can advise you on the best way to waterproof your basement. Call us today for a quote for professional basement waterproofing.
