Basement leak is a common thing. Many house owners will face this issue at some point. But the reason for basement leak develops gradually. It takes years for water molecules to find their way through walls, foundations, etc, and cause basement leaks. Cracks, dampness, moisture in the walls, droplets of water in the wall, water stains, etc are all signs of a basement leak.
How to Clear a Basement leak?
Identifying the source of the leak or water in your basement is the first step in keeping it dry. If your basement is not properly waterproofed, water will always find a way in. Here are some primary reasons for the basement leaking.
Improper Drainage System:
Drainage systems are one of the most common causes of basement leaks. Drainage systems keep the water away from your house. If it is not maintained properly, It may lead to basement leaking.
Solution:
Check if your drainage system is installed properly. It may clog due to leaves, wastes, etc. Maintain your drainage system properly to avoid water stagnating near your foundation.
Poorly Maintained Pipes:
Pipes are the main water transportation system in every home. Sometimes, your basement leak can be due to kitchen sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. Your basement can be located below them, and if these pipes are not maintained properly, or if it is damaged, it may be the cause of the water in your basement.
Solution:
Repair the pipes if they have any damage. Pipes can also have dust accumulated in it. Make sure the dust is removed, to avoid basement leaking.
Improper Slope:
The ground around your foundation must be a slope. The intention of it is, to keep rainwater away from your house. If there’s no slope, the water will accumulate near the foundation and may cause moisture in the basement walls.
Solution:
The slope may be levelled with the ground as days go by. Check if there is a slope present near your foundation wall. If there’s no slope, make a slope by adding sand near the wall. By which you can prevent water from leaking near your foundation.
Poor Roof Downspout:
If your roof downspout is not installed properly, or if it dumps rainwater towards the foundation rather than away from it, this could be the cause of the water in your basement.
Solution:
Check the placement of your roof downspout. If it is not away from your foundation add pipes and make rainwater dump away from your foundation to avoid basement leaks.
Condensation:
When warm, humid air meets your cool basement walls and floor, condensation occurs in the basement. Condensation is not a big problem compared to leaks but it can cause moulds and stains on your basement wall.
Solution:
Make sure there is enough ventilation in the basement. You can prevent condensation by adding exhaust fans to take the warm air out of the basement.
To conclude, waterproofing your basement can prevent further problems. Hire STL Polyjack one of the Best Basement Waterproofing Companies in St.Louis. Before waterproofing, we make sure that the basement area is clean and dry. After that, we repair the damages like cracks, stains, leaks, etc. After the initial process, we will start waterproofing. Contact STL Polyjack to waterproof your basement today. Book a consultation call and get a free estimate!