What’s Causing Your Leaky Basement?
Posted By Houston Decorator on October 2, 2010
You fixed that leaky, wet basement months ago, so now what’s the problem? The caulking should have done the trick, right? Well, for a few months there weren’t any problems, but the weather has also been a bit dry lately.
If you’re not that confident about the fixes you’ve made or maybe the job done by someone else, then there are some questions to ask and some problems to solve before the next rain or snow melt hits. You don’t want your basement flooding because of misinformation or an incomplete job.
Let’s take a look at some of the common problems that cause your basement to leak. If you’re looking for a highly trained and experienced basement waterproofing or finishing expert, then you’re in luck. Keep reading and you’ll also find the ways that a contractor will solve these problems!
Wall-Floor Joint
Every home has walls and floors that are connected by a joint. Just as our bodies have joints that sometimes cause us some aches and pains, your home’s wall-floor joint can cause some leaks.
Your basement waterproofing contractor will remove the part of the floor that’s closest to the joint and the leak. A trench will be made and filled with clean stone that’s topped-off with a drainage system and then restore the concrete floor.
Don’t worry about seeing an ugly drain. The work will be covered over and a neat, clean wall flange that is part of the drain itself will collect any water that may come in through or down the wall. The water will then be delivered to a sump pump and pumped back outside through a discharge line.
Floors
Another typical leak comes from the floors. The same process from above is utilized when curing a leaking basement floor. In severe cases, extra drainage can be added through the basement floor where the cracks are and be directed to the sump pump system.
This system can also help with leaks coming from entryways such as a basement hatchway door. The water will go into a grated trench which is flush with the floor and be flow into the waterproofing system.
Windows
Have you been noticing some water collecting beneath your windows or leaking around them? Replacement windows don’t seem to be all that inexpensive, so you’ve been hoping to find another cure. Well, you’ve found one.
An expert can come to your home and add a drainage system that will remove the water from the site.
Do you think that replacing your windows is well-worth the expense? Well, here are some buying tips.
Make sure you find an energy efficient window, not only will the replacement help save you money because of a more efficient window seal, but also for its other energy efficient characteristics. But, rain can also be deflected by a window well.
So, whether you’re looking for replacement windows or a window well drainage system, the problem is most definitely fixable.
Water Heater
Maybe you’ve had to replace a water heater in the past or you’ve been noticing a lack in your hot water supply. Although this is the typical sign to replace a water heater, another sign is when the heater begins to leak.
A small leak can go unnoticed and can cause a lot of serious damage to the surrounding area. If the how water tank bursts, a continuous flow of water can ruin any basement quickly. If the materials used to finish your basement aren’t waterproof or water damage resistant, then there’s a huge risk of damage being done to the walls, carpet, and more.
How can this be prevented or properly handled? Simple! Your basement waterproofer can recommend placing a special 4 inch high ring around the water heater, with a floor drain within the ring so that any leaks will flow into your drainage system. A water-sensitive alarm to notify you when there is a leak is also recommended.
Washer Hoses
The water heater isn’t the only appliance that can cause flooding and water damage, but washing machine hoses and other pipe work can also cause some significant damage. Typical washer hoses aren’t exactly made to withstand the pressure that the water constantly places on it, which is it’s recommended to shut off the water supply to the washer after the laundry is finished. Who wants to do that?! A great solution is to purchase washing machine hoses that are made to withstand the constant pressure and that will not bubble or blister. The best ones will also have a warranty!
Perhaps some of these problems have already happened in your home, or maybe you just don’t want to have such problems! There’s enough to deal with being a homeowner, and this would just be a bit unbearable. There are basement contractors in your area who have a great reputation with helping homeowners in their time of need. If you need basement waterproofing in New York, then contact Basement Systems of NY today! They offer patented basement waterproofing products and solutions, and have been highly trained to help you with your basement troubles. For a NY basement waterproofing company, be sure to get the best and someone you can trust– Basement Systems of NY!
Samantha Walton currently works as a web content writer for home improvement sites. She’s a college graduate with a B.A. in communication and a concentration in public relations. She’s aspiring to one day further her education with a seminary degree. Her experience ranges from internships in marketing and public relations, content writing for local television broadcasts, to writing and editing newsletters, fliers, and other content for her local church.
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