How to Stop Water on the Basement Floor

Eliminating water from a basement can be a tricky process. You must evaluate a three factors to determine the cause of any water problems: condensation (poor ventilation), seepage (insufficient outside drainage) and leaks (cracks in walls, foundation or around windows). Once you locate the source of the water, you can determine the proper treatment and its cost.

Instructions

1. Check for proper ventilation. A poorly ventilated basement is more susceptible to moisture. Installing heat and air conditioning vents can reduce this problem, if it isn't already accessible in the lower level. Reduce dampness further by insulating water pipes and running a heavy-duty dehumidifier.

2. Look for seepage. Check your gutters and downspouts and make sure they're free of debris and draining at least 10 feet away from the house. Also, be sure the ground slopes away from the house at the foundation.

3. Locate any cracks in the walls or floor, checking seams thoroughly, to find the source of any leaks. Resolving these is the most expensive issue for homeowners and should be addressed by professionals. A basement waterproofing expert will help you determine the appropriate solution, whether it involves minor leak repair and sealing basement walls or installing drains and sump pumps to consistently eliminate outside water before it can enter the house. Serious water problems may require an extensive exterior drainage system and foundation repair.

4. Evaluate first before calling a professional. Because basement water problems can run the gamut from mild moisture to major flooding, it is important to find the cause of the problem before attempting any solution. Even significant water issues can sometimes be resolved by simple improvements in drainage, so try this first before investing in an expensive waterproofing system. If professional help is necessary, get several quotes and, if possible, referrals from friends or relatives before hiring a contractor.

References

• Basement Waterproofing