How to Repair a Leaky Basement Foundation Wall
A leaky foundation wall is a common frustration in homes with basements, especially older homes. Foundations can leak for a number of reasons, but a homeowner with the proper tools can repair leaky foundations quickly and inexpensively. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Landscaping plastic
- Soil
- Sand
- Shovel
- Rake
- Foundation sealant
- Downspout drain lines
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Instructions
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Repair Foundation Leaks
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Inspect the drainage for your home. The contractor should have positioned downspouts and drainage to direct moisture away from the foundation. Look for any puddle areas close to the house after a rain. Focus on the areas where your foundation is leaking.
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2
Fix the soil grade by altering the angle of the soil around the house. The soil should slope away from the foundation at a descending angle so water can drain away. Add the slope by applying a layer of sand or soil around any flat areas. Build up the soil or sand about 12 inches around the foundation wall using a shovel, and dig a slope to allow the water to flow away from the foundation at an angle. Use a rake to position the soil into the downward slope.
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3
Use a 3-foot-wide section of landscaping plastic around the entire perimeter of the foundation once the grading is complete. Apply the plastic to the ground and cover it with up to four inches of soil or sand to hold it in place. Use a utility knife to cut holes in the plastic for shrubs or flowers. This adds an extra layer of water-proofing for the foundation area.
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Add drain lines to downspouts to extend the water drainage. Choose a drain line, or pipe, that's approximately eight feet in length. Dig a small trench approximately 16 inches below the soil. Connect the pipe to the drain spout by inserting the spout into the pipe opening. Lay the pipe in the trench, and fill the area around it with sand or pebbles to cover it with a protective layer. Then fill the trench with the remaining soil.
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Inspect the foundation wall for any cracks or block separations Fill any cracks using a concrete crack filler solution. Mix filler according to manufacturer's and apply to the cracked areas.
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Purchase a foundation wall sealant designed to coat the foundation wall and prevent moisture and water from penetrating the surface. Apply sealant to dry foundation wall using a paint roller or rubber squeegee tool. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and application instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a mask when applying any sealants and ventilate the area.
Make sure to repair leaky foundations as soon as possible to avoid costly mold damage.
References
- Photo Credit House Lift image by Paul Coskery from Fotolia.com
