How to Fix Leaky Basements
Moisture can seep into a basement in a number of different ways. If you plan on converting your basement space into a suitable living area, you will first need to address the problem of leaks. Even if you don't plan on conversion, it is a good idea to address the problem of a leaky basement before it can cause extensive structural damage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Yard grading tools
- Hydraulic cement
- Silicone sealant
- Gardening tools
- Sump pump
Instructions
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Check your gutters for clogging. When gutters become clogged, water spills over the side and runs down the siding toward the foundation wall. This water can leak into the basement either through the walls or up through the foundation. Avoid this cause of a leaky basement by keeping your gutters clean and diverting water away from the house.
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2
Fix the problem of a leaky basement by inspecting the grading of your yard. Any grading that slopes toward the house or results in the collection of water near the foundation of the house can create a problem with leaks in the basement. Ensure that the grading drops at least 6 inches in 10 feet all around the house. Fill in any sections of the ground near the foundation where water consistently collects.
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Use hydraulic cement to patch basement walls with cracks in them. Water can leak through even a hairline crack in the wall, so it is important to make sure that all cracks and fissures are patched as soon as you notice them.
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Seal the gaps around pipes and lines with hydraulic cement or silicone sealant. These gaps around pipes and lines serve as entry points for water to leak into the basement.
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Remove vegetation that grows near the basement foundation. Not only do plants hold onto moisture in the soil, but the shade produced by vegetation also causes a reduction in evaporation. Plants that require deep watering are another cause of water accumulation in the soil that can leak through cracks in the foundation and seep into the basement.
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Install foundation drains or a sump pump to direct water away from the basement. This fix for a leaky basement attacks the problem of variations in the depth of the water table. The depth of the water table can vary between seasons and from one area to another. Since you cannot do anything to change the level of the water table, your only solution is to pump or drain the water away from the basement before leaks become potentially disastrous.
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References
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