Methods of Draining & Waterproofing Basements

Many homes have sump pumps underneath the basement to remove excess water.

Basements are often plagued with excess moisture that can occur from water leaks or improperly graded soil outside the home. Water problems inside your basement can cause damage to your home or mold growth. Installing proper basement drainage and taking measures to make your basement waterproof are important safeguards to keep your basement dry.

Causes

Excess water can leak into your basement in many ways. Leaks in the foundation of the home may allow water to come inside and windows might also leak around the sills. If the ground outside your home was not graded properly, it may be directing water toward your home instead of away from it. Clogged gutters and downspouts might also allow water to leak inside your basement, causing standing water that can increase the humidity inside your basement and be a potential cause of mold growth.

Drainage

You must take steps to install proper drainage in your basement to reduce excess moisture. Many homeowners place a pump in the basement sump to remove excess water, which is known as a sump pump. According to North Dakota State University, the sump is connected to drain tile that drains water from the footings of the house under the basement. Sump pumps are generally the submersible type or a pedestal pump, both of which work well to remove excess water from your basement.

Moisture Proofing

Because basements are humid and damp, you must place a moisture barrier over the soil to keep moisture from coming through the foundation of your home. This is especially important in homes with dirt floor basements. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best way to keep moisture from coming in through the foundation is by placing plastic over the entire floor. This slows down the speed in which moisture evaporates through your foundation. Seal all cracks or joints in the slab or foundation walls with waterproof caulk. Proper flashing outside your home should keep rain water from coming inside your basement. Painting your basement ceiling with vapor barrier paints will also keep the humidity level lower inside your basement. Although there are special vapor barrier paints available, the U.S. Department of Energy states that any paint will effectively retard moisture. Choose a glossy, acrylic paint with a high percentage of thickness and solids for best results. Apply multiple coats of paint for best results.

Prevention

Be sure your ground outside your home is sloped away from your home. Regrade your soil so that it slopes away from the home if necessary. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for leaf litter that can cause clogging. Running a dehumidifier inside your basement during hot, humid weather will help prevent moisture damage. If any plumbing pipes are leaking in your basement, repair them as soon as possible to prevent structural damage to your home and potential mold growth. Check your sump pump each month to be sure it is in good working order.

References

• Energy Star: Home Solutions: Damp Basement
• NDSU: Sump Pump Questions
• Energy Savers: Vapor Barriers Or Vapor Diffusion Retarders