Here are several tips on how to keep water out of your basement. If the problem persists, be sure to seek out a professional water-proofer or plumber.
Clean the Gutters
Your gutters are not just there to keep the rain off your house but also to keep it away from your foundation. Keep gutters clear of leaves and grit and ensure the downspouts are free from blockage and draining water away from your home’s perimeter.
The downspouts need to extend at least five feet away from the foundation, directing water to the lawn or any incline that can guide it to the street and sewer.
Do you maintain a garden? Set up a rain barrel to save water for dry days. Better to use the water for your plants than to fill your basement.
Set Up a Slope
The ground around your home should not be flat or allow water to pool near the foundation. If you set up a slope of soil or stone, it will force water to flow away from the house.
The slope should be gradual and raised about six to eight inches, and should extend six feet outward from the property. Use a special brand of landscaping soil with clay content to build the slope.
Note: plants do their part to help drain water. Plant bushes and other plants about three feet from your property with a layout that redirects runoff to the plants, not the perimeter of your home.
Patch Leaks From Top To Bottom
Foundations develop cracks over time. Extended horizontal cracks may be a sign of greater damage and should be investigated by a professional.
Generally, smaller cracks are not a matter of great concern. They can, however, be a source of leaks.
drainage systemdownspout extensions
some better drainage ideas to consider
During and after the next rainstorm, walk around your basement with a flashlight in search of water seeping through these cracks. Afterward, fill the cracks with epoxy to seal them off. Make sure the cracks and surrounding area are dry; otherwise, the epoxy won’t adhere.
Have your roof inspected as well. Rain might slip between the shingles and drip through the walls.
Look for leaks in the exterior walls as well, and do a cleanup of your window wells if it looks like the drain at the bottom is blocked by dirt, gravel, or plant growth. Sealing the edges around the windows with caulk is another way to keep water out of your basement.
other related articles of interest:
Reducing the Runoff: Understanding the Science Behind Lawn and Yard Drainage
How to Fix Concrete Cracks in Your Basement During Renovations
Check the Drains
You should have drains in your basement floor that lead to the sewer pipe. If water is draining too slowly or, even worse, backing up, have the drains inspected and routed by a plumber.
It may be that roots have entered the sewer line, or the pipe itself has broken. Take care of this issue immediately, or else waste may back up into your home.
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