Discover the unidentified causes of wet basement here, along with tips for keeping it dry
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ToggleWater can enter your basement through one or more of the several entry points. Whether it seeps in through foundation walls or the floor, water in the basement is always bad news. Even a little moisture can become a major issue if not fixed on time. Continue reading to find out the unknown causes of a wet basement.
Cracks In The Concrete
- Over time, the house’s foundation begins to settle thereby leaving cracks in the basement walls or floor. This is a common issue that if left untreated allows moisture to seep in through the cracks in the concrete. This can cause water damage leading to costly repairs.
Examine the walls and floor for cracks. Gaps between the basement walls and floor also serve as the entry points of water. Patch the cracks right away with a sealant to prevent serious damage. However, extensive cracks indicate serious issues and should be repaired by professionals.
Indoor Water Leaks
- When pinning down the causes of water in the basement, check if the water is leaking from inside the basement. If the water or moisture in the basement is present on the walls below the bathroom or a kitchen, an interior water leak is a potential cause.
There can be numerous sources of inside water leaks namely, washing machines, sinks, showers, toilets, or broken pipes. Fortunately, the interior leak is the easiest to fix. Follow the moisture trail to the source and repair the cause of the leak or have a plumber do it for you.
Poor Grading
- Ineffective grading can cause rain and groundwater to find their way into the basement. The surface of the ground around the house should be sloped away from the house. If the ground is sloped towards the house, the draining will take place in the wrong direction. Water will collect against the foundation and in time makes its way inside the basement.
The improperly compacted ground gives rise to this problem. Over time the dirt settles which changes the slope causing the water to flow towards the house. The best way to avoid this is to build compacted dirt or ground around the foundation. Create a slope of about one inch per foot that directs the water away from the house.
Gutter Failure
- Even a 1-inch rainstorm can dump hundreds of gallons of water around a home. Most of this water ends up in the basement especially if the gutters or downspouts are not properly working. Clean your gutters by removing leaves, twigs, and debris from them.
If you don’t have gutters or downspouts have them installed. It is better to lengthen downspouts by adding extensions. This moves water away from your home and keeps your foundation safe.
High Humidity And Condensation
When the indoor humidity is too high, the moisture begins to condense in the basement. If condensation is the cause of moisture in your basement, it is nothing to worry about. It’s easier and inexpensive to resolve this problem. Make sure the exhaust of the dryer is not clogged and is working properly.
Install an exhaust fan, especially if there is a bathroom or kitchen in the basement. If the steam from the hot shower or cooking is not allowed to escape, it can lead to condensation. The presence of a musty smell and peeling wall paint are some of the obvious signs of condensation. Install a heavy-duty dehumidifier to keep your basement dry and free from mold and allergens. Most high-quality dehumidifiers are stylish and efficient.
If water is leaking in your basement, professionals from Crack-X Repair Company can fix it for you. Give us a call at 877-727-2259 and have your basement waterproofed. We are operating in Maine and New Hampshire.