Twip of the Day – Patching Basement Leaks

When you find water in your basement, you must act quickly to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. The source of the leak must be found first, which means tracing the water back until you find the point where it emerges from the wall. There can be several entry points, so a thorough examination is required. When you find the entry points of water, use a hammer and chisel to open up any cracks and inspect them for holes or damage points. You can also use a small brush to clear and debris, once that is finished use a can of compressed air for a cleaning the area. After putting on protective equipment, apply hydraulic cement to the affected area, making sure it is level with the wall, most of the time this can be done with a mortar trowel. Once you have repaired any cracks, apply waterproofing sealant to the concrete to protect against future problems. Make sure, after all repairs are finished and sealant is applied, to check the landscaping and gutters around your home to assure the water isn’t building up and that these things aren’t attributing to the leaks. If you feel professional help is needed, Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol, because of their ability to work with your insurance company to remain affordable and their attention to detail with quality technicians and environmental scientists.