Twip of the Day – Preventing Basement Leaks

Basement leaks are serious issues that need to be fixed as quickly as possible. When water leaks into your basement it causes multiple problems that can become extremely serious if not dealt with immediately. These problems include the propagation of mold and mildew, as well as costly structural damage to your foundation. The first step to take when you find a basement leak is to identify the source.

Washing machines are one of the main culprits in basement water problems. These problems usually occur because of age or improper maintenance. Check the hoses often to see if there is any wear-and-tear. Immediately replace these hoses if there is any problems that may cause a leak. Also, even though water heaters last for many years, they also develop rust. Rust and moisture are good indicators of a quickly approaching problem.

Sump pumps are the solutions to standing water in your basement, but they can also become damaged and become a big problem. Test your sump pump before the wet season begins. Also, installing a backup pump is another way to assure a moisture-free basement.

Often, basements get leaks from cracks in the walls. You can fill these cracks with caulk, or epoxy-based kits. This is a relatively easy DIY task, and should be simple for any homeowner to do.