Hello readers, and welcome back to my Home Ownership Series. Today I am discussing leaky basements and how to fix them. I really wish I didn’t know first hand about this topic, but unfortunately I have had to deal with leaky basements in the past and as a result ended up with long term health issues due to mold exposure. A leaky basement can also cause your home to become a a money pit fast, so it’s best to address issues at the first sign of moisture. *This post contains affiliate links.
The old saying goes, “Prevention is worth an ounce of cure,” can definitely apply when it comes to leaky basements. Preventing water issues is often as easy as maintaining clean gutters or making sure down spouts are in good working order. Be sure to check your gutters and down spouts regularly and make any necessary repairs to prevent water leaks.
Check for leaking pipes on a regular basis. This could be something you do once a week. It may seem a bit excessive but it only takes one small leak to turn into a major issue. Flooding is more likely to happen in winter when you are using more water, through heating and pipes. But if the pipes are damaged, or the water in them freezes, then it can cause problems. Consider using Heat-Line heat tape for water pipes to avoid water freezing in them and check the pipes more frequently during colder months.
DIY or Professional Waterproofing
Once you have located any potential water leak sources and made the necessary repairs for preventing any more leaks, you can take steps to waterproof your basement. This can be done at home using products such as Drylok or by a professional waterproofing company depending on the severity of damage cause by previous water leaks or mold issues.
Drylok 27512 Latex Water Proofer, 1 Quart, White
Even if you do not see any signs of leaking but your basement feels or smells damp or musty, it is time to figure out the source of the dampness and smells. Wet basements can cause a myriad of health issues that are often misdiagnosed. Along with sinus allergies, even small amounts of mold or mildew can be detrimental physically and financially. Even if there aren’t any big water leaks, simply using a dehumidifier can be very helpful for removing excess dampness in the air and preventing mold growth. If you have a significant amount of water, you may need to have a professional company perform water extraction services to make sure all the water is thoroughly removed.
Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier with Effortless Humidity Control
Dealing with moldy basements is a nightmare I can personally attest to. I always hope my experiences will help others at least. Our current basement seems to have been dry and mold free since we moved here nearly five years ago, but lately I noticed some seeping in the block walls in an unused utility room in the basement, so I am calling a waterproofing company asap. It’s always a lot more exciting as a homeowner to do makeovers and decor projects, but sometimes home maintenance must be a priority.
I hope you have found these three tips for preventing basement water leaks to be helpful. If you have any questions about mold exposure illness (Mold Biotoxin Illness, Sick Building Syndrome) feel free to send me a message and I will help in any way I can.
Thanks for visiting today!
Amber
