Solutions for Basement Leaks

Basement Leaks

• For moisture seeping through the concrete or block basement, tend to the moisture problem by digging down on the outside of the house and installing piping for run-off drainage. Install a French drain system which includes a six-inch pipe with holes in it laid atop a two-inch bed of down-sloping gravel around the entire foundation, leading out to standard drainage pipes that dump into runoff. Before installing the gravel, coat the outside of the basement or foundation walls with a water-repellent sealant. After dry and the pipe is laid in, fill in with gravel atop the drain and then cover back up with dirt. This will work to move water away from a basement or foundation into a drainage system.

Cracked Basement Walls

• Cracks in basement walls will often leak water through from the soil on the other side. To patch a small crack, use a screwdriver and wire brush to scrape away any loose cement and sediment before washing and drying the fault line. After the concrete has fully dried, prepare a compound fill mixed with latex, or purchase a silicon latex concrete caulking, either should be available at the local hardware store. The latex additive helps to keep the compound flexible and the concrete from cracking as it sets and expands during changing weather conditions. Use a putty knife or caulking gun to fill the crack, ensuring that the mixture gets into the crack itself and not just on top of it. For a large crack with a steady water leak it is highly recommended consulting a professional. Do not attempt to fix the problem. Faults can spread rapidly and cause serious foundation problems if not treated immediately and correctly.

Water Backup

• Unfortunately, sometimes basements leak because water is backing up through the floor drain or plumbing system. This could be an indication that the plumbing is in need of minor to serious repairs. First, snake and plunge the line. For mild, slow leaks where water is still draining, a drain-cleaning solution can be used. Using drain cleaners is not recommended for stopped leaks as this will often damage pipes, especially in older homes. For a fully-stopped drain or frequent drainage problems, call the landlord or a plumber.

Basement Floor Moisture

• Insulate the basement floor which will allow for the installation of carpet or laminate for warmth and prevent moisture evaporation into the basement. The most effective way to insulate a basement floor is to first lay out a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting atop the floor to provide a moisture barrier--but only if the floor is dry--trapping moisture with plastic may cause serious mold problems.

  Next lay 5/8-inch plywood atop 1-½ to 2-inches of foam or wafer board underlay. Secure the underlay and plywood to the foundation using predrilled Tapcom screws protruding from the concrete. This keep the floor from losing heat through the concrete and prevent any further moisture from seeping through. Install laminate or carpet of choice.