Are Basement Leaks Common

The basement of many homes suffers from the all-too-common problem of water seepage at some point. Although there are some man-made factors that can cause or worsen a leaking basement, this does not indicate that the home was not built well or that some extraordinary catastrophe has occurred. A leaking basement is most likely just the result of time and the forces of nature.

What are some of the telltale indicators that there is water in the basement?

Standing water in the basement is the most obvious indication that there is a problem. On the other hand, there are a number of other indications that water is present in your basement. Inspecting your basement for signs of water should be done on a regular basis throughout the year, but it is especially important to do so following periods of intense precipitation or rapid thawing in the winter. Efflorescence, mold, musty odors, and stains on the surface.

What could be causing the drain tile system that was previously put on the exterior of my house to not perform as it should?

When your house was first built, there is a good chance that the construction process included the installation of an outside drain tile system as part of the procedure. This is a high possibility. Installing outdoor drain tile systems presents the difficulty of having to undertake maintenance on those systems at some point in the not-too-distant future because those systems will eventually need to be maintained. Because of this, the pipe winds up becoming clogged as a result of the gravel that is layered on top of it. As a consequence of this predicament, there is a larger potential for the pipe to become clogged with debris and water as a result of the situation. Following the layer of gravel is a layer of a substance known as a filter fiber. This layer is placed on top of the gravel layer. This layer rests over the gravel layer that came before it. Over the course of time, there is a good chance that the filter fiber may become clogged, and this risk increases as time passes.

How do you fix the seepage at the cove joint?

To prevent water from entering the building via the cove joints, it is important to waterproof either the inside or exterior of the structure. Waterproofing the interior is the more cost-effective option. To properly waterproof the exterior of your home, in addition to weeping tile and a sump pump, the walls will need a waterproof membrane that extends all the way down to the footing. This membrane must stretch all the way down to the foundation. This membrane needs to cover the entirety of the wall, beginning at the very top and ending at the ground. It is essential to install a waterproofing membrane on the interior of a structure in addition to an internal weeping tile and a sump pump in order to effectively waterproof the interior of a building. Only then will the interior be watertight.

How can you figure out which section of your foundation wall has been impacted by water?

It is important to carry out a careful assessment of the walls of the basement in order to search for any fractures that may be allowing water to enter the space. These fissures are commonly seen either directly at the top or directly at the bottom of the wall. In certain cases, they can be found in both locations. It is of the utmost importance to keep in mind that the fissures may be extremely minute. In the event that the lighting in your basement is insufficient, you should make use of a flashlight in order to identify any minor fractures that could possibly be there.

What is the best course of action for the window wells?

Window wells are portions of the foundation landscape that are excavated to enable light to enter the basement windows. It may be difficult for homeowners to avoid leaks from developing in the window wells, which are regions that allow light to enter the basement. The fact of the matter is that window wells on their own almost never cause any leaks and virtually never lead to any more leaks. The reason for this is that window wells are almost never the source of any leaks. Right now, you can choose between two different courses of action. To get started, check to see that you have stone laid down at the bottom of the window well. This will serve as the foundation.