Standing water in basements can be a serious headache for homeowners. Wet basement problems can be caused by many factors. The slope of your yard, any drainage systems you may have installed, and the quality of your foundation are just some of the things you need to consider when trying to pinpoint an area to fix. Once you have narrowed down what exactly is causing your wet basement, you can then take steps to repair the problem and at last have a dry, comfortable space.

Water Collection

Checking the exterior of your home for any areas of runoff or standing water is the first step you should take when trying to repair a wet basement. Gutters that are clogged or cracked can lead to excess runoff, which can infiltrate your basement, causing serious watter issues. To prevent this from reoccurring, regularly clean your gutters of all piled leaves and trash. Replace any portions of your gutters that are damaged or worn and position downspouts away from the foundation. If runoff from gutters is still a problem, you can purchase plastic corrugated pipe that fits over the downspout and directs water in any direction that you choose.

Foundation Problems

Check your outside foundation for any visible cracks. If found, caulk the areas with a sealer that prevents water from seeping into your basement. A water -blocking sealer can be purchased from any hardware or home improvement store. After searching the exterior, check the interior of your basement for any signs of holes or cracks in the foundation. If problems are found inside, a hydraulic cement, again purchased at any hardware or home improvement store, will quickly fix any cracks or breaches. The cement comes premixed and is spread over any problem areas with a putty knife. It takes about 48 hours to properly set. Hydraulic cement is very resistant to mildew and can be painted.

Landscaping

Wet basement problems can also be caused by a rising water table due to heavy rain. When the ground surrounding the foundation of your home becomes saturated, the water seeks an outlet and can channel into your basement. Landscaping can play a big role in where the water from a heavy rain goes. If possible, grade the area around your foundation so that it creates a slight slope. A landscape professional can do this for you with a bulldozer or front-end loader. If creating a slope is not possible, then you may want to hire a landscaping professional to dig a trench around your foundation. Drains, usually made of corrugated plastic, can then be installed to channel water away from your home.

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Wet Basements

Water Problems in Basements