6 Helpful Tips To Keep Water Out of Your Basement

Regardless of what you use your basement for, e.g., storage, laundry room, etc., it’s important to always keep it dry and away from water as much as possible. That’s because when basements are wet or even just damp all the time, it can develop problems such as:

• Musty smell
• Mold or insect infestation
• Damaged appliances or furniture items

Additionally, water intrusion in basements weakens the foundation of your home. On top of all that, dealing with basement water repair  is very stressful, not to mention quite expensive. To help you avoid all of these from happening, here are six helpful tips you can try to keep water out of your basement

Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean

If your gutters and downspouts are clogged, it’s highly likely for water to overflow. And when it does, it sits and pools on the ground surrounding your house. Over time, the ground may erode, letting the water seep into your basement. 

To prevent that from happening, make sure your gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and other debris. If you live in a flood-prone area and have trees close to your house, it’s best to sweep and unclog your gutters and downspouts at least once a week. 

Make Sure Your Landscape Is Properly Sloped 

The ground around your house should never be flat. That’s because when it rains, the rainwater that isn’t collected by the gutters and downspouts pools on the ground and seeps into your basement. To avoid water from pooling, make sure the land is slightly sloped away from your house. 

Replace Water Supply Line Hoses 

Like most things, water supply line hoses aren’t designed to last forever. Worn-down water supply line hoses come loose or begin to leak without you even noticing them. So, if your water supply line hose has been with you for, let’s say, seven years or more, don’t be afraid to replace them with new ones. 

Fill Foundation Cracks 

Cracks in the foundation or walls serve as entry paths for groundwater to seep into your basement. So, if you see them, it’s better to fill them as early as possible. Cracks on the foundation is harder to spot so it’s best to call an expert to check if there are any. 

Apply a Water Sealing Coat 

Although it may sound simple, another helpful basement waterproofing measure you can take is applying a water sealing coat or waterproofing paint on your basement walls. Its major selling point is that it can prevent the accumulation of moisture on your basement walls. 

A high-quality water sealing coat or waterproofing paint can block any water seepage. With regular reapplication combined with all waterproofing tips mentioned above, you can expect your basement walls to stay dry as possible.

Install a French Drain

A French drain, also known as a weeping tile is a common basement waterproofing solution because it redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation. However, installing a French drain can be tedious work so it’s best to call on a professional to handle the job.

Invest in a Sump Pump 

Having a well-functioning sump pump in your basement does wonders in preventing water from pooling or large-scale flooding. It catches water that pools around your property and removes it through your plumbing and wastewater system.  

Now, most sump pumps are electric. If you live in an area that’s storm-prone or where electric interruptions frequently occur, it is wise to get a backup system that’s battery operated. 

Install a Leak Detection System 

Lastly, consider installing a leak detection system. This special monitoring device comes in different kinds. One is called a “flow interrupter.” When it senses an excess flow of water beyond a pre-set limit, it automatically shuts off the water flow.  

Additionally, it sounds an alarm to notify you that there’s something wrong with your plumbing pipes or any appliances that require water like washing machines. And in case you aren’t home when it detects a problem, some systems have a feature that sends you a text message. 

Talk to a Basement Waterproofing Expert

The best way to avoid basement water repair is to keep moisture away from your basement as much as possible. So, before things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to a basement waterproofing expert in your area. They can inspect your place and install needed waterproofing methods to keep your basement dry.