Moisture issues in your basement? Here are some common causes of basement water damage and their solutions.
A water leak in the basement, if not timely addressed, can cause damages that may require costly repairs or even prove outright dangerous. Your belongings may be permanently ruined, the cracks in your home foundation can widen, and in the worst-case scenario, the entire structure may collapse. On top of that, if mold or mildew invades the basement, it can quickly make your home an unhealthy place to live.
Hence, basement water leaks should never be taken lightly. As soon as you detect water seepage, address the issue at your earliest. Before jumping into repairs, it’s important to track the source of the water leak. That’s because water can leak into a basement from different points, each of which has its own solution. Here are some common causes of basement water leaks:
Extreme Temperatures
The smallest of cracks in your home can cause serious problems in the winter. If the water that enters the concrete through these microfractures during a warm day freezes overnight, it will expand. The resultant ice will widen the cracks by pushing the concrete further apart. The only viable solution to this problem is to seek a basement waterproofing service to get the cracks fixed.
Faulty Plumbing
In many cases, leaking pipes happen to be the main cause of basement water leaks. Old plumbing fixtures are often subject to damages. Even though minor leaks don’t seem too damaging, they might signify greater problems. You’ll need to call a plumbing professional who’ll determine the full scope of the problem and make all necessary repairs.
A Malfunctioned Water Heater
A water heater should be replaced every seven years because after that point, it can fail at any moment. A malfunctioned water heater will leak water directly onto the floor. A professional water damage restoration company will not only get rid of the standing water and dry the area but will also offer solutions to prevent basement flooding should a water heater fail in the future.
They might install a plastic ring around the failing water heater that will drain into the waterproofing system and finally, to your sump pump. But you’ll need to have a perimeter basement waterproofing system for it. If you don’t have a perimeter drain, they might place a water sensor inside the ring. Upon detecting a water leak, the sensor will quickly notify you through an alarm.
Vegetation
If you’re faced with basement water leaks and have plants near your home foundation, there’s a great chance that this vegetation is the main cause. Plants that are within 2 feet of your home foundation can easily direct water toward the existing cracks, allowing water to seep into the basement. That’s why it’s advised to conduct your gardening activities away from home. Moreover, make sure plants or trees with deeper roots are placed further away from your home.
These were some causes of basement water damage. If you suffer water damage of any type, seek professional water damage restoration services at your earliest.
For emergency water damage remediation services, contact STOP today.
