How to Protect Your Basement From Water Damage

Any amount of water in the basement can damage your belongings, ruin walls and other areas, and give rise to mold growth. If you want to protect your home from water damage, you should know that there are several different ways moisture can infiltrate a basement. If you noticed that water has collected in your basement, here are some basic steps that you can take before reaching out to a basement waterproofing contractor.

Identify Sources of Water Intrusion

To help your contactor determine which waterproofing method is best for your situation, see if you can find out if the water is coming from through the walls, the ground below, plumbing leaks, or perhaps a combination of all three. A reputable waterproofing contractor should be able to make a determination after a thorough inspection.

Maintain Good Drainage

Make sure the ground around your house is graded properly. Most experts recommend that the soil slope 6 inches for every 10 feet away from the foundation. If this is not the case, adding dense soil to create proper grading will allow water to flow downhill away from the home.

Locate Gaps in the Basement

Water may leak into your basement through gaps or cracks around plumbing pipes or cracks in concrete walls. Your contractor will seal any of these openings. However, if water comes through the floor, sealing gaps won’t do the trick and your contractor will need to address your groundwater problem. Sealing cracks alone will not fully prevent moisture incursion when the causes of leaks are soil pressure and excess water levels. In those instances, the issue is not necessarily keeping water out as much as it is diverting the water away from the basement.

Consider a French Drain for Basement Waterproofing

A French drain is a gravel- or rock-filled trench with an embedded perforated pipe that directs water away from the house. French drains operate under the principle that water flows downhill and by the easiest route possible. After water runs into the trench, it flows through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.

At Pure Service Pro, we provide basement waterproofing services for homeowners in New Jersey. Our service entails opening a trench in the basement and installing an advanced drainage system in the trench that redirects water away from the home. Of course, we also seal all cracks and windows to ensure that your basement remains free of moisture for years to come. If you would like to learn more about our basement drainage service, contact Pure Service Pro today.