Sunday, March 15, 2009

Fix a Basement Water Leak Before It Gets Major

By Jim Zdrazil

The majority of homeowners experience a basement water leak at some point and time. The causes of a basement water leak could be as minor as driving rain during a storm to something major as structural problems. While extremely inconvenient, there are do-it-yourself industrial cleaning solutions that can help clean up minor problems.

Some things to look at when faced with a basement water leak are cracks or holes in the cement foundation, high underground water levels, or drainage problems. Depending on the cause, waterproof sealers, such as a sealing masonry, could be used to repair cracks and prevent a basement water leak. If the basement water leak cause stems from high water levels or drainage issues, installing a sump pump and drains should be considered.

The reasons why a basement water leak occurs vary. It could go as far back as when your house was built. Over time, cracks in the foundation, basement wall or basement floor might begin occurring. Or the home might be in a location that lends itself to improper drainage. Consult with a professional to identify and solve major problems that can cause a basement water leak.

A minor basement water leak, if left unresolved, could lead to mold and mildew in your basement. That means in addition to solving the basement water leak, you would need to address and fix the mold and mildew problems as well. It's important to act fast to avoid more costly problems.

Your home's foundation or ground area are the likely causes of a basement water leak. But gutters could also be the driving force for a basement water leak. If gutters are not properly angled to flow water away from the house, water gathers on the ground near basement walls. Gutters clogged with leaves or debris could lead to a basement water leak because standing water can start to erode the foundation.

Preventive steps can be taken to avoid a basement water leak. If a severe rain storm or hurricane is pending, there are products that can be used to prevent permanent water damage. One inexpensive solution is a water absorbent sock that can be placed around basement windows and doors. The Hurricane Sock, sold at the Cleanup Stuff website at www.cleanupstuff.com has been beneficial to Florida homeowners by preventing a basement water leak during a hurricane. Each sock can absorb up to one gallon of water and it can be air dried and reused multiple times.

Once a basement water leak has been fixed, your basement could still smell musty or feel damp. What to do? Keep the dampness out by placing water absorbent materials around the basement walls, windows and doors. Don't forget to put absorbent protection around water heaters, washing machines and other items in your basement that can leak. You might also want to consider applying a sealant to basement walls and floors to prevent moisture for building up again.

Considering that a home is the most expensive purchase you will most likely make in your lifetime, it's important to keep it well maintained. Preventive steps, like fixing cracks and using absorbent materials near windows and doors can prevent a basement water leak from getting out of hand.

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