Basement Leaks - What Causes Them and What You Should Do About Them

Leaking basements are frequently caused by cracks in the foundation wall of the house. Also, pipes that leak into the basement, and poorly sealed entrances for underground pipes and wires are other common causes.

If you live in an area with a high moisture content in the soil (Toronto, for example), your basement is probably at higher risk of leaking than it would be if you were living on a flood plain.

And bear in mind, too, that even if the area around your property has never flooded, increasing water levels affect underground water sources; this can lead to leaks in your basement.

If your basement does develop a leak, it should be seen to sooner rather than later. The longer it is left, the more damage it can do. And then there are your belongings to consider; these too can be seriously damaged by ongoing leaks.

There’s also the health hazard to take into account. Damp basements are a breeding ground for mildew, mold, bugs and bacteria - all of which can pose a threat to you and your family’s well-being. Mold and mildew can also cause damage to any wood framing in your home - another structural issue you can do without.

What can you do to minimise the risk of basement leaks?

Here are a few tips to help keep any potential leaks at bay:

*Make sure that water outside your home is draining away properly:

--If there’s any land that slants towards your home, make sure any rain water can drain away - or (if possible) consider having the land re-modelled.

--Make sure the eaves on your house are clear so that water can flow into the drains properly.

--Make sure the weeping tile (a porous pipe used for underground drainage) is taking any water far enough away from your home.

*Check your basement windows - are they in good order and properly sealed? If not, consider having them replaced.

*If you basement is damp and you are concerned about mold and mildew, consider using a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the air.

If you do get a leak in your basement - large or small - only attempt a repair if you have experience in such matters and you genuinely know what you’re doing. In general, though, it’s best to call in a professional. An experienced contractor will be able to pinpoint exactly what the problem is and suggest a suitable repair.

And any repairs he or she does will be done to the proper standard. Needless to say when it comes to the structure of you home, this is an area where you don’t want to take any chances. Botched DIY repairs will only end up costing you money. Professionally done repairs on the other hand, will save you money - and probably an awful lot of time and hassle, too.

Thecrackdoctor.ca is a specialist in fixing basement leak in Brampton, contact them today to get a leaky basement repaired.