A leaky basement can be caused by surface and ground water seeping through the walls of the foundation. Regardless of the size of the foundation or basement, moisture will be present at a certain level but there are different methods that will improve the situation quickly without costing the homeowner much. Some of these procedures can be done independently by the homeowner while others will require more drastic measures to solve the damp basement problems.

Look for Signs of Dampness and Damage

There are several telltale damp basement signs that the house needs basement waterproofing such as cracks, holes and craters on the wall and floor surface. For heavy forces acting against the concrete floor, geysers and craters can develop. Also check for signs of flooding such as having watermarks along walls, the legs or base of furniture and appliances and puddles. Some areas of the basement might have leaks due to damaged pipes and vents. Observe the ceiling and wooden beams of the crawl space if there are any signs of moisture, mold and mildew. Check wooden structures and items for mold and rot and check metal objects and appliances for rust and damage.

Sometimes, moisture and a damp basement might only occur during heavy rainfall. The homeowner can also inspect the external surroundings and find ways to keep surface water from going directly into the foundation. Gutters and downspouts must constantly be checked for clogs and leaks because these function to deliver water to a remote location.

The Basic Approaches

Wet basement solutions will include the installation of a sump pump. A sump pump is an electric or mechanical device that will pump water from the basement to an outdoor location or drain. Pipes have to be installed for water to go through from the sump pit inside the basement. The sump pit is the drain that collects water from the basement floor. During installation, the floor has to be sloped by contractors again so that water will gather to the collection point and then pumped out. A sump pump will work even during power outages if it has a backup battery system or works via mechanical means.

Another useful approach to improve a damp basement is to treat and fix cracks and holes using grout and epoxy fillers. These will take care of water seeping through the holes by filling the space up to a depth of four inches. The pressure from the outer wall might increase and lead downward. The filling treatment will serve as one of the best wet basement solutions for a number of months but the pressure still has to be relieved later on.

Soil Rules

Soil will naturally settle, expand or backfill, causing water to run towards the foundation at some point. The problem of a damp basement can be solved by resetting the soil and taking out plants that tend to create space that lead water straight to the structure. The proper slope also has to be set by create an incline measuring two inches for every 6 feet distance. Have a damp basement professional measure the slope. The slope should apply to all surrounding areas of the foundation.