Basements are immensely functional – after all they do make great places to store washers and driers and all kinds of stuff you don’t want to see around your living spaces. However, they can be hard to maintain as they are particularly prone to water damage. In fact, The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation states that basement flooding is on the rise due to climate change, old infrastructure, and the lack of flood protection measures at the household level while the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that the average cost for homeowners to repair their damaged basement is a whopping $43,000. Thankfully, there are a bunch of wet basement solutions that will not break the bank and reduce the possibility of major damage. Read on to learn what you can do to prevent water damage at home and who to call if your basement floods.
1. Check for interior water leaks:
A leaky basement may not always be caused by a natural disaster. More often than not, it may simply be due to a busted pipe or hose. For example, the dishwasher hose may be ruptured with the water from the rupture leaking down into your basement. These are the easiest basement leaks to repair.
Try and identify the source of such a leak and either simply replace the hose or have a professional fix it for you.
2. Clean your gutters regularly:
Gutters are meant to direct water away from your house. If they aren’t cleaned of leaves and other debris regularly, chances are that water can start accumulating around the foundations of your house. If the problem gets really bad, then you may see water seeping up from the ground resulting in a wet basement.
If you can’t identify the source of a blockage, call in professional plumbers who will be able to inspect your gutters and drains thoroughly.
3. Check your drainage system:
Poor underfloor drainage can be another reason why you have a humid and wet basement, especially if you live in an older home. Or maybe your sump pump is faulty.
Depending on what basement drainage system you have or the severity of the problem, you may need to have you’re a drainage system installed or repaired by a professional. It’s worth it in the long run.
4. Install simple upgrades:
Spending on some simple upgrades can help you save a lot of money in the long run. Installing window well covers can help prevent water leaking into your basement from the windows. Similarly, a flood alarm system can help prevent serious water damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider getting flood insurance too.
5. Call in professionals:
When it doubt, always call in the professionals. They will be able to tell you if your leaky basement is caused by groundwater seepage, poor waterproofing or simply a burst pipe and will be able to implement the waterproofing solutions you need to make sure your basement remains dry and usable.
At Unclog it, we offer membership plans that help you save money by ensuring everything is covered and properly maintained throughout the year and include drain cleaning at no extra cost. Get in touch with us to know more!
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