Plumber
Protecting Your Home From Water Damage
If you have a wet basement then pay attention because it could be serious. A wet basement indicates a serious problem in most cases ranging from leaky plumbing to a cracked foundation. Expensive problems like wood rot insect infestation and mold can occur if not caught in time. Wet basement issues can lead to things ranging from an inconvenience to furniture and appliance damage on up to structural damage.
Problems like this tend to be ignored because they are not in your face. Out of sight out of mind is not an excuse for neglect here. If you have never looked closely at your basement before this now is the time. If you suspect unusual moisture in your basement then you need to take a closer look at it.
Finding a plumber in Kelowna with experience may seem very tedious. You have probably heard stories from friends, family or people you know who have had disaster strike in their home by hiring someone irresponsible to take over a plumbing improvement or repair. How can you avoid hiring a plumber who could potentially make the situation worse?
Common Basement Issues
Improper surface drainage such as a yard sloped toward the home is one common cause. If that is the problem then sewer pipes need to be recalculated to drain water away from the home and into the sewers.
Rain gutters can be another culprit if downspouts are not positioned properly or the gutters are clogged. What happens is that water gathers at the foundation walls putting undue pressure there eventually leading to problems like exploiting a weak spot in the foundation wall. When water seeps in problems arise.
Another problem occurs when the home is built on a high-water table. A high water table problem can be caused by underground springs or heavy rainfall that cause the water table to rise or the home was built too deep into a wet area.
Determine if it is Leakage or Condensation
If you find out that condensation is the cause then you have almost solved the problem. Condensation is a function of warm temperatures colliding with cooler pipes walls and floors.
Proactive Measures
Clean your gutters every year to make sure they can handle the rain. Downspouts should direct water runoff from the roof to a discharge point several feet away from the homes foundation. Place a rock or cement block at the end of the downspouts to prevent soil erosion.
If the problem is condensation then use a humidifier to balance moisture in the basement. Set up a drain hose on the humidifier to bypass the water bucket. Keep the doors and windows to your basement closed. Opened doors and windows allow extra humidity to enter your basement causing condensation and your dehumidifier will also run less.
Waterproof the Walls with Special Paint
Waterproofing sealants are another layer of protection for a finished basement. Waterproof paints can work well for minor dampness on walls and floors. Read manufacturers instructions before committing to any specific product.
Need Help?
Many local plumbers specialize in wet basement solutions. Remedies can range from the rain gutters to hydro flushing perimeter drains or even more serious solutions like landscape solutions or new drain tiles. As you can plainly see preventative maintenance is the obvious key to a dry and comfortable home. If you live in an area with any degree of rainfall then getting familiar with your homes structural integrity (especially the foundation) is vital to your pocket book and peace of mind.
Visit Shamrocks Plumbing and Heating Business Site in Kelowna