Plumber Kelowna
Residential Foundation Integrity
Discovering moisture in your basement could be the onion layer of a serious problem. Moisture in the basement indicates a variety of problems ranging from a leaky pipe to water seeping through foundation cracks. Expensive problems like wood rot insect infestation and mold can occur if not caught in time. It usually accompanies damaged belongings like furniture or appliances and can even lead 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. Take the time to investigate the basement especially if you have been living there for years. If you suspect unusual moisture in your basement then you need to take a closer look at it.
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.
The most difficult cause of basement leakage is 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.
If Condensation is the Culprit
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.
Act Now To Confirm Suspicions
Your rain gutters should be cleaned of leaves and debris at least once per year. Downspouts should direct water runoff from the roof to a discharge point several feet away from the homes foundation. Use a splash block at the end of your downspout to avoid soil erosion.
If you find condensation buy a good dehumidifier to lower the humidity in your 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 Paint
Waterproofing sealants are another layer of protection for a finished basement. This can repel minor moisture on the floors and walls. Pay special attention to the preparation instructions from the manufacturer.
Need Help?
Most local plumbing contractors can offer you a variety of solutions depending on the source of your problem. Methods can include slope excavation installing new perimeter drains new rain gutters or possibly even renovations to strengthen the foundation walls. It should be obvious now that awareness of your basements condition is critical to your homes integrity. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall then preventative measures must be taken if moisture has been detected in your basement.
Kelowna is a city in the south of Canada’s British Columbia province. It’s in the Okanagan Valley, on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, surrounded by provincial parks, pine forest, vineyards, orchards and mountains. Its downtown area incorporates waterfront City Park and a lakeside cultural district. More than 20 local vineyards offer wine tours and tastings.
Elevation: 344 m
Weather: 9 °C, Wind NW at 6 km/h, 62% Humidity
Population: 124,951 (2014) United Nations
Kelowna
Place ID ChIJszDH47aMfVMR98S02j3l-E4
Kelowna, BC, Canada