Plumber North End Kelowna

Protecting Your Home From Water Damage


If you have a wet basement then pay attention because it could be serious. 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. 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.


Typical Problems


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. If water can pool around the foundation walls the pressure can crack it leading to leaks into the basement. 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.


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


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. 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. Attach a drain hose to the unit so you dont have to empty the water it collects. Keep the doors and windows to your basement closed. If you do want them open in the summer be sure to close them before nightfall to prevent evening moisture getting in.


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. Pay special attention to the preparation instructions from the manufacturer.


Need Help?


Many local plumbing companies 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 heavy rainfall then preventative measures must be taken if moisture has been detected in your basement.



North End

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North End, Kelowna, BC, Canada