Plumber Oswell Kelowna

Residential Foundation Integrity


Discovering moisture in your basement could be the onion layer of a serious problem. 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.


This is one of those problems that tends to get swept under the rug. Neglecting the obvious is no excuse for inaction 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


Yard slope drainage must be calculated to move water away from the home. Re-grading the yard can fix that type of problem by sloping drainage away from the foundation or diverting surface water around the house.


Other common culprits include poorly positioned rain gutter downspouts missing leaking or clogged rain gutters. If water can pool around the foundation walls the pressure can crack it leading to leaks into the basement. Cracks develop and water seeps in.


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 occurs when warm humid air meets cooler basement walls floors water pipes etc.


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. If you do want them open in the summer be sure to close them before nightfall to prevent evening moisture getting in.


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?


Many 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. 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.



Oswell

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Oswell, Kelowna, BC V1P, Canada