If you start to notice excessive water in your basement, then there are two possible issues that might be causing this. One scenario is due to a leaky pipe in your basement and the second scenario might be due to water leaking in from your foundation due to improper landscape grading.
Basement Leaking Through Foundation
When the drainage set up around your home isn't working properly then water from the outside will often flow into your house causing leaking and moisture problems.
You always want to make sure that your home is positioned above in a landscape grade so that water flows towards your yard instead of into your home.
One way to fix this issue is by hiring a landscaper to fix your landscape grading and adjust the level so water flows away from your foundation instead of into it. Installing French drains around your home can also help keep water out.
How To Fix A Leaky Pipe In Your Basement
First, you need to find the pipe in your basement that's leaking. This usually isn't too difficult but one common mistake that a lot of people make is assume that the leaky pipe is in the exact area where the water stain is showing. Since water will often travel, the exact location of the stain isn't always an indication of the broken pipe but will at least give you a rough estimate of where the leak might be coming from.
Inspect your pipes and look for corrosion or moisture around them. Any signs of mildew or mold near this area will mean that the leaky pipe is close by since water damage is often the cause of these two issues.
Once you've discovered the leaky pipe and where it's leaking from there are 3 ways to fix it. First things first no matter which option you select turn off the water supply first. As a rule of thumb, anytime your fixing anything involving your plumbing system, the water should always be turned off.
1
Use Epoxy
One way to seal a leak in a pipe is by applying epoxy over it.
- Verify that there isn't any water in the pipe and if there is then dry it. This will help the epoxy stick and help it attach correctly to the pipe.
- Verify that you have enough epoxy to cover the entire area where the pipe is cracked.
2
Use A Repair Clamp
Repair clamps can help deal with pipes that have ruptured and need fixing.
- Before you apply the clamp make sure that you smoothen out any sharp edges around the broken pipe. This will help prevent the patch from being damaged when you apply it.
- Once that's done carefully apply the patch and the repair clamp so that it fits in well over the damaged area.
- Finally, just tighten the clamp until the leak is sealed.
3
Use Pipe Repair Kit With Tape
Pipe repair kits will often include tape that you can use to cover up any pipe leaks.
- The repair kits should have instructions on how to apply the tape.
- This will often provide temporary relief for pipes that don't have too much water pressure.
After you've sealed up or fixed the leaky pipe turn the water back on and verify that there aren't any more leaks.
Do You Call A Plumber Or A Waterproofing Contractor?
Assuming you don't have the time or if the problem is bigger than what you think you can handle, you need to determine whether you need to call a waterproofing contractor or a plumber.
If you give either a call and explain the issue, they can point you in the right direction. Otherwise here are two different ways to figure out who you need to call.
1. Try and figure out where the water originated from. If you have a broken pipe you will have a large amount of water on the floor. If you only see a small puddle of water near the basement walls then chances are the water is coming in through the home foundation.
2. If you still can't figure out or perhaps it's not too easy to tell observe the quality of the water. Water from the outside will probably be clean and more clear than water that comes from the leaky or broken pipes. Water from pipes will also have a stronger foul smell.
If you have excessive water in the basement or crawlspace, it's in your best interests that your sump pump works correctly. Otherwise, consider getting a new one from any of these options.
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