Either your basement is finished and you use it regularly for various activities or it is unfinished and used mainly for storage. Regardless, you would be upset and disappointed to discover that it has been flooded or moisture has lead to mold growing, ruining the whole area. Consequently, it is definitely recommended that you take all steps required to waterproof your basement and prevent damage as the result of water or moisture from occurring.

Below are tips on how to waterproof your basement and doing so will ensure the area is liveable and keeps all items in it safe and sound. While some of these actions can be attempted by you as the homeowner, some may be too in-depth and require the services of a plumber who will ensure the job is done correctly.

1. Backwater valve

The drain pipes in your home are usually effective in removing wastewater from your home and into a sewer or septic tank. However, sometimes the waste can reverse the direction it flows and come back into your home. Luckily, there are backwater valves that a plumber can install.

Backwater valves consist of a mechanism on the exit point of your main drain pipe. It keeps water that needs to be drained from your home from backing up into your home, damaging rooms and belongings. After you have a backwater valve installed, inspect it periodically by removing any debris that could prevent it from closing if needed. Also make sure all parts are able to move or the valve could get stuck open or closed as this could prevent the valve from stopping water trying to get back in or water draining from your home.
 

2. Attend to downspouts

When it rains, the gutters and downspouts are responsible for taking water away from your home. If the downspouts are clogged or are not long enough, water cannot be deposited away from the house and could find its way back or drip down to your foundation. This could eventually cause leaks and eventual water damage to the interior of your home.

To prevent water from getting into your home as a result of inadequate downspouts, inspect them regularly and clear out any clogs present. Measure the length of the downspout and make sure they are anywhere from 6 to 8 feet long. If they are not, replace them with ones that are this size.

3. Sealants

Your foundation was probably poured correctly by someone certified to do so. However, water can be tricky to stop as it can penetrate the smallest of spaces and cracks. Therefore, if there are even the smallest of crevices in your foundation, water has the ability to get into your house.

To stop water from getting through foundations, there are sealants available that you can apply to interior basement walls. These sealants are able to block moisture and leaks that can cause water damage, dampness, and mold in your home. While applications usually last quite a few years, pay attention to whether it is being effective in keeping moisture out of your home. If it is not, another coat may be necessary.

4. Sump pump

When rain falls and snow melts, a significant amount of water can make its way alongside your foundation. This water is a constant threat to entering your home via cracks in the foundation. As a result, a sump pump should definitely be considered.

Once a sump pump detects an excessive amount of water around your foundation, it automatically turns on and streams the water a safe distance away from the home. If you do not have a sump pump installed, consider hiring a plumber to install one preferably in the summer or fall before snow and rains become prevalent. If you already have one, perform periodic inspections of the pump to insure the float that detects water levels is not stuck and the impeller that pumps the water out is working correctly. There are additional insights at Express Rooter Plumbing and you may learn more from their resources.