DIY Waterproofing for your Basement Leaks 

Many homeowners encounter the problem of leaking or flooding basement especially during rainy days. It is ideal if a homeowner could easily determine the possible source of water that accumulates in the basement. Before any waterproofing activity, there is a need to first pinpoint the exact source of the problem. 

If there is any standing water present in the basement, it is most likely to be caused by an internal leak. Take note that a leaking foundation usually does not allow a large amount of water to seep through within a short period. There could be a common source of internal basement leaks. They could be caused by failure of a sump pump or a pipe that is leaking inside your home. 

It is easy to replace a sump pump. Unplug the unit first. Locate the joint in PVC pipe where it is connected to. Remove the hose clamps and slide the PVC apart. After that, you could take the defective pump to the nearest hardware shop so you could properly and correctly select a new replacement pump or its parts. 

Basement plumbing leaks could be difficult to find. It could be located in tiny spaces and could require usage of a torch. You may need to hire the services of a professional plumber to avoid any additional damage to your property. 

Any leak in a pipe could be temporarily stopped through tying a salted rag in or around the site where the leak comes from. You could wrap it with a duct tape. Expect the pipe to rust faster due to the contact with salt. At the same time, it would expand and temporarily quit leaking until you have hired a plumber to fix the problem for good. 

Seepage from the outside could be caused by any disruption in the flow of water away from the house. You should check all downspouts and gutters for any possible blockage. Make sure the water is not flowing freely. There is a need to apply caulk to any site where concrete meets the outside wall so that water could be prevented from slipping through cracks. Try to channel standing water by digging trench or adding more to the downspout. 

Repairing any foundation wall with cracks should be left to professional waterproofing service providers. This is because foundation walls are important parts of any building. Improper and inadequate repairs could result to more structural damages to your property. Try to direct water away from those cracks through a simple water diversion technique. 

Use PVC pipes to drain holes. There is a simple water diversion rule. It should follow a downhill direction. Make sure the pipes are slightly inclined to facilitate flow of water away from your home. There could be a site with lower elevation where the water could be channeled to. 

If you think the problem has gone out of hand, you should immediately contact a waterproofing professional. Ask for an estimate cost or quote for a specific basement waterproofing project. You may find other professionals who are offering more practical rates if you think the first service provider you have asked for costs gave you an expensive estimate.   
