What is the best way to fix water leaking in the basement?

Question

During the last week heavy rain, I notice in one corner of my basement there is water leaking. Whom should I call to fix it? Or is this something home owner to fix it himself?

Kathy · Answer

My basement leaked when I bought my house and got progressively worst. I finally installed a plastic baseboard drain tile, which helped a lot. A couple of years ago, I also installed a sump pump. My basement has been dry since then. Both of these are DIY if you are somewhat handy. The main thing with the drain tile is to be sure the floor surface is really clean. I used a hand held grinder then vacuumed well. With only one corner leaking, a sump pump may be all you need. Good luck! Kathy

SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC · Answer

I would start with this piece & check out the answers - http://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/drywall/q-what-is-the-best-way-to-waterproof-your-basement-1386896 that should give you a pretty good idea of what to look for & whether it is something you can handle Hopefully it is as simple as fixing some grading / gutter issues

Christine R · Answer

I have the same problem, I had to dig up my foundation exterior, found a good hole that the water had eroded, patched it, installed Big O and a healthy layer of clean gravel then back filled it. Leak is now fixed, but it's a lot of work, I have clay around my home, rented a small excavator from the rental shop for $180, make sure someone who is used to working with them operate it, you don't want to ding the foundation wall and break it, that will lead to more expensive and extensive repairs! Good luck!

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

There are two methods used today. Water proofing, done outside and water control done inside. Ideally you want to do the outside if at all possible. While pitching soils, capping soils with clay based materials, piping water from gutters away from the house will slow down the effect of moisture or water coming in, the fact remains water will still leak into the house because you have done nothing to stop it only moved it away from the leaky wall. 
 
Painting the walls on the inside looks fine, but over time they will begin to leak again. Installing french drains on the inside will help control the water, but again the water is coming into the house. Digging soils outside down to the footing, then cleaning, and sealing the walls using asphalt and few other items is really the only correct way to water proof.

Depending upon your ability level, depth of foundation and extent of the issue, you may be much better off having this work done for you.

Comet · Answer

First take a GOOD look outside where you saw the water! And anywhere nearby---we had a dog dig a hole behind the bushes and that was enough to allow water to get alongside the foun dation. Hole filled by shovel and sloped away from house and kept dog away from that area---solved! However not every leak is this easy---you might have a gutter that is clogged and over flowing in that area only or near by causing it to pool and get down along the outside wall. Clean the gutters and the down spouts to see if that helps. You might also have a problem where a down spout discharges the water--you might need to get some of the 'blocks' that lead water away from the base of the spout on the ground. If that goes to a drive way you can make a 'U' shaped channel of PT wood and dig a trench for that to rest in and lead the water away from the house towards the slope of your lawn or towards your sewer grate. Not every leak needs to be attacked by water proofing the entire basement or foundation! Look for the simple things first!

Kala Professional Restoration services · Answer

Basements are an almost foreseeable target for water because they are underground, and there’s almost always moisture somewhere nearby. A pool of water usually indicates the leak. Another indicator is a leaky foundation seam. If you have difficulty finding the leak, clean it up and watch the floor closely. You'll soon see the source of the water. Don't panic if you have a leak. You can waterproof your basement to dry it up and hold back any encroaching water. Consider using professional basement water proofing company that will help you troubleshoot it quickly.

What is the best way to fix water leaking in the basement?

What is the best way to waterproof your basement?

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What is the best way to fix water leaking in the basement?

What is the best way to waterproof your basement?

Suggested Project Book