The Do's & Don'ts Of Basement Waterproofing

The Do's & Don'ts Of Basement Waterproofing - Introduction

Waterproofing Your Basement: Do's And Don’ts

Do: Check For Cracks

If you notice water seeping into your basement or on your basement floor, the first thing you should do is check for cracks that are visible in the foundation. This can be regularly done by you as a homeowner but should be looked at by a professional if you’ve already noticed water has found its way into your basement. Even the smallest of cracks in the foundation and non-structural cracks can cause a leak in your basement, so don’t ignore them.

These cracks can get (and will) get worse over time. Even 1 small crack may seem harmless, but over time it could compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Do: Check Your Gutters, Downspouts & More

What do gutters and downspouts have to do with basement waterproofing? Believe it or not, quite a bit. If your gutters aren’t regularly cleaned, they can become backed up with leaves and other debris. Many homeowners don’t know that buildup in the gutters is a common culprit of basement leaks.

You should also check your downspouts to ensure they’re not facing toward the house. The purpose of a downspout is to send water away from your home, not toward it where it can enter the foundation. If you notice this, it’s simply a matter of repositioning the downspouts or hiring someone to fix them.

Another thing you may want to inspect is the weeping tile and your home's drainage system. Sometimes a damp, or leaky basement may be misdiagnosed as a foundation repair or water coming in from the foundation walls or floors when it could really be from a weeping tile that isn't operating properly.

Similarly, a faulty sump pump may be the culprit. It may not be pumping the water out leaving water to pool in your basement.

Do: Try To Find The Source Of The Leak

Many homeowners hire a cheap contractor or attempt to DIY the solution to spend less money on basement waterproofing. All too often homeowners see this as a quick-fix solution without getting to the root of the problem.

An experienced plumber will find the source of the water that’s found its way into your basement. By correcting this, it will save you money by preventing the problem from worsening over time and possibly flooding your basement. You should, however, be fully aware of how to prevent basement flooding and leaks in your home to start with.

Do: Dig Around Your Basement...Literally

Digging around the exterior of your basement’s walls to clean and inspect the drains in the area is often the solution when you can’t find the source of the water leak. There may be a blockage that’s not visible without digging below ground level.

Just one word of advice—we don’t suggest trying this one on your own. Instead, hire a professional plumbing company that specializes in basement waterproofing services to clean your drains and remove any potential blockages.

Moving things like flowerpots, tools etc. from around the exterior of your house should be fine, but when it comes to actually digging up dirt and inspecting foundations, a trained professional should be brought in.

Another great idea is to check the grading around your home. Proper grading drains rainwater and moisture away from your home and not towards it. A good guideline is that the grounds elevation should drop 1 inch for every 1 foot that you move away from the home and home's foundation.

Digging around the inside of the basement is a great way to identify where moisture is gathering. Check each wall and floor for signs of dampness (more on this below).

We can’t stress this enough. While waterproof paint can be a temporary fix in a pinch, it generally lasts no longer than six months to two years at most. What happens after is water continues to build up behind the paint because concrete is so porous.

The paint will start to chip away and you'll find yourself back where you started—with the need for a plumber because water is seeping into your basement again. We recommend getting the problem taken care of to start with to prevent further damage from occurring later.

Don’t: Use Store-Bought Sealants

While every homeowner loves to save a little money here and there, and we always encourage saving money, but there are some things you just can't skimp out on. We never recommend trying to cover up the problem by using sealants that you buy in-store. Most of them will claim to magically resolve your leak, but they’re ultimately a waste of both time and money.

They are literally a band-aid solution: Yes, they cover the surface, but it doesn't cure the cause of the leak and eventually the leak will reappear and usually in another area.   

Similar to waterproof paint, store-bought sealants are another temporary quick fix that will end up costing you more money down the road.

Don’t: Ignore Dampness

Do: Call DrainWorks For Your Waterproofing Needs

Basement waterproofing doesn’t have to be complicated—that is, when it’s done by a professional. Never opt for a quick-fix solution—you’ll just be putting a bandaid over the problem that will only get worse over time. By calling in a licensed plumber in Toronto to take a look, assess the situation and repair it, like the professionals at DrainWorks Plumbing Toronto, you can rest assured knowing your basement will stay dry for years to come.

When it comes down to it, no one likes having a drain that doesn't drain properly and after trying all the DIY solutions fail, you need to call in a plumber. But don't just head to Google and search plumber to fix a blocked drain Toronto, instead call the experts at DrainWorks Plumbing.

One of our main differences from DrainWorks is that no matter which waterproofing system you go with, you're getting it done by expert, licensed and trained technicians.

A Variety Of Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Our plumbers are equipped with the high-tech equipment needed to find the source of the problem and waterproof your basement without the need for a temporary DIY fix.

We would look at all the options available including external waterproofing. With this solution, we use waterproofers foundation as well as waterproofing membranes to keep water out, and your basement bone dry.

In certain cases, external waterproofing isn’t possible, we would then explore internal waterproofing options as an alternative. Our team is highly experienced in both types of basement waterproofing so you can rest assured knowing your home is in good hands.

In addition to offering internal basement waterproofing and external basement waterproofing in Toronto and Greater Toronto Area, we also fix basement crack repairs as well.

Give Us A Call Or Book Online

If you notice moisture or leaking water in your basement in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), get in touch with our experts at DrainWorks to inspect your home as soon as possible. You can book a plumber online any time or give us a call to speak directly with an expert. If you’d simply like a quote, you can request one online from a licensed plumber. The estimate is accurate and free of charge—all you have to do is send us a video of the problem.

Once you’ve contacted us to set up a time, a plumber will arrive punctually and ready to tackle whatever the problem is. At DrainWorks, we understand sometimes certain situations need to be dealt with immediately, which is why we have options for same-day visits.

All you have to do is sit back and relax while we get to work. You’ll be well on your way to having your basement dry, up and running again in no time!

Contact us at any time, and we'll be happy to assist you during our regular business hours. We are the waterproofing contractors you can trust.

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