Basement Waterproofing: Expert Tips

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TIP 1: Keep Water Moving Away From Your Home

Keep outside water from getting anywhere near your basement! Simple enough, right? Well, the drainage can be easy to overlook. Maintaining proper drainage involves:

• Making sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation.
• Installing and maintaining gutters and downspouts that divert rainwater well away.
• Utilizing extended downspout extenders or underground drain pipes.

We often get short but intense rain bursts here in Florida. If your drainage system isn’t up to the task, your foundation will feel the pressure. Over time, water can find its way into even the tiniest cracks.

TIP 2: Seal It Before It Leaks

In Florida’s climate (where moisture hangs in the air even on sunny days), waterproofing your basement from the inside out is your second line of defense. That includes sealing foundation cracks, applying waterproof coatings onto walls and floors, and even adding vapor barriers for added protection.

Waterproofing is not a "seal it and leave it" sort of deal. After a couple of years, you'll have to reapply a coat of protection to keep the water out. Think of it like sunscreen for your home: it’s better to apply it before you start to burn.

TIP 3: Install a Sump Pump (With a Backup)

In areas with high rainfall or a high water table, a sump pump is your basement MVP. It keeps your basement dry by collecting water from under your basement floor and pumping it out before trouble strikes.

Here’s the catch, though: Sump pumps usually fail when the power’s out during storms. That’s why we recommend battery backup systems. It’s a small investment that could save you thousands in repairs.

Remember to regularly test the sump pump, however! Once a month, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to test whether the sump pump activates like it should. Handle any necessary repair or replacement as soon as possible.

TIP 4: Keep Humidity in Check

Florida’s humidity doesn’t stop at the door. Basements are especially prone to dampness, mildew, and musty odors. These pose health hazards and make the space uninhabitable. The fix is simple, however. A basement-rated dehumidifier can keep humidity levels below 60 percent. Improving airflow and ventilation also makes a big difference.

TIP 5: Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Many times, the enemy is within. Hidden leaks from pipes, for instance, can slowly drip into your basement without you ever realizing it. And let’s not forget the dreaded slab leak.

Schedule a leak detection or comprehensive plumbing inspection once every one or two years to enjoy a much-needed peace of mind. The plumbers at Mr. Rooter use advanced tools like moisture meters and acoustic sensors to pinpoint water leaks without breaking through drywall, soil, or concrete.

Call Mr. Rooter When You Need

Whether you need a leak detection or the damage is done and you're looking for emergency plumbing repair service, the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are always ready, willing, and able to help. Call or message Mr. Rooter now to get in touch with a member of our team.