In the past, many people built or bought homes with basements to increase the amount of living space. A basement is often a cool place where homeowners can store things and have a second living area that’s also affordable to heat in the winter. Unfortunately, homes with basements sometimes have problems with leaks, which can be an expensive issue to fix. Let’s take a closer look at how you can spot a leak in your basement and what you should do about it as soon as possible.
How to Find a Leaking Pipe in Your Basement
One of the most common places for basement leaks is the water pipes. This can happen when the pipes are old, but it can also happen if people try to repair or replace the pipes themselves. To find out if you have a water leak in a pipe, you should start by closing the shut-off valves on the water pipes in your house. Then check your water meter immediately after shutting off the valves and again an hour or two later. If the number on the meter has changed, you have a leak. You may need to call a plumber to find the leaking pipe, as it may be enclosed in a wall, buried underground, or under your house’s foundation.
Why Does a Basement Leak?
A leaking basement can happen for many reasons. We’ve already talked about how old pipes can break and cause a leak, but there are other causes too. If your home has a sump pump, it could collect too much water and cause a leak. If the floor of your basement is slanted, water can collect in the low part of the floor and cause a leak. Other issues that cause basement leaks include a broken water supply line, a loose fitting, or a cracked or broken pipe. If you think your basement leaks, you should start by looking for obvious signs like water pooling on the floor. Using a candle, you can also check for moisture on the inside walls. If you see a lot of moisture or notice walls that feel warm, you could have a leak. You can also check for a leak with a water detection kit.
Fixing the Problem
If you find a leak in your basement, you should take care of it as soon as possible. Water leaking into the basement can cause much damage, especially if left untreated for a few years. The most important thing you can do is turn off the source of the leak as soon as possible. If you have an old pipe leaking, you should call a plumber to replace it. If the leak comes from a pipe crack, the plumber can seal it, but it might not be a permanent solution. Ideally, you should replace old pipes as soon as possible, especially if you have kids in the house. If the leak is coming from a pool of water on the floor, you should start by removing as much water as possible with a wet vac or by hand and find the source of the pool. If there’s enough water, you’ll want to consider having a professional deal with the flood damage to ensure you don’t need to worry about mold, mildew, or other problems.
Repairing the Floor and Walls
If you’ve found a crack or hole in the basement wall or floor, the best thing you can do is hire a contractor to repair it. You can try to fix it yourself if you think you’re experienced enough, but it’s often better to leave it to the experts. If you’re repairing the wall, you should remove the wall covering and then rebuild the wall with a new layer of cement. You can also repair the floor by removing the carpet and using concrete to patch any holes or cracks in the floor. You should also ensure all your insurance policies cover the costs of repairing a leak.
A leaking basement can cause a lot of expensive damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to spot a leak as soon as possible and take care of it as soon as possible. The best way to find a leak is to look for signs like water pooling on the floor or water running down the walls. Once you’ve found the leak, you should turn off the source and repair the damage as soon as possible.
