Basement Leaks

The Facts About Basement Leaks

There are two reasons why your basement leaks:

	There is too much water in the ground outside your basement:
	Damp Soil Your Home or commercial building might be built in soil with high water content. Spring Run-Off and Heavy Rains Even dry soil can’t always drain water away fast enough.
	Your basement walls and floors are made of concrete and/or concrete block.
	Concrete inevitably cracks and, at some point in time, your basement walls and floor will crack. Holes may have been drilled into your basement walls and foundation for plumbing, electrical connections or support rods. Water also enters through the joints between your basement walls and floor due to failed weeping tile and drainage system

Excess water in the soil outside your home or commercial building leaks into your basement through the cracks and holes in your basement walls and floor.

What’s the Problem?

Actually, leaky basements cause many problems that can be costly to fix. Perhaps worse, they can create an unhealthy environment inside your home or business.

Mold & Mildew – Mold spores are in the air almost everywhere. They are not really a problem unless they find a moist place to germinate, like your leaky basement. Bad Odours – Stagnant water, mold and mildew can all lead to musty smells all over your home. Breathing Problems – Dampness and musty odours can be an asthma trigger. Allergic Reactions – Mold and mildew can aggravate allergies. Insect Infestation – They like moisture too and can get in through the cracks and holes in your basement walls. Structural Damage – Ongoing water leaks can make cracks and holes larger and require major repair. Also, moisture can cause wood rot in studs and joists. Rust – Dampness rusts your furnace and major appliances. Ruin Your Belongings – Water from a basement leak damages furniture, carpets and personal belongings.

One More Problem - Basement leaks don’t repair themselves. They will get worse, cause more damage and become more expensive to repair.