5 Ways to Prevent a Basement Leak

A basement leak can be a serious problem. Water leaking into your basement is a waste and causes superficial damage, but it can also lower your property value, damage your home's structure, and even pose a health risk. Because of the many negative effects of basement leaks, it is best to prevent them before they occur. While it is not possible to plan for every accident, taking reasonable steps to avoid basement leaks is a task that any careful person can accomplish. The following list should give you an idea of how to start taking action now to prevent a basement leak in the future.

Observe Carefully

Basements are vulnerable to some specific problems. By observing things that can leak and noticing potential problems before they turn into full blown leaks, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.

Washing machines can develop leaks either from age or improper maintenance. By observing your washing machine's hoses, you can see what condition they are in—if they are in poor condition, the chance of a basement leak increases greatly. When looking at your washing machine's hoses, be sure to check for all kinds of damage. Any cracks or other signs of stress can turn into leaks if left alone. Replace your hoses if there is a problem.

In addition, though they do last for many years, water heaters can also develop leaks. Rust and moisture are strong signs that a leak may happen soon.

Watch for Warning Signs

Though you may be careful, it is not always possible to avoid every accident. Still, catching leaks early is preferable to catching them late, and because of this watching for warning signs of a leak is a good idea. If you hear the sounds of water running when you are not using any water, you may have a leak. Additionally, discolored, damp, or damaged walls, floors, and ceilings can be warning signs that you already have a leak.

Sump Pump

Sump pumps can become damaged or fall into disrepair, causing water to enter areas of your basement that it should be kept out of. While you cannot prevent all problems, testing your sump pump before the wet season begins is a good way to avoid a leak if your sump pump is not up to doing its job. Installing a backup is also a good idea.

Automatic Shutoff Valves

If you have a leak, it can cause a great deal of damage before you catch it. Automatic shutoff valves are a solution to this serious problem. Once installed, an automatic shutoff valve will search for leaks, and close your pipes to prevent water damage if it detects one. While this does not prevent all damage from occurring (especially to your pipes) it can greatly reduce the problems caused by broken or cracked pipes.

Caulking

Sometimes, your basement may have a small leak that is supplied with moisture from the outside. While waterproofing your basement is usually a difficult task, it will often be possible to fix small cracks by filling them with caulk. It is possible to do this easily with a minimal amount of equipment and effort.