3 Ways to Prevent and Repair Basement Wall Leaks
If you're a homeowner, you have probably encountered a basement wall leak at some point. The issue with these leaks, besides the obvious, is that they can be the source of harmful mold spores.
When you encounter a leak, it is best to take action and repair the problem as soon as possible. Fixing a basement wall leak is not an easy job; however, leaks and seepages can be prevented either before or after the basement is built. You only need to ensure that you take these measures before any leaks appear, since correcting a leak will take you a great deal of effort and time.
There are several reasons why a leak may have appeared. The workmanship could be poor. Cracks in walls or floors could have appeared while the house settled, and water pressure from outside might have built up, then forced itself through the walls.
Preventative Repairs
Repair all holes and cracks in the building, then use a water-proofing compound to ensure that your wall is leak-proof. Fill hair line cracks with regular water-proofing mix; larger cracks should be cleaned and patched.
Use mortar to fill cracks and holes in cement or concrete walls. Before filling the crack, it is better to enlarge the cracked area, as doing so will help the new mortar hold to the wall better. Once the crack has been filled with mortar, smooth it out with an ordinary trowel and ensure that there are no air pockets.
Plumbing
To prevent leaks that occur due to water pressure, it is advisable that you get professional plumbing installed to prevent future mishaps. If you find that pressure is building up, use a weep pipe to divert the force of the water. Once that is done, check for cracks, which will definitely have formed due to the water pressure.
Use regular mortar to patch the cracks. Start from the top and work downward, filling to the point where the weep pipe is installed. Hold the cement in place for 5 minutes so that it sets. Do not expose it to water pressure until the mortar dries.
Waterproofing
Once the repairs have been completed, waterproof the wall with a good water-proof mix. Moisten the walls before applying the mix, but ensure that no water is seeping through the wall when you are applying it. Use a stiff brush in circular movements to apply the mix. Fill every pore where there is seepage. Wait for the coating to dry sufficiently so that is doesn’t fall, and spray the area with water before letting it settle overnight. The next morning, wet the area with water again and apply a second coat of waterproofing mix while the wall is still wet. Waterproofing is the most common and effective solution to basement wall leaks.
