If you found water in your basement, relax – this will not become a long-term disaster.
Water problems are common in New England basements due to the extreme cold winter temperatures and subsequent heavy spring rainfall (from melting snow) and thunderstorms that happen during the warmer months of June, July, and August. Fortunately, you can repair these problems and prevent future problems from developing.
Inspect Before Taking Action
First check for safety: Turn off the power in your home. Water and electricity are dangerous together. If your electrical panel is located in your basement, contact your local electric utility to disconnect service at the electrical panel. Be cautious when working around electricity.
When the power is off, determine the source of the water. FEMA states you should not remove standing water from your basement too quickly after a large amount of water has entered your basement. As water seeps into your foundation walls, the pressure from the surrounding saturated soil may be sufficient to cause buckling of the walls if you remove too much water too quickly.
Removing the Water
You can remove a small amount of water using a wet/dry vacuum. Wet/dry vacuums are ideal for removing smaller areas of water damage, such as puddles and minor water damage. However, larger quantities of water require a sump pump. If you do not currently have a sump pump installed in your basement, now would be an excellent time to have a professionally-installed sump pump system installed to provide long-term protection for your home.
It is not uncommon for many homeowners to attempt to remove excess water from their basements themselves. While removing excess water is a manageable task for small leaks or minor water damage, there comes a point when you should seek assistance from a qualified expert. When you experience several inches of standing water or continue to have excessive water entering your basement, it is time to get some help.
Remove the Excess Moisture
Although the water is gone, you still have additional steps to complete before you are finished. Removing the remaining moisture in the area is essential to preventing further damage caused by mold growth. Mold growth can lead to serious health problems for you and your family members. Fans and dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air. If possible, open windows in your basement to allow dry air to enter. Installing a professional-grade dehumidifier in your basement will also help control the level of moisture in the air throughout the entire year.
Remove any wet carpet padding. It is usually necessary to replace the padding as it will hold onto moisture, similar to a sponge. A concrete floor must be completely dry before placing anything back on it.
Why Do New England Basements Leak?
Boston is situated on the edge of the ocean, and many other cities in New England are at or below the water table. Additionally, New England’s clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry. These repeated expansions and contractions on your basement walls put pressure on the walls.
Some older homes were built prior to modern waterproofing practices and had foundations constructed of stone or brick with no protection against water. Each year, winter freeze/thaw cycles create new cracks in the walls of these older homes. According to the EPA, moisture control is the key to mold control, making proper basement waterproofing essential for home health.
Solve the Root Problem
To eliminate water in your basement forever, you must first identify the source of the water and address the issue. Some cases involve simply extending the length of your downspout or regrading your yard. Other situations may require installing a permanent drainage system around the interior perimeter of your basement.
At B-Dry New England, we have successfully resolved the water problems of over 40,000 homeowners and have a lifetime warranty on each of our systems, which demonstrates our confidence in the quality of our work.
Do not let the next rainstorm ruin your basement again. Call us today to schedule a complimentary evaluation and learn how we can make sure your basement remains dry for years to come.