Basement Getting Wet When It Rains? 2 Options To Keep It Dry
If your basement gets wet every time it rains, you need to take steps to stop this from happening. A wet basement can cause many problems, such as mold building up on the walls, floor, and ceiling. It will also damage flooring and walls, as well as furniture you may have in the basement. Fortunately, you can stop your basement from getting wet in many ways, two of which are listed below.
Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump moves any water that gets into your basement outside. To install a sump pump, the contractor will first carve a hole in the flooring inside the basement, which is called a basin. This basin is what houses the pump. The pump has valves that sense when there is water and how high the water is. Once the water gets to a certain height, the sump pump will automatically turn on and pump the water out of your basement. The water is directed away from your home far enough so it will not leak back in again.
The contractor will determine the best place for the water to drain. For example, this may be a pond or creek, a dry well, or a drain in your neighborhood. There may be codes for your city on where water can drain so make sure you check this.
There are different types of sump pumps available, and the contractor will go over these with you. They will suggest the best type to use for your home. You should always have a contractor install the sump pump for you to ensure it is installed correctly.
Waterproof the Exterior
Along with a sump pump, you should waterproof the exterior as this is where the water comes from. You need to hire a professional to do this for you as this would be difficult for you to do on your own.
The contractor will first excavate soil that surrounds the foundation. They will dig deep enough to get to the foundation walls. Heavy machinery will be used to do this. When the soil is removed, the contractor installs a waterproof sealant to the exterior foundation walls.
Because this is a big job, it is best to do during the construction of a home. It can still be done with your completed home, however.
The contractor can give you many more tips on how to keep water out of your basement.
Reach out to a sump pump installation contractor in your area to learn more.