At one point or another most homes will experience some type of a leaking basement or moisture issue.  A weeping tile lifespan is typically 40 to 60 years depending on soil type.

The water in your basement might be due to a sewer back-up on city property, check with neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same issues or call the city to inquire.  Don’t ignore a sewer problem, if there is history of it needing to be snaked to unclog your sewer, it should be replaced as it will eventually cause a flood. 

• Was there a power outage? 
• Did your pump fail?
• Do you have an emergency backup system for your pump?
• Is water accumulating in your backyard that requires drainage tile?
• Have you done regular maintenance to your sump pump to ensure it's in working order?

As a company who makes a living by offering basement waterproofing services in Niagara we would welcome and appreciate your business, but before you hire us or any other contractor to fix your wet basement let’s discuss a few things you can try doing on your own first.

INSPECT YOUR EAVESTROUGHS AND DOWNSPOUTS

These features of exterior water drainage are designed to move water away from your home.

If any one part of that system is not working correctly you could experience some nasty consequences.

KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAR

Clogged gutters (aka eaves troughs) can cause water to backup and spill over the top, creating a mini waterfall that lands right where you don’t want it, along the foundation of your home.  When a weeping tile has reached the end of its lifespan water will have nowhere to go.  It will sit along your foundation, the weight, pressure, soil expansion and frost eventually causing cracks, bowing walls and broken footings. 

If you don’t have something like a gutter guard system in place to keep leaves and other debris out, then you’ll want to make it a habit of manually cleaning your gutters twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall according to Home Service Solutions).

ENSURE DOWN SPOUTS ARE WORKING

Even if your gutters are as clean as a whistle, water could still be collecting at the base of your home if there happens to be a breach in one of your downspouts.

Next time it rains (or snow melts), visually inspect your downspouts to make sure there are no holes or leaks.

While you’re at it, make sure your downspouts are draining at least 2 meters away from the foundation of your home (ideally more) and that the water is exiting your spouts onto an area which slopes away from your home.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

During extreme precipitation events (which we seem to be experiencing more of lately), a clogged street drain could cause water to pool significantly enough that it impacts the saturation levels around your home.

This could test the durability of even the most waterproofed basements.

Making sure city drains are collecting water efficiently is not only good for your home, it earns you bonus points in the eyes of your neighbors! :)

Be a good neighbor and if possible don’t direct your downspout in an area that can negativity impact your neighbour’s property

SEAL UP VULNERABLE AREAS OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one!

While this can be a part of our foundation waterproofing service, it can also be something a decently handy home owner could do themselves.

Using a quality exterior sealant, make sure any cracks or gaps surrounding windows, doors and window wells are as water tight as possible.

If your leak is near a window, a water test with a hose should be done. (side note – would like to highlight the word water test so we can explain in a new blog how to do this as we get many calls in this area)

Make sure your window wells are at least 2 inches higher than finished grade.  Refresh clear drainage stone in well and remove all debris.

USE LANDSCAPING TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Another way of maintaining a dry basement is to make sure the landscaping surrounding your home is not causing the problem. Instead, it should be actively helping you avoid problems.

Strategically planting native plants around your home that are known to absorb a lot of water can help keep water from getting inside.

Also, and perhaps most importantly, the grade of your landscaping is very important!

Make sure your property is graded in such a way that it’s allowing water to run AWAY from your home and not TOWARDS your home. This sounds like one of those “duh” things to say but you’d be surprised what we’ve seen over the years in this business.

Installing drainage tile around the backyard to a catch basin, storm drain or lower area will significantly reduce the amount of water around your foundation. 

If you’ve tried these DIY basement waterproofing ideas (or don’t feel comfortable enough trying) and are existing a damp basement, contact us anytime and we will be happy to help inspect your home and provide our recommendations on how to best waterproof your basement the way we would do our own home.

We also offer foundation evaluations if you are looking at buying, selling or simply want peace of mind.