| Author |
Message |
    
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 19
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 2:13 pm: |     |
Since winter's start, I've noticed small trickles of water in one part of our basement. Sometimes it's actual water, other times it's dried water that has left traces on the floor. Someone told me that we need to repaint our basement with "waterproof" paint that seals up leaks and cracks. I've never heard of such a thing. Does this paint exist? Who would be best to apply it? |
jfburch
Citizen
Username: Jfburch
Post Number: 1259
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 2:20 pm: | |
You probably want to have the situation evaluated by a waterproofing contractor or other knowledgeable person.
The paint is called Dry-lock and it's available at Home Depot--it's not a sure thing and will help, maybe, for a while with minor seepage. I do know someone who used it a few years ago and so far it's working, so it may be worth a try--though you need to find out where that water is coming in before it puddles.
Many wet basements will not be fixed with waterseal paint and need a more thorough solution--typically French Drains, maybe also including re-grading or other exterior work.
You also might want to check gutters and make sure they are not dumping water at the base of the house; some minor grading work (adding some soil at the base of the house so the water runs away from the house) can also help, and both are worth a try before you contemplate bigger steps.
If nothing else works, French Drains are a pretty good and pretty common solution (we got ours this year). |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4432
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 2:43 pm: | |
Kibbe, before you spend several thousand dollars on a french drain installation take a look outside the house where the leak appears.
Is there a drain pipe there, letting water puddle against the foundation? Is the land graded away from the house?
French drain systems are great but they do not solve the problem of water leaking through the foundation, they only get rid of the water once it enters your house. Sooner or later the foundation is going to be damaged by the water. Eliminate the problem if you can. |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3417
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 4:06 pm: | |
Last month I tracked down a leak like this for a family. Turned out to be a plant that when watered would over flow, drip thru the floor and leave a small puddle on the basement floor.
It would pay you to look around, before spending the big bucks.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. |
alan
Citizen
Username: Alan
Post Number: 109
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 1:21 pm: | |
also make sure all drain pipes and leaders are clear and that gutters are clear as well as large enough. |
ihw
Citizen
Username: Ihw
Post Number: 10
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 12:10 am: | |
The same thing happened to me, it appears the water table is rising. I have lived in Maplewood over 20 years, I did not have water problems for the first 17 years. It sounds like you need a sump pump. |
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