Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Puddles of water in your basement are never a comforting sight. Not only do they pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, decreasing its value, but they also create an environment that encourages mold and mildew growth, which is unhealthy for your home’s inhabitants. To be able to address and prevent water pooling in your basement, it’s important to first know why it’s happening. Our moisture control specialists in Murfreesboro at Ameri Care Services are answering that question on the blog today.
You have a leak
Faulty plumbing, leaking water heaters, showers, sinks, toilets or malfunctioning appliances are all potential sources for leaks and can introduce water into your basement. Even minor leaks, if ignored, can lead to significant puddling over time.
Solution — Address plumbing issues by regularly inspecting plumbing fixtures and appliances for leaks, and promptly repair any problems to prevent water damage.
Ineffective landscape grading and poor drainage
Landscaping that isn’t graded correctly can direct rainwater and melting snow toward the foundation of your home instead of away from it. Surface water will accumulate around your home’s foundation, overwhelming its ability to repel water. The water collects around foundation walls and seeps into the basement through cracks or porous materials.
Solution — Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear and direct water away from the foundation. Consider installing French drains or other drainage solutions if necessary. In areas prone to flooding or with a high water table, a sump pump can effectively remove water from the basement and discharge it away from the house.
Your home’s foundation is damaged
If your foundation has a crack, a gap or is otherwise damaged, water will find its way through.
Solution — Solutions depend on the cause. Inspect your basement for cracks, gaps or holes where water could enter. Seal these areas with waterproof sealant or epoxy to prevent water intrusion. For structural damage, proper footing and connections should be used to seal a gap.
Missing or defective gutters and downspouts
Gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. If the gutters and downspouts are missing, clogged or broken, they’re not able to do their job, and water will eventually accumulate and enter the basement.
Solution — Clean your the gutters regularly, and install extenders on all downspouts to keep water at least 4 feet away from your foundation.
Condensation
In humid climates or poorly ventilated basements, condensation can form on cool surfaces like concrete walls or floors. Over time, this condensation can accumulate and form puddles.
Solution — Improve your ventilation. Proper ventilation can help reduce humidity levels in the basement, minimizing condensation and moisture buildup.
Keep your basement dry in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
At Ameri Care Services, we are dedicated to helping homeowners in the Nashville area find sustainable solutions to basement moisture problems so you can protect your home from water damage and maintain a healthy indoor environment for your home’s occupants. For personalized advice and assistance, contact us at (615) 823-8224, or visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.