Moisture in the basement can lead to mold and musty odors, and if it gets bad enough, structural damage. There are a number of ways to stop moisture problems, including using special sealants on cracks and holes.
Exterior basement waterproofing, however, is an active system that actually works to prevent water from entering the house before it floods. It involves installing a trench drain, perforated drainage tile, and a sump pit to collect groundwater.
Sump Pumps
Water can get into a basement from outside the house, through the ground or through cracks in the foundation. A sump pump removes water or moisture from the area under a house before it has a chance to cause damage inside. This is often a better choice than trying to prevent moisture entry through the basement walls with waterproofing coatings, which don’t always work and can be expensive to replace.
Powered by electricity, a sump pump collects groundwater or water that has made its way through the foundation wall and pumps it to a spot outside far away from your home. It is often connected to a drainage system with drain rock and drain tile that collects water in the ground around your foundation. Most sump pumps have a float that activates when the water rises to a certain level and discharges the water via a pipe in the pit or tank. Some sump pumps are battery activated so they will continue to pump in the event of a power outage.
These pumps are available in pedestal or submersible versions. Pedestal pumps are positioned above the pit and are more visible and easy to service, but are more susceptible to failure from the environment. Submersible pumps are buried in the sump pit and are more protected from the elements, but can be difficult to install, especially in unfinished basements.
Battery Backups
When your home is waterproofed by a professional, moisture will no longer be able to penetrate the foundation and do serious damage. If moisture is left unchecked, it can also cause mold or rot that devalues your home and may require expensive repairs.
However, even with an exterior basement waterproofing system, your basement and crawl space can still be prone to moisture build-up, which can lead to mold and other issues. One way to combat this is by using a dehumidifier. This can remove up to 60 pints of moisture from the air per day.
Another good way to help mitigate moisture is by installing a battery backup sump pump. These work alongside your existing sump pit to remove water from your basement when it rises. These battery systems will continue to operate even if your electrical power is interrupted by a storm, so you can be sure that your basement will be protected in the event of a flood.
These are a great investment for homeowners who want to protect their home from flooding caused by power outages and other events. They’re a great addition to any existing basement waterproofing system, as they can save you thousands of dollars in potential damages and ensure that your basement stays dry when the spring storms come. If you’re interested in a battery backup for your home’s sump pit, contact a local waterproofing expert to discuss your options.
Checking Your Sump Pump
A sump pump is the cornerstone of any basement waterproofing system. It sits in a pit dug especially for it that is located at the lowest spot in your basement to intercept water before it can reach and ruin your home. It works by detecting rising levels of moisture and automatically kicking in to force the water outside. This keeps basements from flooding, and is particularly important in our humid summers.
But like any device, the sump pump can break down. If yours does, it’s important to have it repaired quickly before more damage can be done.
In addition to installing a sump pump, a reliable basement waterproofing system will include perimeter drain tile, a floor drain, and landscape drainage that directs water away from the foundation of your home. These systems can work in tandem with an external waterproofing membrane to prevent moisture from getting into your home to begin with, or they can be used to remove moisture that has already gotten inside.
For more information about exterior basement waterproofing, be sure to check out our services page where we go in-depth on the waterproofing methods we offer, especially sump pumps. To schedule an inspection or if you believe you’re seeing signs of water in your basement, give us a call at 844-201-4166.
