How to Seal a Water Leak

1. How to Seal a Water Leak What do you do if your basement suddenly develops a leak? If the issue is not resolved quickly, it can result in serious damage to your home and its foundation. The biggest reason for having water leaking in your basement (or any area of your home) is due to runoff or groundwater swelling in the area of the leak. You must find out where and why the problem is occurring. Some ways to do this include using a dehumidifier or installing a perimeter drain system. Early warning signs of a leak in your home are dampness and/or a musty odour. When you notice these signs, it is time to take action against the leak before it causes real damage. Some considerations to keep in mind upon recognizing your home could have a leaky water problem: ●Do not just ignore a constant musty smell. ●Look for and discover where the musty smell is coming from by doing a full inspection of your home and basement. ●You will need to seek the advice of a professional regarding any groundwater swelling before you attempt to take care of it yourself. ●Check with your local city ordinance to find out if there are any changes to the local water table. You can get advice as well as a listing of local contractors through the National Associations of Waterproofing Contractors at www.nawrsc.org. Look for areas of condensation in your home and basement. Condensation is what occurs when moist, warm air comes in contact with cool walls. If you notice any wet areas on the floors or walls, this could signal a problem with condensation. There is an easy test you can perform to see if you are experiencing an issue with condensation. Tape some plastic wrap to the wall, ensuring that it is completely sealed to the wall. Leave it there for a few days. When you return to the area, check to see if there is any moisture build-up within the plastic wrap. If you see moisture on the wall covered by the plastic wrap, you have a leak. If there is moisture on the outside of the plastic wrap, then it is condensation. If it turns out to be a condensation problem, that can be easily resolved: open a few windows to let the air circulate and also install a dehumidifier in the room. If it is a leak, you are going to have to take more serious steps to fix the problem. A sealant must be applied to the area to mend the leak. There are many types of sealants made for repairing water leaks. You must do your homework and figure out which one is right for your situation. Sealants can be placed on a damp surface; however, if there is any standing water, it must be removed first. Before using any type of sealant to repair a leak, be sure to consult with a professional. It is critical to ensure that the sealant you use will not be harmful to children or pets that come in contact with it during playtime. Articles Source : http://www.hcphome.com/how-to-seal-a-water-leak/