Before you call in an expensive waterproofing contractor, you should use this do-it-yourself checklist to see if your water leak problems are caused by something other than poor waterproofing.
Before you call in an expensive waterproofing contractor, you should
use this do-it-yourself checklist to see if your water leak problems
are caused by something other than poor waterproofing.
Gutters
Inspect and clean your gutter and downspouts. Over time even the best
of roofing drainage systems can become blocked or the waterproofing
troughs develop holes or breaks at the seams. To test your system,
remove any leaves, debris or twigs from all the gutters and downspouts.
Then use a garden hose to run water along the troughs and
drains for at least 5-10 minutes to make sure the water is being
properly carried away.
Foundation
Inspect the slope of the soil and grounds around your foundation. Make
sure that any water runs down and away from the house for at least a
distance of 48" to 60". If the water doesn't drain way, it could pool
up and run backwards into the house causing water damage and mold
problems.
Leaks
Check under your
sinks, toilets etc for leaky valves or faucets. Also use a flashlight
and trace all the water lines down through the house into the basement
or crawlspace. Be certain to check the pipes as the come into the
house. Remove any loose dirt or rock to look for drips along the lines.
Have any waterproofing structures repaired as needed.
Supply Lines
Check the water supply lines for leaks and drips along their joints.
Over time water pipes covers or weatherproofing can rot or deteriorate
allowing freezing cold to affect the waterproofing around pipe fittings
and elbows. To test for leaks turn off all water in the house, even
your icemaker. Read your water meter. Now wait 30-60 minutes and read
the meter again. If the meter has changed you have an undetected leak.
If you have a leak, you need a plumber not a waterproofing pro.
Basement
Check your basement walls for wetness or seepage. The easy way to do
this is to take a 12" piece of aluminum foil and tape it against the
surface of the suspect wall. Seal all the edges closed. Now just wait a
day or two and check the foil. If is wet on the outside this comes from
condensation; if it's wet on the inside this comes from seepage. Check
with a waterproofing expert about any seepage.
Rainwater
Test for rainwater problems. If you think that rainwater or water
runoff from your property, the street or a neighboring yard is running
along the surface and reaching the foundation then you need to grade
your property. If it is not a grading issue, contact a local waterproofing specialist for a quote.
Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about
numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY,
parenting advice and many more subjects. You can find more of his
articles on Waterproofing at http://www.waterproofingguide.com/
