A Homeowner’s Guide to Keeping the Basement Dry and Safe

For most homeowners, basements are just a space for extra storage of odd memorabilia, holiday decor, recreational equipment, and other old stuff. Some use this type of room for additional living areas such as a bathroom, bedroom, workspace, or recreational area. This multi-purpose space can surely add function and purpose to your home.

The downside is, its maintenance isn't that simple. Improper basement upkeep can result in high noise echo levels, dangers of flooring, moisture and damp concerns, and risks of pest infestation. To help you keep your basement dry and safe to use, here are some pieces of advice for you to follow.

Focus on the plumbing

Proper plumbing is vital for preventing leaks and flooding in your basement, as well as keeping your valuables safe. Check your basement plumbing for indication of leaks. For instance, if the meter is moving when all water sources in the house aren't in use, there could be a leak in your system. Sewer gas issues, on the other hand, can cause a terrible smell in the house. Regularly pour water down the basement floor drain to prevent sewer gas problems.

Moreover, your septic tank should be inspected and pumped regularly. The general recommendation is every three to five years. Doing so can prevent more expensive repairs such as filter field replacement.

Get a dehumidifier

Using a dehumidifier is ideal if your basement is often damp or your pipes are sweating. Such moisture may be natural, but it can cause severe issues to your health, space, and belongings. It can cause allergens such as mildew, mold, and dust mites. A dehumidifier would be handy to prevent mildew and mold growth and improve your basement's air quality. In choosing the right solution, you should consider the humidity level or temperature of the room. Installing the right dehumidifier in your basement can eliminate excess moisture in the walls. Don't forget to check the amount of water the device can eradicate in 24 hours to ensure money's worth.

Call a pest control service.

Pest infestations can seriously damage everything in your basement and even other parts of the house. Termites, moths, and rodents are among those that can invade your house structure. You can keep these pests away by keeping your home well-sealed. Mosquitoes and ticks may not damage your basement structure, but they can make the space unsafe for your family's health. 

For such reasons, it is recommended to have your basement and other parts of the house sprayed at least twice a year. Acquire reliable mosquito and tick control solutions from professionals to ensure safe treatment for your pest problems. If you're using the basement as storage for your valuables, keep them in air-tight containers so pests won't get to them.

Seal the floors and walls

You can prevent leaks or cracks on your basement floor and walls by sealing them properly. Protect your basement interior by utilizing a waterproof sealant. By doing this, your basement can have a solid surface that can prevent small water leaks. To ensure that the masonry or bare concrete will be sealed properly, use a thick coat of sealant to fill in the tiny pores. However, keep in mind that this solution is only for leak prevention. To fix existing leaks in your basement, you will correctly need to insulate the pipes and basement walls. Insulation is particularly ideal for fixing surface condensation due to exposed cold water pipes. Call on a professional to inspect your basement.

Clean the gutters and downspouts

The next thing to consider is the collecting system in your house. It should be efficient enough to divert the water from melted snow or rain from the paved areas or away from your home. Water can get into your basement if you don't have an efficient collecting system. Your gutters or downspouts should be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year. 

Don't let twigs or leaves clog the gutters. You can also install gutter guards to keep the debris out and prevent overflowing drains. At the same time, your downspouts should also be of the right length. Your downspouts must be at least six feet away from the house to efficiently divert water from the foundation and basement.

Having a basement can be an excellent space advantage for any homeowner. It's a fantastic room for storage, hobbies, privacy, and living quarters. Don't skip on the proper maintenance of your basement, and make sure that it will be a good space to enjoy for the family. Follow our tips now.