Where is the water coming from?
If you can see water flowing out of a crack in a wall or floor, you know that the source is ground water. If water is not flowing out of a crack, you’ll have to make a test for dampness in your basement to see if the water is due to condensation or water from the ground. To do this:
- Cut two 12in squares of plastic sheeting or aluminum foil.
- Tape a peace to the inside of one of the basement walls and the other to the basement floor.
- Wait 2 days.
- Remove the plastic or aluminum foil.
- If the wall or floor that was covered by the square is dry then you have condensation. If the wall or floor that was covered by the squares are wet, you have a ground water leak.
Controlling Condensation In The Basement:
You will need to lower your basements air humidity by:
- Raise the temperature in the basement.
- Make sure all vents of moist air, like your clothes dryer, are vented to the outside.
- Place a dehumidifier in the basement.
- Insulate basement walls.
- Insulate cold water pipes.
- Open basement windows, weather permitting.
Controlling Ground Water Leaks In The Basement:
- Gutters and downspouts should be directed to clear water away from the foundation of the home.
- If you have a leaking crack, you will need to call a professional to fix the basement foundation.