If you’re a homeowner, you should expect to spend between 1-4% of your home’s value each year on maintenance. But that’s not all you should be saving up for! There will always be unexpected repairs needed, so make sure you’ve got plenty in your bank account to cover those as well.

For instance, it’s common to see basement leaks. 

Are you now wondering if you’ve got a leak in your basement? Here’s how to tell and also how to fix it!

Signs Your Basement Is Leaking

The best way to tell if your basement is leaking is to check it during rain. If you’ve got a leak, then you’ll see water stains appear on the walls and water will pool on the floor as well. Your basement will smell musty as well, whether it’s during rains or after.

You should also check to see if mold’s growing. Often, you’ll also see stains on your floors, walls, and ceilings. This is from the water that’s leaked through.

How to Fix a Leak in Your Basement

There are some things you can do to both fix and prevent leaks in your basement.

First of all, you’ll want to clean out your gutters regularly. If they’re clogged up, then water can overflow when it rains and it’ll gather around your home’s foundation.

You’ll also want to make sure your landscaping is done right. The soil needs to slope away from your foundation for at least 3 feet. To fix the slope, simply add more soil.

In addition, landscaping needs to be at least 6 inches away from your foundation. Bushes need to be at least 2 feet away, and trees need to be at least 3 feet away.

Inside, you can waterproof your walls. There are waterproofing products you can paint over them, but it’s best to let a company do this job to make sure everything’s airtight.

Call a Professional

For everything else, you’ll need to call a professional, especially if you have a pipe leaking in the basement. You definitely shouldn’t DIY repairs because often, homeowners make things worse. As a result, not only do you have to pay more for fixes, but you might do additional damage to your house.

Once they’ve addressed the issue, you should consider having a drainage system installed, such as a sump pump. Speak to the experts to see what the best step forward is.

Repairs for a plumbing leak may or may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Learn more about this to determine what you might get covered.

Keep Your Basement Dry

Now you know how to detect a leak in your basement, as well as get it fixed.

The most important thing is to recognize the early signs of a leak so your issue doesn’t become bigger and more expensive. Get the professionals in for an inspection ASAP when you suspect there’s water leaking in your basement!

Need to learn more about home improvement? Then browse the rest of our blog for more advice.

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