Moisture problems in a basement stem from one of two sources: indoor condensation or leaks from outdoors. You can usually determine whether the source of your problem is interior or exterior by performing this simple test.
Once you know which side of the basement wall the moisture is coming from, you still need to identify a specific source. That can be a little tricky, but here are the most common culprits:
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1. Downspouts
Downspouts should direct water away from the house foundation with extensions that are at least 6-feet long.
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2. Gutters
Gutters are supposed to carry water to downspouts, but when they become clogged they can cause water to overflow. That means water is being dumped along the basement walls.
3. Grading
Improper grading is a major cause of wet basements. In the first 10 feet around the foundation, the soil should slope at least 6 inches away from the house.
4. Foundations
Over time, foundations can develop cracks that allow water to flow through. Hydraulic cement is a useful product for sealing masonry walls.
5. Plumbing
Water supply and drain pipes can leak. Drain lines in particular can develop small, hard-to-detect leaks that can cause long-term trouble. You should be able to find a drain line leak by turning all of the faucets in the house on and then doing a close visual inspection of the pipes in the basement.
6. Windows and Doors
Broken glass or aging seals around windows and doors allow easy access for water. Have someone spray water from a hose at basement windows and doors while you look for leaks inside.
7. High Humidity
A basement that is moist most of the time usually has some type of condensation problem. You can tackle the most common causes by following the advice in this article.
8. High Water Table
This is one of the toughest wet basement challenges. The water table is the line between saturated and unsaturated soil. It can vary by season and location, and even a heavy rainfall can cause the water table to rise. There's not much you can do to change the water table, but you can reduce its damaging effects with interior or exterior drainage systems or with a sump pump.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Installing a Sump pum,Types of Sump Pump, Digging a Sump Pit
Installing a sump pump can be an effective way to keep water from accumulating in the basement. The pump is set in a basin, or sump pit, located at the lowest spot in the basement floor or where water first accumulates. Sump pits, which can be purchased at home centers, are most often made of plastic or fiberglass. As the water level beneath the basement floor rises, it fills the pit, activating the pump and causing the water to be discharged to the outdoors. Once the water level falls, the pump shuts off.
If your basement has occasional water problems, a sump pump can be an inexpensive and relatively easy-to-install aid. But keep in mind that installing a sump pump will not address the source of your water problem. So, before you spend any time and money on pumping water out of the basement, take a few moments to learn about the 8 Common Sources of a Wet Basement.
And if your basement is seriously flooded on a regular basis, a sump pump may not be the best solution. After looking at sources of your water problem, you may want to consider these 3 Approaches to Basement Waterproofing.
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Types of Sump Pumps
There are two types of sump pumps usually installed in houses: submersible pumps are fully concealed in the sum pit, while pedestal pumps are only partially concealed, with the motor resting above the water. Pedestal sump pumps tend to cost a bit less than submersible models, and they are easier to repair and maintain. But submersible pumps are quieter, and therefore a better choice for living areas.
Sump pumps usually come with long cords, allowing you to plug them into a receptacle protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Do not use an extension cord with a sump pump unless it matches the recommendations of the pump manufacturer.
Plumbers can usually install sump pumps, but a motivated DIYer can also handle the job. If you want to install your own sump pump, plan to spend $300-$500 for materials and the better part of a weekend for the installation.
Digging a Sump Pit
You will need a jackhammer to break through the concrete. Electric jackhammers are usually available at rental stores or in the tool rental department at home stores. They are easy to use and can be plugged into regular household outlets. Be sure to get a flat spade bit to use with the jackhammer.
Set your sump basin upside down on the floor, then draw a circle about 4 to 6 inches outside the perimeter of the basin. Be sure to stay at least 10 inches from the walls to avoid the foundation footing. Use the jackhammer to break through the slab along the line.
With the concrete out of the way, dig the hole to the required depth. You want the top of the basin flush with the top of the floor. Set the basin in the hole and fill the gaps around the perimeter with gravel. Level the gravel 1 inch above the bottom of the floor slab, then fill the remainder of the perimeter gap with concrete. Smooth the surface of the concrete with a trowel and allow to set for at least a day.
Installing the Sump Pump
Once the concrete has cured, set the sump pump in the basin as directed by the manufacturer. Connect the check valve and attach PVC discharge piping. Run the piping up the wall and out through a hole you drill in the rim joist.
Extend the piping to the outside, allowing water to drain away from the foundation. If the grade is not suitably sloped away from the house, you may need to install a drywell outside for the discharge piping to empty into. Do not run discharge into sewer or septic systems unless you are sure this is permitted by local building codes.
Seal around hole in rim joist with caulk. Now plug the sump pump into a GFCI receptacle. Fill the basin with water and test the pump.
From time to time you will need to clean debris out of the basin, and if your pump is not activated very often, periodically test it by pouring some water in the basin.
If your basement has occasional water problems, a sump pump can be an inexpensive and relatively easy-to-install aid. But keep in mind that installing a sump pump will not address the source of your water problem. So, before you spend any time and money on pumping water out of the basement, take a few moments to learn about the 8 Common Sources of a Wet Basement.
And if your basement is seriously flooded on a regular basis, a sump pump may not be the best solution. After looking at sources of your water problem, you may want to consider these 3 Approaches to Basement Waterproofing.
-->
Types of Sump Pumps
There are two types of sump pumps usually installed in houses: submersible pumps are fully concealed in the sum pit, while pedestal pumps are only partially concealed, with the motor resting above the water. Pedestal sump pumps tend to cost a bit less than submersible models, and they are easier to repair and maintain. But submersible pumps are quieter, and therefore a better choice for living areas.
Sump pumps usually come with long cords, allowing you to plug them into a receptacle protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Do not use an extension cord with a sump pump unless it matches the recommendations of the pump manufacturer.
Plumbers can usually install sump pumps, but a motivated DIYer can also handle the job. If you want to install your own sump pump, plan to spend $300-$500 for materials and the better part of a weekend for the installation.
Digging a Sump Pit
You will need a jackhammer to break through the concrete. Electric jackhammers are usually available at rental stores or in the tool rental department at home stores. They are easy to use and can be plugged into regular household outlets. Be sure to get a flat spade bit to use with the jackhammer.
Set your sump basin upside down on the floor, then draw a circle about 4 to 6 inches outside the perimeter of the basin. Be sure to stay at least 10 inches from the walls to avoid the foundation footing. Use the jackhammer to break through the slab along the line.
With the concrete out of the way, dig the hole to the required depth. You want the top of the basin flush with the top of the floor. Set the basin in the hole and fill the gaps around the perimeter with gravel. Level the gravel 1 inch above the bottom of the floor slab, then fill the remainder of the perimeter gap with concrete. Smooth the surface of the concrete with a trowel and allow to set for at least a day.
Installing the Sump Pump
Once the concrete has cured, set the sump pump in the basin as directed by the manufacturer. Connect the check valve and attach PVC discharge piping. Run the piping up the wall and out through a hole you drill in the rim joist.
Extend the piping to the outside, allowing water to drain away from the foundation. If the grade is not suitably sloped away from the house, you may need to install a drywell outside for the discharge piping to empty into. Do not run discharge into sewer or septic systems unless you are sure this is permitted by local building codes.
Seal around hole in rim joist with caulk. Now plug the sump pump into a GFCI receptacle. Fill the basin with water and test the pump.
From time to time you will need to clean debris out of the basin, and if your pump is not activated very often, periodically test it by pouring some water in the basin.
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