Addressing a basement leak is something that one should never take lightly. When it comes to internal leaking, there are multiple methods you can apply to fix your pipes. In this blog from Umbrella Waterproofing, we will go over some of the varied techniques to give you an idea of how you can correct the problem. We will also talk about the significance of basement waterproofing in Toronto and leaky basement repairs to protect your home from water damage.

Finding The Leak Source

The first thing you do once you discover that there is a leakage in your home is to try and identify the source. Water can penetrate through basement concrete or floor, come through the bottom of a wall or through improper sealing of windows and doors. If you find that water is seeping down into an area, for instance, a basement, the first thing that you need to do is cover your floor with a tarp so that your floor does not get ruined.

Nine Common Causes of a Leaky Basement

Let’s first understand why leaks occur:

Foundation Cracks: Foundation cracks may have resulted from the settling of the home or pressure from the surrounding soil. The channels that have no leaks crack and cause basement leaks.
Hydrostatic Pressure: This is the groundwater pressure that builds around your foundation and can create leaks through your walls or floor.
Poor Grading: Water can end up collecting around the foundation of your home and eventually penetrate into the basement if the soil surrounding it is graded to slope toward it.
Blocked/broken gutters: If your gutters are clogged it will cause water to back up and seep its way down into your foundation.

Now that you know the source, let’s dive deeper inside for a better solution.

Solutions to Repair a Leaky Basement From The Inside

Crack Injection

Crack injection is one popular option for performing a leaky basement repair from inside the building. Cracks in basement walls or floors are a common entry point for water and this method will seal them off so moisture cannot enter.

Steps from Umbrella Waterproofing to inject basement wall/floor cracks:

Prepare the Area: The area around the crack must be cleaned well before applying any sealant.
Inject Epoxy or Polyurethane Foam: Epoxy or polyurethane foam is injected into the cracks. Its strong bond to the concrete creates a lasting solution, and when polyurethane foam expands, it fills every component of the crack.
Close the Crack: The epoxy or foam, when cured, acts as a barrier from water seeping into your basement.

This is a common method for waterproofing basements in the market of Toronto as it provides a solution at low cost and high reliability.

Interior Drainage System

One good solution is a drain-tile or an interior drainage system. This plan directs water that begins to infiltrate your lower level or basement area to a sump pump which removes it. This is how it operates — A French drain surrounds your basement floor to contain water and direct the water towards the sump pump.

Sump Pump Installation

The sump pump will also be placed at the high point of the basement. As it fills up with water, it flows over the drainage opening and is drawn into the sump pit and from there, a pump pumps it out to the exterior. It is one of the more preferred solutions when it comes to waterproofing leaky basements mainly because it does offer the homeowner a permanent solution in the event that they constantly experience leakage.

Paint or Sealant with Waterproofing

Waterproofing paint or sealant are coatings that help keep water out of basement walls and floors, creating a guard against moisture. This is best for leaks that are not too bad or just damp but do not work as well with significant water problems. To apply:

Prepare the surface: Before you start painting, make sure that the walls and floors are clean and dry.
Use waterproofing paint: Spread waterproofing paint or sealant using a paint roller, and get rid of as much water as you can.
Let it Cure: The paint or sealant must dry completely and let the water touch it.

This kind of system works best when combined with other methods to waterproof your basement walls.

Install a Vapour Barrier

If you have identified water leakage in the basement or if your basement is wet, a vapour barrier would be advisable to install. Indeed, by ventilating the basement ceiling and sealing your walls with a vapour barrier, you will be able to exclude any chance of moisture getting into your home.

To install:

Take your measurements of the walls and floor in your basement and cut the vapour barrier to size.
Apply adhesive or place anchors to bond it to both the bottom of the walls and its sides to seal the vapour barrier. Humid areas like Toronto especially should have a vapour barrier, as waterproofing basements in this area is absolutely essential.
Fix the current state of your basement windows and doors. Improperly sealed windows and doors can also be an access point for water in the basement. To avoid these, make sure all doors and windows are properly sealed.
Examine cracks and windows to see if there are any spaces or cracks around windows and doors.
Fill any gaps that you find with waterproof caulking.
Window wells can gather water and allow that to leak into your basement. This can be avoided by installing covers.

Dehumidifiers and Fans

Mold and water damage are difficult to remove as they will keep coming back unless the underlying moisture source is addressed. Running dehumidifiers overnight, fans, or simply opening windows can help reduce mold by drying anything out so you are not attacking a moldy, damp wall. This strategy might work best on condensation rather than full-out leaks.

Why is Umbrella Waterproofing Best For Basement Waterproofing in Toronto?

We are Toronto’s Basement Waterproofing and Leak Repair experts. We have a team that is fully trained to provide long lasting solutions and to ensure that your basement is well protected from any form of water damage.

Preventing Future Leaks

After you get the basement fixed, ensure no more water will flow into it. Here are some tips:

Don’t forget to clean your gutters and downspouts, too. Dirty gutters can cause water to back up, which will wreak havoc on your foundation.
Study the grading. The area around your dwelling should be graded away from the foundation to prevent water retention.
Check for cracks in your foundation. Watch the walls of your basement every once and a while, if you notice any new cracks, patch them as soon as possible.

If your basement is leaking it can cause significant and costly damages affecting the rest of your home, so interior basement waterproofing offers an affordable solution to prevent your basement from becoming a problem. Crack injections, an interior drainage system, and waterproofing paints are a few options that can keep your basement dry.

Umbrella Waterproofing offers superb basement waterproofing installation in Toronto and effective leaky basement repairs. We are here to ensure that you can enjoy your home in peace, knowing your haven is safe from the dangers of water intrusion.

How To Fix A Leaking Basement From The Inside