How to Prevent Leaks in Your Basement

Take a walk around your basement and check for any cracks in the walls. Remember to pull any furniture or décor away from the wall for a thorough assessment.

Any improper drainage of your eavestroughs and downspouts can lead to water saturation near your home's foundation, which can cause issues with your foundation and a leaky basement. Foundation repairs can be costly, so it is important that the ground around your house slopes away from your foundation. Look for excessive water spray during rain, and when it is dry, look for eroded earth directly underneath your gutters, or peeling paint on siding or fascia.

Carefully remove your downspout and eavestrough. Clean out any debris from the downspout, using a power washer or auger. If there is any damage to the cage, replace the screen.

If you notice that your downspout is not long enough, or angled incorrectly for efficient drainage, it is a good idea to add an extension.

• Measure the diameter of your existing downspout to make sure it is the right size.
• Stretch out the downspout extension until it is fully extended.
• Take the side that fits around your existing downspout and slip it around the pipe.
• Use a gutter elbow to secure it in place.

Using a sledge hammer and chisel, open the crack. Undercut the inside of the surface (make the inside of the crack larger than the outside) so that as the hydraulic cement cures, it will expand and become "keyed," or locked, in place in the crack. If you are fixing a crack in a block wall, do not go deeper than ¾ inch or you may burst into the hollow part of the block. Use a brush to clear away any dust and debris.

Mix the hydraulic cement as per the instructions on the label. It is important that you have all your tools ready, as hydraulic cement hardens very quickly (about three to five minutes).

Dampen the area with a spray bottle. With a trowel, fill the crack with the hydraulic cement to within ½ in. of the surface. After the first layer dries, smooth in a second layer to the right height to match the surface you are repairing. If water is entering through the crack at the time you are making the repair, trowel in the hydraulic cement and hold it in place with the trowel or some other flat surface for five minutes while the cement hardens.

Before you apply any sealant, it is important to clean your basement walls and floors with a mild detergent and stiff brush. Remove any dirt, dust, grease, and loose mortar.

In order for the sealant to stick to your basement walls, you have to etch your walls with an etching compound.Note: These compounds can be caustic, so follow the directors on the package and make sure you are wearing safety googles and rubber gloves.

Use a sprayer or roller brush to apply the sealant to the walls. Allow the sealant to dry for a couple days before moving on to the next step.

If your basement floors have a smooth finish to them, you can apply the polyurethane with a roller brush. If your floors are rough, it is best for you to apply it with a broom. Run the sealant a couple of inches up the walls around the perimeter of the floor to ensure a good seal where the floor and walls meet. Apply three or four coats, recoating according to the product application instructions. Then allow the floor to dry for several days before using it.