How to Waterproof Your Harrisburg Basement

Water in basements in Harrisburg, PA can present many problems; it can cause mildew, corrode appliances, ruin your belongings, and can even get you sued. How to waterproof using a waterproofing system is the best way to prevent water damage in your basement. It will stop mold from growing in the walls and floors while saving you money on repairs. Many basements have no means of getting to the outside, which makes for a nasty situation. Even when you do get to the outside, it is usually not a pleasant experience because water from rain or even snow can make your cellar damp.

Waterproofing your basement is not that hard. All it really takes is some willpower and a bit of elbow grease. You will need a flashlight to see the insides of your pipes and drains, which will be covered with the pipe sleeves, and a shop vac for removing any excess water. The first step is to stop water from coming into the basement by sealing off the main sewer line with a PVC pipe drain stopper.

Next, you will need to waterproof the interior of your basement floor. There are many different ways to do this, including installing a sump pump or a French drainage system. If you have a basement laundry room, installing a sump pump may be a good idea. These systems prevent basement water from going outside by diverting water away from the house and putting it into the basement, or in some cases, between the house and basement.

If you decide to install a sump pump, be sure you choose one that has special holes to allow for the water flow to escape. There should be at least three points on the system where the water can be directed away from the house. After you install the sump pump, you should install a French drainage system to stop any water coming in from outside.

When you are waterproofing your basement, you will need to start by removing all the furniture, appliances, and other items that you want to protect from water damage. You should then empty your basement so that there is no accumulation of materials. This is particularly important for closets and storage areas that are below ground. Waterproofing materials such as paint, moldings, insulation, and ceiling tiles are usually the best choice to use after you rid the basement of all items. The walls and floors should also be sealed.

Finally, you should install the waterproofing system. This is done using plastic sheets and the insulating material. Make sure to choose a sump pump that is compatible with the system you have installed in the basement. If possible, it is good to test the system when you first start to use it to make sure the water is being removed properly. After the system is installed, test the water level in your basement at least twice a year. Feltch General Contracting offers a free no-obligation inspection and estimate to homeowners in Harrisburg and other homes in Pennsylvania. Call or text Shawn at 717.368.3653