The temperature is rising, and summer is on the way. Spring is a great time to refresh your home, do some spring cleaning – and it’s also a great time to do some basement maintenance to help keep your basement dry all year-round.

Check your seals

Areas that provide potential access for water into your home, such as vents and pipes that lead outside, should be properly sealed with a waterproof sealant such as caulk. These sealants do a great job, but it’s important to check them periodically for any cracks or damage to the sealant and to repair or reseal these if needed.

Check your sump pump

If you live in a flood-prone area or your home is below the water table, a sump pump is essential to keep your basement dry. Many homes even have a back-up sump pump, so regular inspections and maintenance are needed to ensure that the sump pumps can do their job unhindered.

Sump pumps can become blocked due to debris, so check them regularly and remove any visible debris. Check the pump for any signs of wear and tear, and replace or repair it as soon as you spot a potential issue.

Test your sump pump by pouring some water into the well. As the water fills the well, the sump pump should turn itself on, clear the water and stop automatically. If this doesn’t happen, call in specialist basement waterproofing experts to help repair or replace the faulty sump pump.

Check your gutters

Debris like leaves and twigs can build up in your gutters and prevent the water from draining away properly. As puddles form, that water tries to escape, and if there’s a way into your basement, it will find it!

Clearing out the gutters regularly means that the water can drain easily and keep flowing away from your home.

Check your dehumidifier

High humidity in your home can cause a multitude of issues, and a dehumidifier is essential for maintaining a healthy level of humidity in your home. Keeping a relative humidity level between 45% and 50% can help avoid issues with mold growth and musty smells in your basement. In order to make sure that your dehumidifier is working correctly, have it regularly maintained by an HVAC professional.

Check for wall cracks

Just like the caulk sealant, if there are cracks in your basement walls or floor, water may eventually start to seep through. Wall cracks are usually found at the very top or bottom of the wall. The cracks could be tiny, so it’s crucial to inspect the wall carefully.  A flashlight can help you spot them if the lighting in your basement is weak.

Even a tiny crack can let in a lot of water and is likely to grow over time. Spotting these cracks early and repairing them will help prevent them from becoming worse and allowing unwanted water into your home.
Completing this Spring maintenance routine means that you can enjoy the season knowing that your basement should remain mold and leak-free for Spring.

With over 30 years of basement waterproofing experience, Affordable Waterproofing pride ourselves on supplying the best basement waterproofing system installation, mold removal, and foundation and structural repairs around. We back all of our services with a watertight guarantee and unparalleled customer service.