Controlling Moisture in the Basement

Dealing basement moisture can be frustrating and an ongoing task. Basements are often surrounded by moist soil and despite the strong appearance of basement walls, they cannot keep out all moisture. So, how do you control moisture in the basement?

When you discover signs of excess moisture in your basement, you must first find out its source. This will help you control it. You need a form of long-term control, because once you have solved the immediate problem, new moisture will continue to make its way in slowly if the root of the problem is not addressed. There are a number of steps you can take to control basement moisture.

Cover the Sump Pump Basin

Sometimes, excess moisture in the basement comes from the sump pump pit. Though sump pumps are common, generally reliable tools for controlling moisture in basements and crawlspaces, they can sometimes create other issues. Those problems can be solved, however. If the pump’s basin is uncovered, evaporating water in it can spread moisture throughout the basement. A sump pump pit cover may help stop this. The lid should sit tightly on the sump pump pit to prevent moisture from leaking.

Repair and Insulate Basement Walls

Water will leak in anywhere there is room for it. Cracks in the basements walls, home’s foundation, and anywhere else serve as entrances for moisture, even if you cannot see them. Over time, mildew and mold may grow, and cracks may expand. The best solution is to hire a professional to help you discover these cracks and places where water is coming in. Repairing these will help control the moisture, as will installing a dehumidifier.

Find and Repair Plumbing Leaks
Leaks in your plumbing pipes are not always obvious. Sometimes, they’re small and you do not realize they are there until other signs appear. Plumbing leaks can cause moisture in the basement. They may also affect the rest of your home. If you are worried about basement moisture, it is worth having the plumbing checked and any leaks repaired. Of course, it is also worth having the plumbing checked regularly to avoid excess moisture altogether.

Moisture in the Dirt

When you have a dirt or gravel crawlspace, the natural moisture from that dirt can sometimes build enough to cause problems in the space. If your crawlspace is open to the basement, or other moist area, then that air and moisture can travel and build in the basement, too. When the moisture is enough to fill a cup, you may need a new drainage system. If it is only damp, then a liner to stop moisture may be enough. Never put a dehumidifier in a damp dirt crawlspace; it can dry out the dirt and cause problems for the soil under your home’s foundation.

These steps could help you control moisture in your basement. If you need help applying these solutions, or discovering the source of the proem and the solution, call water and drainage professionals. At Advantage Drainage, we can help. Just call us at 817-307-7776.

Why Drainage Is Of Extreme Importance

Drainage is necessary in all parts of the world even if the climate is dry or humid. Only because a nearby gutter may overflow or some other sort of plumbing issue may suddenly occur. Considering these circumstances, poor drainage system may cause hydroplaning on roadways which means that there is a possibility of lives being at risk. A poor drainage system can even cause damage to the foundation of a building or house which can also put lives at risk. Although, it is going to take a lot of time to show through but why put future descent lives at risk due to such a foolish mistake because the short term problems will show such as moss and mildew.

It is necessary to have a good drainage system because if the drainage system is not good then water is likely to overflow on the surface of the road which will affect the vehicles passing by as well as damage the road itself. A bad drainage system will flood the road and if a plausible solution is not found then the water is likely to be contaminated which will result in health risks for nearby residing people as well as property damages.

In order to make sure you have a proper sewerage system that does not ruin the structure of your home or neighboring areas for third parties, make sure you have a drainage contractor that knows your issue and helps you resolve it without any problem.  A Drainage contractor is located in the Dallas area and their coverage for drainage contractors is huge. Visit their website to find out more about the offering they have for the solution of your drainage system. With these contractors, you will never be worried about your drainage system ever again. They will not only educate you with respect to the importance of a good drainage system but will also aware you of how yours work. Every drainage system is different than the other hence; they must be treated in a customized manner. This is where such good drainage contractors show their magic. Visit their website as they even have more services that can help you with your house and engineering problems.

Here’s How You Ensure Proper Drain Maintenance

Maintaining a drain can be real hard work. What usually happens is that most french drains dallas get clogged due to the absence of regular and routine maintenance. Hence today we are going to learn how to fix and maintain your drainage.

1. Gather Your Tools

Before beginning any dallas drain cleaning, make sure you have:
•    glasses and protective gloves
•    a kettle
•    little baking soda
•    white vinegar
•    empty bottle for fat collection

2. Use Boiling Water Every Week

The easiest and most cost effective way is to pour down steaming hot boiling water down your drain this gets rid of the fat accumulation and the grease that’s building up in your drainage pipe over an extended period of time. Simply pour the boiling water down the drain and wathc the magic happen.

3. Add Baking Soda And Vinegar

If your drain needs a bit more powerful stuff and there is a ton of gunk down there you may need a bit more and that’s where the baking soda and vinegar come into play , you don't have to resort to the use of harsh chemicals in order to solve your problem. Take a small amount of baking soda and pour it down your drain. After that take some white vinegar and pour it down the drain as well. This imitates the volcanic process and the chemical reaction that comes about as a result will ensure that all of the gunk down in the drain will be flushed out.

4. Flush It Through With Hot Water
 

As the vinegar and baking soda react together, a fizzing sound will be produced. It's nothing to worry about, the reaction helps to eliminate any dirt and grime. After the mixture's been left in the drain for around ten minutes, wash it through using hot water. As I previously said the reaction will usually take care of all the grime and dirt down there and this process is one of the most effective homemade remedies to clean your drain in a jiffy.

5. Keep The Grease Out Of Your Drains
 

If you want to keep your plumbing running smoothly, repeat the steps mentioned two or three times each year. However, if you really want to have good drain maintenance, be cautious of what you put down there every time. In case the problem is to severe I would suggest you use the services of A Drainage contractor who are amongst the best when it comes to drainage maintenance. For more information on the subject check out http://www.advantagedrainage.com/.

Storm-Proofing Your Home

A little rain never hurt anyone, or their home. A lot of rain could, however. Without some preparation for a strong storm, it could damage your home, if not immediately, then in the long term. Every homeowner need to have storm water prevention solutions for the front and back of the house.

There are several approaches to solving the problems that heavy storms can cause. You can alter your landscaping, add drains and other runoff solutions, and more. Not every method is suited to every home. It all depends upon how your house and yard handles the water. Does it shower from your gutters? Does it puddle in your yard? Does it run around your foundation? Answer these questions, and then apply a solution.

Rain Garden
A rain garden is an area of growth that is strategically placed to help your yard absorb water. The plants in this garden should perform well in wet soil; when water builds during a rain, the outermost areas will drain first, but the center will remain wet. Rain gardens are not meant to redirect water, so it’s important to have a place for the water to go, or to pool. Low-maintenance, durable plants are best for these gardens-some that require very little watering between rainfall, but can still handle the excess water.

Rain Spouts

They seem like small things that may not be relevant, but rain spouts are more important than you may realize. They divert water from your home, which is one of the best steps to protecting it. They send the water runoff from your roof and gutters down and away. Not only are they incredibly useful, they’re inexpensive and easy to install.

Add Drains

Adding effective drainage is always a good idea. A drainage expert can evaluate your home and yard, and tell you what solutions are best for you. Drains can be added to numerous areas around your home. They make great additions to places that already aid water diversion. Driveways, for example, contribute to water runoff away from your house. Adding drainage to these just improves what already exists. The same can be said for walkways and similar things.

Obstructions

Sometimes items that look nice in the yard and around the home do more harm than good when it comes to rain. Take a look at the furniture, statues, and even large plants around your home. Are any of them creating blocks that stall and pool the water? The same goes for gutters. Are they clean? Check for any obstructions that might be there, even though they appear clean from a distance. To aid water flow, move any of these things.

Drainage Expert

Finally, call for help. A drainage expert can show you the best ways to storm-proof your home, and help you choose based upon your needs and your budget. To know more about drainage experts visit http://www.advantagedrainage.com/

Summer Drainage and Mosquito Control

Summer fast approaches; in many places, the heat has already begun. With the heat comes summer fun. People will begin their vacations, spend more time outside, have barbeques and pool parties, and much more. Of course, with all of the fun comes some annoyances, like mosquitoes.

Though mosquitoes are mildly present year-round in some places, they are notorious for becoming more of a nuisance in the spring and summer. They’re more than a nuisance, however; they have the potential to spread disease. Most people know this, but many don’t take enough precautions because those diseases still seem too rare to be a concern. With the appearance of the Zika virus still in recent memory, however, people are more aware.

Of the precautions people can take, dealing with moisture around the home is a significant one. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and places where soil and vegetation provide ample moisture. If your yard and landscape collect moisture, you could have a serious mosquito problem that spray simply won’t fix.

Get rid of standing water.

This can mean finding buckets and other sources of water that have been left full around your home. Empty these things. Find any leaks and drips that leave puddles and stop them. And, of course, address standing water in your yard. If your yard has standing water after the rain, or any other source, that will attract mosquitoes.

This will probably mean more work for you. You will have to determine the source of the problem. It could be improper drainage, which may mean soil adjustment, a new drainage system, and other potential solutions. You may even need to consult a professional to help you deal with the problem. Standing water in yard puts you at risk of more than mosquitoes; you could end up with damage to your home and its foundation.

Plant mosquito repelling vegetation.

If you’re inclined to take an ecological approach, you can try planting some flowers and other plants that are known to repel mosquitoes. Some possibilities are lavender, citronella, catnip, peppermint, and many more. Ask your local provider which ones work better. Most are affordable and, if you are not one for gardening, some require very little care. It’s a small step, but it could help.

Use spray and personal protection.

No one can permanently eliminate all mosquitoes; they have been on earth for millions of years and they’re simply impossible to stop entirely. So, no matter what other precautions you take, make sure that you continue to protect your skin. Use spray for your skin; there are many options, including natural and sensitive formulas. When you are able to do so without getting too hot, weather light-colored clothing that protects your arms and legs, and makes it harder to be bitten.

Even without the risk of illness, mosquitoes are a nuisance. If you have this problem and you think that water is to blame, contact drainage contractors at http://www.advantagedrainage.com/. They can help you get rid of standing water at your home and make it less inviting to mosquitoes.

When You Need Basement Waterproofing

Basements are notorious for being dark, damp, and smelly. These things may seem normal, but moisture collecting in this part of the house can be a real problem. It can lead to serious complications that hurt your bank account and health. This is where waterproofing becomes important. When the basement does not have waterproofing, or the waterproofing is insufficient, severe structural issues could be the result.

A small leak may seem like a small thing. Overall, however, it is a problem that grows and it can grow very quickly. If moisture isn’t handled immediately, it can develop quickly into much more serious problems. You may need more than waterproofing; you may need some drainage, too. So, the next time you go down to your basement, check for some clear signs that the room is in need of waterproofing.

Cracks in the Walls or Floor

Small cracks in the home are not always worth a lot of concern. However, if you have cracks in your basement, there could be water leaking through them. If there is waterproofing in your basement, cracks hinder its ability to work properly. If the damage isn’t too severe, the cracks may easy to fix. If you don’t have waterproofing already, you will certainly want to take this opportunity to invest in it.

Strange Smells

Smells can be many things. So, before you assume you have a moisture problem, try to find the source of a smell. If it’s musty, then you could have a leak, or building moisture that is causing mold growth. This is often a sign that the moisture problem has been developing for some time. You may want to have someone come check for moisture, mildew, and mold. You will definitely want to look into better waterproofing.

Mold
If you find mold in your basement, don’t wait to deal with it. Get a professional out immediately. Mold not only means you have a water problem, it could mean further damage to your home’s structure. It’s also a potential health hazard. Once you have the mold under control, you’ll need to waterproof in order to prevent it reoccurring.

Water Spots and Puddles

Water spots and puddles are some of the more obvious signs that you have a moisture problem. Dark spots could indicate water has affected the walls, floors, and ceilings. Puddles are clearly problems. These leaks could be from water seeping in from outdoors. Or, they could be from something inside your house, like appliances. Either way, not only do you need waterproofing in these cases, you need drainage. 

Of course, sometimes you may need a little help checking your basement for moisture. If you’re concerned that you have a waterproofing problem, but you’re not able to be certain of the signs, just call for some help or visit http://www.advantagedrainage.com/. They’ll take your concerns seriously; we can check your basement, address your concerns, and talk you through, drainage, waterproofing, and any solution you need.

Solving Drainage Problems Can Bring You Back to the Outdoors

Far too many homeowners have backyards which end up getting very limited use, or no use at all.  One of the big reasons why homeowners may not spend time in their back yard space is because there is water in the yard. No one wants to be in a soggy yard, and a soggy yard can cause you to be unable to use the space that you want. You should not have to live with water problems that make your back yard unusable. You need to explore different solutions to your drainage problems so you no longer have issues and so you can enjoy the outdoors once again.

How Solving Drainage Problems Can Encourage You to Use Your Back Yard

Solving drainage problems will make it far more likely that you will use your yard. There are lots of different benefits to fixing drainage problems and making your yard a usable and functional space again. Some of the examples of the benefits associated with fixing your drainage solutions include:

• The opportunity to landscape your yard. When you have standing water or other drainage problems, you cannot effectively landscape your back yard since you will have to deal with water problems. If you fix the issues with your standing water, you can plant a veggie garden or flower garden and enjoy being outdoors and looking at the fruits of your labor.
• The opportunity for your kids to play outside. When you have soggy water, you cannot enjoy having your children play outside because your yard may be too buggy due to the fact that the water is there. You could also have a difficult time putting in a swing set or a play area due to the water problems, and you could feel forced to keep your kids inside as a result of the mud in your yard. Fixing your drainage problems makes it possible to avoid these issues and let your kids enjoy nature.
• The opportunity to enjoy sitting outside. You don't want to sit outside and look at a soggy, muddy mess when you have water problems in your back yard. Not only do you have to look at the water, but the water is likely to attract mosquitos. The mosquitoes can send you running inside as you want to avoid getting bit. It is especially important not to have a water-filled and buggy back yard as there are increasing risks of diseases being spread by mosquitos. For instance, in addition to West Nile virus and heartworm for dogs, it is now also possible that there will be mosquitos in your yard that carry the Zika virus. By getting rid of the standing water, you can make your yard a less hospitable environment for bugs.

You should make sure that your drainage issues are permanently fixed in order to ensure that you can continue to use your yard once you have rediscovered the pleasures of being outdoors. Contact a professional drainage company to find solutions to your drainage concerns.