Does Your Basement Have a Proper Drainage System?

 

A basement needs a proper drainage system to make sure it is kept dry throughout the year. There’s more than one way to install a drainage system and there are also some helpful tasks which can be performed to keep water out of your home. A basement can be sealed on the outside as well as the inside via an exterior weeping tile/French drain system or an interior weeping tile system and a sump pump. In addition, the building should have the proper type of window well drainage and your gutter downspouts should direct the water away from your home’s foundation.

We have been repairing leaky basements here in Toronto for over 30 years and have seen how poor drainage can cause havoc on a home’s foundation.  Toronto in built on a series of underground waterways, couple that with the age of the homes and weather, and you have a perfect scenario for basement leaks.

 

Interior Weeping Tile System

The interior weeping tile system to is designed to stop water from seeping into the basement via cracks in the floor and cove joint, which is the joint between the floor and wall. This system is also effective for water that seeps in through porous concrete walls as well as a masonry wall which has deteriorated or cracked mortar joints. The cracks can be repaired permanently from inside the home by injecting them with an expanding polyurethane substance which seals them. This means no exterior excavating is needed.

Interior Weeping Tile System Toronto

In reality, an interior weeping system can’t waterproof a basement, but it will channel the water away so you never see it. The system is installed along the perimeter of the basement walls and it utilizes a plastic pipe with holes punched in it. The pipe is wrapped in a sheet to help keep the dirt out and is installed at a sloping angle. The weeping tile is covered with gravel and the floor is re-poured. A sump pump is installed at the end of the tile to carry water away before it can rises above the footings. If your basement is finished, the interior walls will need to be removed during installation.

 

Exterior Waterproofing and Weeping Tile Systems

Since the water is on the outside of the home, you can also waterproof a basement from the outside using an exterior weeping tile system along with applying a waterproofing membrane to the outside of your foundation walls.

Water often comes from the soil surrounding the home and enters the basement below the foundation or around it. The soil expands when it absorbs water and some types allow little drainage. The swelling and expansion of the soil can create pressure around the home’s foundation and this can basically push the water through small openings and cracks etc. This type of water seepage needs an exterior waterproofing system to remedy it. Poured concrete foundation walls can sometimes contain porous spots and over time, water can seep through them through these pores and cracks that develop over time.

 

 

When it comes to masonry walls, water can seep through weakened or badly-installed mortar joints. Concrete block and bricks can also allow seepage over time and any type of foundation wall can allow water to enter over its top edge. This is especially true if the grade of your lawn slopes toward your home. The solution to all these problems is an exterior waterproofing membrane which acts as a barrier against the water. This means the foundation will need to be excavated to the footings at the faulty wall or for the perimeter of the building. Loose mortar and soil are then cleaned from the wall and it’s prepared for the next step, which is an asphalt-modified polyurethane coating.

xterior Waterproofing job in Toronto

Once the coating has cured it will form a seamless barrier around the home’s foundation. This is designed to aid the wall’s structural integrity and keep the water at bay. In some cases, an insulating material and plastic drainage board can be installed over the membrane. The drainage board is designed to add protection to the membrane as well as channeling the water downward. The excavation is backfilled after this and the foundation will be protected against water seepage. If the ground water around the foundation is quite high then an exterior drain tile can be installed with the membrane. This will help take pressure off the walls and drain the water.

Nusite Exterior Waterproofing

The exterior drain tile is installed after  the membrane by laying washed gravel at the foot of the excavation. Perforated PVC pipe is then installed along the length of the excavation and drains water or it can be connected to a sump pump. This PVS pipe is typically enclosed in a fabric to keep any dirt out of it. The pipe is covered with more gravel and the area is then backfilled.

In essence, a French drain or curtain drain is a slightly-sloped trench which is filled with gravel as well as a pipe which diverts water away from a home. The drainage system gives water an easy channel to flow through and it drains out at a safe distance from the structure. The drain is typically about two feet deep and about 1.5 feet across.

 

Window Wells and Downspouts

Since the windows in the basement of your home are typically below ground surface, you should inspect them on a regular basis to make sure they’re not leaking any water. The windows themselves and the window wells should be checked for rotting, cracked or broken frames. In addition, you should look for clogged window well drains and cracked caulking. It’s important that the window wells drain properly so you need to keep all debris out of them whenever possible.

In addition, the downspouts of the home should be properly positioned so they can drain the water a minimum of six feet from the structure’s foundation. If the downspouts are presently draining into the sewer system they can be disconnected and aimed away from your home. You should also try to keep an eight-inch distance between the bottom of your downspout and ground level think about installing window wells. It’s important to check the downspouts for leaks and repair them as needed.

If you’re facing a leaking basement there will be a solution available which can be recommended and installed by an experienced waterproofing contractor.  Nusite has been providing residential waterproofing services for over 30 years.  We have an A+ BBB rating and are one fo the highest rated contracting companies on Homestars.  We offer a free on-site inspection and estimate in Toronto and the surrounding GTA.  Contact us today to learn more.

When You Need To Install a French Drain System

When You Need To Install a French Drain System

A French drain system can be the ideal solution for Toronto area homeowners who are dealing with a wet basement and/or soggy yard. Water naturally flows downhill and always takes the easiest route it possibly can. This concept is basically what’s behind a French drain system as it’s a trench which is sloped slightly and filled with a pipe and round gravel which diverts the water away from the building. The concept was invented by a 19th-century American named Henry French and is still an effective system today.

The French drains gives water an easy avenue to flow through. It runs into the gravel-filled trench and then flows into a perforated pipe which is sits at the bottom of the trench. The water can travel quite freely through this pipe and its emptied from the home at a safe distance. In general, the bottom of the trench should slope approximately one inch for each eight feet in the direction you’d like the water to flow. The water can then be emptied to a drainage ditch, a low-lying section of the property, the street or a dry well etc.

Soggy Property
Those who are dealing with surface water and soggy areas of their property can benefit from a French drain system as can those who suffer from wet basements. When it comes to soggy areas, the French drain, which is also known as a curtain drain, runs horizontally across the property and uphill from the area which you’d like to dry out. The drain doesn’t necessarily need to be deep as most of them are about two feet in depth and approximately 1.5 feet across. If the drain has to pass through treed areas or shrubbery a solid pipe can be used to make sure roots don’t grow into it and clog it.

Wet Basement
With a wet basement, a deep French drain is a good option. This system is also known as a footing drain. It is located at footing level and runs around the home’s perimeter. This enables it to catch the water before it’s able to flow into the basement. These systems are easy to install during the construction of a building, but can also be added later if necessary. If the basement is tall then the foundation footing may be quite a few feet down. In some instances, landscaping, walkways and decks may have to be taken out to install the drain. If there isn’t enough slope for the system to be effective the water may need to be sent via a sump pump to the storm drain system.

French Drain System

Interior French Drain
The interior French drain is designed to intercept the water as flows into the basement and is considered the best option when it comes to a dry basement. If the basement is finished though it means the interior walls will need to be moved before the system can be installed. A channel is cut around the basement floor’s perimeter and the concrete is chipped out. Perforated pipe is then installed all the way around. This sends the water to a collection tank which is sunk into the floor and it’s sent to a storm drain or the yard by a sump pump. The channel contains a thin concrete layer except at the edge and this catches water which may dribble down the wall.

If you’re interested in learning more about French drain systems please contact our team of professionals at Nusite. We’ll be glad to answer all of your questions and schedule a house call to discuss your unique situation. A French drain may be just the thing you’re looking for if you basement is continually wet or your property consists of soggy areas which won’t dry out.

The Most Common Type of Basement Leak

leaking basement Toronto where basement floor meets wall

Water leaking through top of foundation wall

As a waterproofing contractor here in Toronto, I’m often asked what is the most common cause of a leaking basement. But first, I want you to conduct a small experiment for me.

Take a used tin can (baked beans, peas, whatever) and remove the bottom end. Then, place the open-ended can in a cooking pot that’s a little taller than it. Hold it down as you slowly fill the pot with water to just below the top end of the can. While you watch:

  • Water seeps into the can past the bottom end
  • The rate increases as the outside water-level rises
  • Finally, the water levels are the same on the inside and the outside

Two things are relevant here. First, there was no seal between the bottom of the tin can and the cooking pot. Secondly, the water found a way inside the can because of what’s called hydrostatic pressure.

Basement Basics

A basement is comprised of two separate structures which are by definition underground. These are:

  • A concrete floor set in an excavated space (the “cooking pot”)
  • A rectangle of four walls standing on it  (the “tin can”)

If you were to fill the excavated space with water, this would place hydrostatic pressure on the structure. In turn, this would seek relief by entering the basement through the concrete floor and walls. These may be well waterproofed; however, as the structure settles, the joint between them weakens and gives way to water pressure.

And that, my friend, is the most common cause of leaking basements. In fact, it’s almost built into the basic design. Just like your camping tent in a storm, the leak is usually at the seam.

 

Interior weeping tile system image

Interior Weeping Tile System

How to Avoid the Problem

Do you remember how the flow of water into the tin can increase as the water level rose? The same is equally true of a leaky basement. The correct solution is installing an outside drain at floor level. This leads the underground water away as it arrives, so it never builds up enough pressure to become a problem.

In the basement water-proofing industry we call this a weeping tile or french drain system. They’re simple to install during initial construction, but a messy job to repair and install after construction. Getting a certified and insured waterproofing contractor is important if you think you may need this type of work.

Basement First-Aid

In my decades in the basement repair business, I’ve come across countless botched repair jobs involving water-proofing interior basement walls. While waterproofing your foundation can be effective if done properly, if there is an outside water source placing constant pressure on your foundation, it probably won’t last. The hydrostatic pressure invariably dislodges the material, especially since the area was inevitably damp when the seal was applied.

The only solution that’s effective is an interior water-catchment system that feeds a sump pump to an outside drainage point. It’s expensive though. However, it’s also better than abandoning a working basement, which could otherwise add good value to your home.

How Does Water Get Into My Basement?

Why Water Leaks In Toronto Basement

Moisture in the basement can be a real pain. At the very least, it can result in mold-related problems. At the worst, it can ruin the contents of your basement, including the carpets and any fabrics on your walls or ceiling and lead to long-term foundation damage.  In between these outcomes are issues like health considerations, and your basement becoming downright uninhabitable. Most homes in Toronto do not have basements meant for living space, though many people use them this way due to rising real estate prices and land scarcity.

The solution is knowing what to look for when it comes to water leaks, and what to do about it when you find it.

Plumbing Problems

Water heaters and washing machines bring water down into the basement. This is fine, until they – or the pipes themselves – spring leaks. This often happens when they start pumping after a dormant period during which something may have settled. Make a habit of checking the floor for water regularly, and, if you find it, to discover where it’s coming from.  If pipes are hidden behind drywall, look for signs of water damage and check the base of the wall to look for wet or crmbling drywall.

water leaking through basement walll

Water Leaking Through Basement Wall

Natural Water Intrusion

The rest of your basement water problems will likely come from intrusion of natural water from outside the basement space itself – unless it is dripping through the ceiling slab from the house above. Think logically about where it could be coming from.

  • Hairline Plaster Cracks may admit moisture that has penetrated through the bricks against the excavation, and generally show as a little water running down and marking the wall. This is usually the only source of natural water that you can stop effectively by scraping out the gaps, and backfilling with a proprietary waterproofing sealer.  If the leak is very small and not expanding, this method may work.  If it is a progressive water leak and causing ongoing foundation erosion, then the source of the water leak will need to be addressed or else you may face foundation issues later on the down the line along with a more expensive waterproofing solution.

 

  • The joint between the walls and floor is an obvious space to start looking, because builders construct them in two phases, and a tiny crack can develop between them as the building settles. The only workable solution is to chop up the edge of the floor, construct a french drain to lead the water to a sump pump, and cover neatly over again.  This type of interior waterproofing (actually water management) is called a weeping tile system.  Interior waterproofing solutions are good options when exterior waterproofing is not an option due to accessibility, foundation concerns and cost.

 

  • Water swelling through the floor slab manifests itself in the form of damp spots or worse puddles. Again, the only solution is to lay a line to lead it to a pump (weeping tile system). Usually for type of water leak, general waterproofing procedures won’t work, you’ll have to channel that water away from your basement. Water welling upwards under pressure will eventually find a way through anything, and you will be right back to square one again.  A good water management strategy is essential if you hope to use your basement for living space or at the very least, avoid mold issues.

 

  • Outside doors and ground-level hatches present a raft of different problems, all of which are curable if you do it properly. The only effective way is to raise the door lintel above the ground, or to set the hatchway on a masonry box high enough to keep the water out. Anything else, again, is bound to fail eventually as it will always be fighting water trying to find its way in, better to just get the entry points out of the way of the water.

 

  • Windows set in outside basement walls should be as waterproofed as those in the house itself – and provide equally trouble-free service. Window wells are actually one fo the most common sources of water leaks in a basement, usually due to age and lack of maintenance. If they are leaking, the correct solution is to rip them out and replace them with an energy efficient alternative. Mucking around with silicone seal is usually a waste of time if the window needs repair along with the drainage system built around it.
water leaking through basement floor

Water Leaking Through Basement Floor

Staying Out of Trouble

If we did no maintenance on our houses, then the roofs and walls would eventually start admitting water.  Foundations age, settle and start to compromise over time, and if you have water trying to get in, becomes a problem for the homeowner.  That they do not, is proof that prevention’s better than cure. Do not neglect your basement as half of homeowners do, and put up with potentially harmful water intrusion and health concerns.  Inspect it regularly.

Nusite Waterproofing has been serving Toronto and the surrounding GTA for over 30 years.  We are experts in basement waterproofing and foundation repairs.  We offer a free in-home inspection and written estimate and can help you find all of the water entry points in your home.  Contact us today to schedule your free inspection.

Installing an Interior Weeping Tile System

There’s inevitably water in the ground around a basement, and, because cement-based walls and floors are porous, water will seep through them if it can go nowhere else. This water could be from rain filtering downwards, groundwater seeping horizontally through the strata, or a water table pressing upwards.

Here in Toronto, many basements have chronic water problems and there are several solutions to cure the condition, depending on the type of water problem present.  While we usually recommend an exterior approach to waterproofing, sometimes that is not an option.  In that situation, installing an interior weeping tile system in your basement can be a safe and proven alternative.

When this water comes up against a basement wall or floor, it applies hydrostatic pressure that can be surprisingly powerful. If it can’t find a way through, it pools against the outside bottom of the basement walls, and gradually saturates the inside surface if there’s nowhere else to go.  While an interior weeping tile system will not waterproof your basement, will will effectively manage the water entering your basement and channel it away so you never see it.

Exterior Weeping Tilesinstalling interior weeping tile

The traditional method of preventing this is to install a drainage system along the outside bottom of the basement walls. These days this comprises of a plastic pipe typically 40mm in diameter and with holes punched into it along the length. This is wrapped in a water-permeable sheet to keep the dirt out, and then buried at a gently sloping angle leading to a discharge point.

Unfortunately these “weeping tiles” as they are called (the name’s a reference to past building practice) may become clogged as time passes. When that happens, the ground water switches to “Plan B” – that is, it accumulates until the hydrostatic pressure is high enough to find a way into the basement.

What to Do About the Water

Gravel to fill in weeping tile system in Toronto home

You cannot keep water back from the inside of a basement, at least not permanently. This means you either have to excavate, and replace the failed exterior weeping tiles or you have to allow the water to seep through, and then remove it continuously. Canadian homeowners often view the latter as the better of two evils. That’s okay, as long as you’re not using your basement as a living space.

This is obviously not an ideal solution. In fact we recommend you replace the outside system if all possible. Unfortunately, sometimes accessing the outside perimeter of a basement isn’t possible, that’s when an interior weeping tile system comes into play. Installing an interior weeping tile system isn’t a DIY project, as you can see from the steps below.

STEP 1: Break out a trench all around the room. This needs to be around eighteen inches from the walls, and to bottom out below the footings.
STEP 2: Lay in the weeping tile as we described, cover it with gravel and re-pour the floor

STEP 3: Create a sump at the bottom end of the run of weeping tile, and install an automatic electric sump pump to carry the water away before it overflows. Fit a lid so it looks a tidier.

 

How It Works

Finished weeping tile system in Toronto basement

Water always gravitates down to the lowest point. The weeping tiles attract it like a magnet. It’s taken away before it rises to above the footings. The result’s a perfectly dry basement inside, provided you hired a professional who’s registered, and knows what they are doing. While installing an interior weeping tile system is not the ideal solution for a dry basement, it’s great alternative when an exterior system is not available.

If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA and have questions about installing an interior weeping tile system, you can contact Nusite waterproofing today.  We offer a free in-home estimate and inspection of your basement and will work with you to choose the best waterproofing solution for your home and your budget.

My Finished Basement is Leaking

Do you have a finished basement showing signs of a water leak?  The last things you want to see in your finished basement are small signs of a leak, such as a couple of wet spots on your carpet and/or water stains on the wall.

Signs of leakage are harder to spot in a rec-room compared to an unfinished basement. This is because any cracks in the floors and walls of unfinished rooms can usually be seen by the naked eye and any dampness and/or water is also easier to detect. It’s certainly harder to spot these things if the basement is finished with, carpeting, drop ceilings, paneling or drywall etc. as the leaks can be occurring underneath or behind these finishing surfaces. In addition, if you do find evidence of a leak, the location of the water buildup could be quite a distance from the source of the leak.

Custom Finished Basement Water Leak

How to find a basement water leak

A non-structural wall crack is the most typical cause of a poured-concrete basement leak. If you believe you have a leak the first thing you should be looking for is a crack in a wall. Make a note of where the water is located and then head outside to that section of your house’s foundation. Have a look above the ground to see if you can spot a crack in it. If the top of the foundation is hid under soil be sure to dig the dirt away. If there’s a crack in the foundation you should be able to spot it from outside of the home. Most cracks are usually narrow and vertical and less than 1/8 of an inch.

If you find a crack there’s a good chance there will be more than one. Keep looking to see if you can locate any more, but be aware that vertical form lines can be often be molded into the concrete. These lines can be formed from the original wood used when the home’s foundation was originally poured. These lines are just superficial and aren’t cracks. If you’re certain your basement is leaking, but can’t find any evidence of cracks then you should seriously think about calling in a professional waterproofing company and have them inspect the situation.

Have a contractor investigate

A professional waterproofing contractor will know exactly where to look for the source of water and how to test for it. If the water is coming through a crack in the wall of your finished basement the good news is you don’t need to tear the drywall down to repair it. The cracks can be repaired on the exterior permanently and effectively with the use of sodium bentonite clay. A typical crack can be fixed quite quickly and without much of a disruption to your rec-room.

You can also effectively waterproof your basement with other types of exterior techniques such as exterior exterior tile and waterproofing membranes. These will help protect your home from several water sources and costly repairs. This is another job you may want to assign to a professional contracting company since they know precisely what they’re doing and how to complete it cost-effectively, quickly, and permanently. You can always try it on your own, but if you don’t do it properly it could result in greater water damage and more expensive repairs in the long run. In addition, most contractors will inspect your home free of charge and give you their professional advice.

If there is a crack and it has been repaired a contractor will give you advice on how to keep water away from the home’s foundation to prevent any further damage. This can often be done quickly and inexpensively by installing a drainage system, extending drain spouts, and/or altering the landscaping grade around the home.

Do you live in Toronto or the GTA?  Nusite can help you find your water leak.  We provide a free in-home inspection and estimate and can help you solve your basement water leak troubles.  Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.

 

Fixes For Wet Basement Problems

With the harsh winter we had here in Toronto, the Spring melt is looking to be a big one and create a lot of wet basements an the GTA.  The busiest season for a waterproofing company is in the Spring when two things happens – The snow starts to melt and the Spring rains come.

So with all of this water trying to get into your basement, how do you fix some of those wet basement problems?

 

Get Your Mold Prone Valuables Out Of The Basement

Your floors, carpets, walls, furniture and irreplaceable storage items can easily be damaged due to water in your basement and it could result in mold pretty quickly. If you’ve experienced a flooded basement it’s important to determine if it’s just a one-time occurrence or if it’s something that may happen again. You’ll need to decide if you can leave your belongings downstairs once the water has been removed or if you better transfer everything upstairs where it’s safe and dry.

To do this you’ll need to investigate the situation and determine where the water came from and how it entered the basement. If there isn’t any noticeable flooding in your neighbourhood there may be other possible reasons for the water problem.

It could be surface water which is running down your foundation walls or it may be groundwater that has saturated into the soil and is being forced into your basement via hydrostatic pressure. In addition, water from storm sewers may back up and place water in the perimeter foundation drain, which can then leak into your basement. Another cause could be sanitary-sewer water which enters your home due to a clog in the municipal sewer line or the home’s sewer line. This could result in sewer water entering the home through lower-level floor and sink drains.

Each of these causes requires a different solution.  For some minor issues you may be able to fix it yourself, but for others you may need to enlist the help of a professional waterproofing company to diagnose the problem and fix it permanently.

Check for Surface Water

If this is the first time your basement has flooded you should look for surface water which could be draining down next to the home’s foundation. If the water is coming in at the exterior foundation only or in just one location then the problems are being caused by surface water. You may notice your gutters are filled with leaves or are overflowing and this is why it’s important to keep them as clean as possible. You can check for problems by checking the gutters after heavy rainfall of about 15 minutes. If the gutters are overflowing then there’s a problem somewhere along the line. The overflow of water can run down to the foundations or erode the soil and may crack the ceilings and/or walls. The best solution for this is to add another downspout which can back up the original downspout if it’s blocked.

If you can’t locate any surface water then the likely source is subsurface groundwater which is under hydrostatic pressure. If the groundwater rises above the floor then the basement can allow water in through holes and cracks. Regardless of where the water is coming from, the best way to control the problem is to install a form of perimeter drain system which can relieve the hydrostatic pressure. The groundwater will be forced into the drain system and into a sump pit which allows a sump pump to discharge it.

Distance of Downspouts

The recommended extension of a downspout is a minimum 10 feet from the home as this will disperse the water far enough from the foundation. Make sure paving doesn’t slope towards the home and if it does, it should be replaced so it slopes away from the house and make sure the pavement is properly sealed. The land surrounding your home should also slope away from it so water drains away. If there are hills which slope towards the home it’s a good idea to contact a waterproofing business. Also, be sure you don’t place any lawn irrigation systems next to your home if possible and don’t activate it if there has already been enough rainfall.

Sewer System

If there’s too much rainwater in a sewer system it can flow back into your home. This can usually be solved by an interior perimeter basement drain system which is then connected to a sump pump. If this doesn’t work it’s recommended that you get help from a professional waterproofing firm.

Sanitary-Sewer Water

If water is entering the home through sink and/or floor drains it could be coming from the city’s sanitary sewer system. The system is often overwhelmed during rain storms and it can back up into your home. In addition, a sewer backup may be caused by an individual service line which is plugged with debris. Since this is hard to control it could be a health hazard if waste enters your home. To make sure your individual lines remain clear a backflow preventer can be installed to make sure sewer water doesn’t flow into your home.

A flooded basement can range anywhere between a minor aggravation and a major problem. If you think you need to have a professional waterproofing company investigate your wet basement issues, contact us here for a free estimate and inspection.  We service Toronto and the surrounding GTA.

Melting Snow Is Causing Leaks In My Basement

Frozen gutters in Toronto home that is meltingToronto definitely gets its fair share of snowfall during the winter months and it can sometimes cause an even bigger problem in the spring when it thaws. There’s no doubt that heavy rains can cause a basement to flood and unfortunately so can melting snow.

One of the keys to keeping rain and melting snow out of your basement is making sure your roof gutters are clean and the downspouts are extended away from the house. In addition, it’s a good idea to landscape your yard so there’s a grading which allows water to run away from the home. If there’s a grade towards the house the water is going to flow that way and it can leak into the home.

Snow Melts Even During Winter

Homeowners need to be aware that snow can also melt in the middle of a Toronto winter if the temperature is warm enough. It doesn’t necessarily happen in the springtime only. When snow thaws in the winter the frozen surface ground can sometimes make the problem worse. Regardless of when the snow melts, the water has to find somewhere to go and you need to make sure that place isn’t your basement. Experts have calculated that 10 inches of powdery snow produces about an inch of water when it melts. However, more water will result from wetter and heavier snow.

Melting Snow Produces alot Of Water

When we do the math we can see that an inch of water over 1,000 square feet is equal to 600 gallons. This means there may be several thousand gallons of water around your home when the snow melts. When the weather is warmer and the soil has thawed most of the water will soak into it. This isn’t the greatest situation either, but it’s better than having the water on top of a frozen surface looking for somewhere else to go. Typically, some of the water will eventually travel along the foundation walls of your home and end up in the basement.

House with melting snow on roof in Toronto

Water can seep into the cellar through non-structural cracks that can be found in concrete walls as well as via any deteriorated mortar joints that are present in masonry walls.  In addition, water could leak into the house through window wells that have been poorly fitted and any utility openings that aren’t properly sealed. If the soil has thawed and water penetrates into it far enough, it can enter the home through the cove joint and/or cracks in the floor.

Diverting water away from the foundation of your house is the best way to reduce the chance of a leaking basement,  But if you have a compromised foundation, water leaks may be inevitable.

After proper water management, the best way to keep melting snow and rain out of your basement is to locate a local waterproofing contractor. It’s always better to waterproof the basement before it floods and a good contractor can help prevent it from happening in the future. At Nusite Waterproofing we’ve been servicing both residential and commercial buildings in the Toronto area for well over a combined 50 years. If you’ve experienced a flooded or leaky basement in the past or want to protect yourself from it happening in the future, feel free to contact us for a free estimate and advice.

There are several other ways water can enter the basement and we’ll make sure you’re aware of these. For example, if you have a sump pump the discharge lines could be frozen or blocked at the exit point. Also, window well drains could become clogged and this results in pools of water outside your basement windows. However, with the proper precautions we can help you avoid any water damage to your home.  Be aware that any type of basement flooding in normal circumstances will be much worse during a heavy rainfall and spring thaw.

How To Keep Your Basement Dry During The Spring Thaw

Spring thaw in TorontoMost people welcome the spring with open arms following a long, hard Toronto winter, but they need to be wary of the damage a spring thaw can cause.

Once the snow and ice begins to melt it can result in a flooded basement if you don’t take the proper precautions.

The following tips are designed to help keep your basement dry during the spring thaw.

1-Clean the rain gutters
It’s a good idea to clean your rain gutters at least twice a year. This is especially important after the leaves have fallen from the trees in the autumn. Check to make sure the gutters are free of debris, don’t overflow, and aren’t leaking. All of the gutter connections should be watertight and the system should divert rainfall and melting snow/ice away from your home. One of the best ways to keep debris and leaves out of the gutters is to install guards.

2-Extend the downspouts
The downspouts need to be aimed between 10 and 20 feet past your home’s foundation. If possible, it’s a good idea to direct them towards sloping land so the water can flow away from your basement. Try not to bury downspout extensions or to connect them to a drywell. You’ll find that drywells can retain a specific amount of water before they start to back up. If this happens the gutters could split and the water will end up close to your home. If you decide to run the extension pipes below the ground be sure to check them regularly so you know they’re properly draining.

3-Landscaping
If your property slopes towards your home the surface water will naturally run in that direction. If this is the case you may want to do some landscaping to direct the water away from the home. A good landscaper should be able to help you out with this. In addition, don’t pile snow close to your home during the winter. You don’t want it melting near the foundation when it melts.

4-Use a dehumidifier
A humidifier is designed to control the level of humidity in your basement and it should help stop excessive moisture from creating any problems such as musty odours, sweating pipes, mold, and rusting. If your dehumidifier has a deicer and a built-in drain hose the deicer will prevent the unit from freezing and the drain hose will empty it. You should also keep your basement windows and doors closed all year round since humidity can creep in the room if they’re left open. Warm, humid air will cause condensation if it comes in contact with cooler floors and walls and that could lead to moisture-related problems.

5-Check your pipes
Make sure that your home’s plumbing system is in good working order since they could freeze and burst during cold temperatures. You also want to be sure there are no leaks in the system since they can result in water damage. It’s a good idea to have a waterproofing professional inspect your basement to make sure that it’s waterproofed as good as possible. Ann inspector will be able to make sure that large amounts of water won’t be able to find its way into your basement.

If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA and have a leaky basement problem, contact Nusite Waterproofing today for a free in-home inspection and estimate.

Review of Liberty Pump Model 441

liberty-sump-pump-441The best way to get rid of any excess groundwater or rainwater from your home, office or any other property or area is to use a sump pump. This type of pump sits inside of a basin, which is also referred to as a sump and it’s designed to collect excess water that collects in your basement.

Of course, if you’re ever unfortunate enough to have a flooded basement you’ll need to pump the water out as soon as possible to limit the amount of damage done to your property and/or its contents. Since the pump’s sump basin can overflow if it’s not being pumped out constantly it’s essential to have a backup system in place if the main power should happen to go out or the primary pump fails.

If the pump does fail then a battery-powered backup pump will take over automatically, allowing you to remove the water from a flooded basement as quickly as you can.

If you’re searching for a an emergency sump pump system with a battery backup then you may want to check out the Liberty 441 model.

The Liberty Model 441 backup sump pump is designed to be used in combination with a primary 120-volt sump pump, operates via a 12-volt DC battery, and can adapt to a 1 and 1/2 or a 1 and 1/4 discharge. If the power goes out due to water damage, a severe storm or any other reason, you’ll be able to use this pump because it’s powered by a recommended Type M27 marine-grade deep-cycle battery. The 12-volt high-output pump comes with an advanced five-stage charging system plumbing connections, a battery box and strap, and a terminal block that’s simple to connect, but the battery needs to be obtained separately.

liberty-sump-pump-diagram

The Liberty 411 backup submersible sump pump also comes with a 12-volt charger, control panel, an automatic mercury-free switch, tee, check valve and bushings for 1 and ¼ and 1 and ½ connections, and audible light and alarm, and an automatic startup system.

The advanced five-stage charging system will test the battery while maintaining the maximum charge without running it down. The state-of-the art charging algorithm is designed to continuously test the unit’s charging process from the start to finish.

The specifications for the charger are INPUT: 120Vac, 0.19Aac, 60Hz and OUTPUT: 12Vdc, 900mA

Five Charging Stages:

1-This is known as the pre-qualification test and it utilizes a flashing yellow LED light. This stage actually consists of three different tests to the battery. If a fault is discovered in the system then any further charging will be prohibited. The length of this stage depends on the condition of the battery and it typically takes anywhere from 40 seconds up to two hours.

2-The second stage is known as the constant-current charge and it sees the yellow LED light stay on continuously when the battery is being charged at the full output.

3-The yellow LED light stays on in this stage, which is the constant-voltage charge. However, once the light goes out it means the battery has been fully charged.

4-The fourth stage is known as the float charge and a green LED light will come on. The charger will maintain the battery charge while you connect A.C. power. The power can be left connected for an indefinite period of time and only the service life of the battery can limit it.

5- The fifth and last stage is known as the recycle charge. During this stage a new charging cycle will begin every 84 days as long as the battery is connected to the charger.

liberty-sump-pump-performance

The system features a 150-hour safety timer. A fault will be displayed if the system times out and the charging process will be halted to protect the equipment. There’s also a short circuit and reverse-battery protection system and if there’s an emergency you’ll see an alarm light and be notified audibly as well. The unit’s slip-on connectors and terminal block make for easy wiring and the float switch is fully assembled. If the pump is operated continuously the battery will hold a charge for up to four hours and if the pump head’s used intermittently the battery can last up to 30 hours.

Have a question about backup power for your sump pump?  Contact Nusite today, we offer free in-home inspections and estimates in Toronto and across the GTA.