Should I call Waterman if I discover my basement is wet?

Basements are typically ideal places for moisture to occur, but that does not mean it is supposed to be there. Finding a wet basement in the Hamilton area is not uncommon as basement themselves are very prevalent in the city and climate conditions make the condensation of water in these underground spaces a pretty standard occurrence. Should you find moisture in your basement it would be wise to call a professional plumbing service like Waterman as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew from growing. The presence of moisture will also cause the foundation walls to break down overtime which negatively impacts the value of the home.

How does moisture enter the basement?

Hamilton is a city that sees warm summer months and bitterly cold winter ones. When the basement temperature is cooler than that of the above ground air and home, condensation will usually form due to the humidity. This buildup of moisture can be so heavy that it actually drips from the walls and ceiling. There is also a moisture entry point along the rim joist that separates the above ground portion of your home from the basement and it is sealed along the perimeter of the home. Over time ground shifts and home settling can cause a gap in the rim joist that allows warm air and precipitation to enter the basement. This is an excellent point for you to discuss with Waterman or any plumber you call, because most will provide a service for resealing the rim joist. This act of ground shifting also creates cracks in the foundation floors and walls which can allow moisture to seep in during heavy rains or when the foundation faces the runoff from snow at the end of the winter season.

What tools does Waterman use to detect moisture?

After you’ve looked over the basement thoroughly and failed to find any water but have noticed signs of moisture such as high humidity, peeling paint, warping drywall…etc. it is time to bring in a professional with tools that allow them to see beyond the first line of defense. Waterman is one such plumber that uses a moisture meter to provide feedback on moisture levels in wood, drywall, paneling, carpet and sub-flooring to name a few. The handheld device works by sticking two metal prongs into the surface you are checking and the meter will revert with the percentage of moisture within. Should you find the percentage to be above standard humidity of 55%, the area will need to be investigated to find out where the excess moisture is entering.

Overall you should seek a professional plumbing service like Waterman if you find water or signs of heavy moisture in your basement. The sooner you resolve the issue, the less damage the moisture can do and this will save you some money down the road. Broken pipes and bad grading can also contribute to a wet basement in Hamilton and should you come across any of these issues, a large scale remodel or repair may be in order. Some Hamilton homeowners can reduce their basement humidity levels by bringing in some dehumidifiers, but these can be a drain on your electrical services. It is best to leave wet basements to the professionals if possible.