When building a part of the home below ground level, such as a basement, it is prone to accumulate water. Of all the variety of things you can hold in your basement, one thing you don’t want is standing water. Without a properly waterproofed basement, rain and groundwater can begin to collect. You may notice small puddles on the floor, moist walls, or dripping ceilings. In the Ark-La-Tex region, hurricane season brings plenty of rain and with that, the potential for flooding. Our professionals at Level Home Foundation Repair have seen firsthand the damage that these rainy seasons can have on a home’s basement. In this post, we’ll provide you with steps for how to waterproof your basement.

What Are The Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing?

Before we teach you how to waterproof your basement, you should be aware of the signs that your basement needs waterproofing. As a precaution, you should waterproof your basement regardless. No matter the circumstance, all basements are susceptible to water accumulation. But there are some telltale signs that it is especially urgent for you or a professional to do so.

One very telling sign that your basement needs waterproofing is if you notice the growth of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew is generally caused by moisture in the air. If left unaddressed, it can become a serious health risk for anyone living in the house.

Another sign that your walls need waterproofing is if the paint on them is peeling off. This also indicates a dampness in the walls of your basement. Leaking walls and ceilings also tell of water damage to your basement. Damp spots and condensation may appear in either area. This may be a result of water seeping in through the soil surrounding the basement walls. It may also be a result of leaking pipes within the walls.

Another effect of leaks may be dry rot on wooden surfaces in your basement. This decay generally appears as a blackish-brown fungus and can cause wood to deteriorate, crack, or powder.

Finally, one of the more obvious signs that your basement needs waterproofing is finding standing pools of water. If you live in an area that receives regular flooding, water may be seeping into the structure of your home. Old pipe systems, water pressure variances, and loose pipe fittings might also contribute to a flooded basement. This can lead to significant damage if left unattended.

How To Waterproof Basement

If you notice any of the above signs in your basement, you need to act quick. Your basement could lack a watertight seal, causing water to build up in the floor, walls, windows, or doors. This can lead to more than just foundation damage. In addition to mold and dry rot, standing water can bring stale odors as well as damage any furniture or belongings kept in the basement.

Foundation repair for water damage is best left to the professionals. However, there are some things you can do to prevent damage in the first place. We’ll break down how to waterproof your basement below.

Dehumidifying

Purchasing a high-quality humidifier can help remove excess humidity and moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers cut down condensation in the air before it’s able to dampen and cause damage to its surroundings.

If you do choose to use a humidifier, remember that the catch basins must get emptied on a regular basis. Although, there are several kinds that can fit to a hose and then empty autonomously into a floor drain or tub. That way, it eliminates any work on your end. You just let the dehumidifier suck up the moisture and deposit the waste on its own.

Waterproofing Carpeted Materials

If you have ever smelled a waterlogged carpet, you know it’s not a pleasant smell. Carpeted surfaces don’t mix well with moist environments, as it can bring a mildew-y smell that’s hard to get rid of. However, there are such things as waterproofed carpets. These carpets are beneficial for areas that trap a lot of moisture and condensation.

There are also water-resistant carpet pads that can help with waterproofing. By installing these pads between your carpet and the floor of the basement, you can create a buffer that catches water.

Sealant

Applying waterproof sealant to the floor and walls of your basement can also help reduce the potential for water damage. If you notice cracks in the brick or concrete of your walls, try sealing the cracks with hydraulic cement. After that has dried, coat the area in waterproofing paint.

In the event that the paint begins to peel off, this may be an indication that there is a leak beneath. Identify this leak first. Then refill the surface with hydraulic cement or another sealant before reapplying the paint. If the paint continues to peel, call a professional to investigate the source of the leak.

Separate Wood and Water

As mentioned before, dry rot can occur on wooden surfaces left exposed to excess moisture or condensation. This includes any wooden support beams or floorboards that may be in your basement.

There is not much you can do about wooden surfaces that are already built into your foundation. The best solution to avoid dry rot is to make sure there are no leaking pipes near the wooden surfaces. You should also separate wood from any soil surrounding the foundation, as soil tends to collect a lot of moisture.

Exterior Check

As important as it is to maintain the interior of your home to prevent water damage, it is also important to maintain the exterior. A cracked foundation or malfunctioning gutters and downspouts could cause issues for both the interior and exterior of your home. It is never a good sign if rainwater is flowing straight toward your foundation or finding its way in through cracks and crevices. Check your home’s foundation regularly for anything that may contribute to internal damage.

Call a Professional

These are all good steps to follow to protect your basement and home. Yet, there may be unforeseeable factors that are causing water damage. Many times, addressing these issues requires more than just a look around. It requires professional equipment and the knowledge and skill of a professional. If you need help waterproofing your basement or assessing damage already done, call a professional near you.

Level Home Foundation Repair Has The Experience You Need

One of the first steps in protecting your home from water damage is to make sure your basement is properly waterproofed. The safety of your home, belongings, and loved ones relies on it. Our experts at Level Home Foundation Repair have the passion, knowledge and experience you need. We’ll ensure that your basement is safe from flooding, mold, dry rot, and any other damage that unwanted water can cause. Visit our website or call us at 318-523-1526 for the quickest and most affordable foundation repair in the Ark-La-Tex.

You should never underestimate the need for foundation repair. You depend on your home to keep you safe, and your home depends on its foundation to keep it standing. Failing to care for your home is like failing to care for your own body. If you turn a blind eye to the problems, they’ll only get worse. That is why it is so important to keep up with repairing your home’s foundation. In this post, we’ll answer all your questions, including what the average cost of foundation repair is. We’ll also touch more on its importance and what types of repairs are available to you.

Read further to learn more information from the experts at Level Home Foundation Repair.

What Is Foundation Repair?

First, we’ll get down to the basics. Foundation repair refers to fixing the structure that holds up your house. Every house must have a foundation beneath it. Without a proper foundation, your house would collapse under the weight. It’s also needed to provide a layer of protection between the bare ground and the wooden material in your home. Otherwise, your house would most likely rot from the ground up.

In most homes, the foundation is concrete. Depending on your home’s location and time of construction, it could also be lumber, stone, on brick.

The majority of foundations are on a raised perimeter, while some are on a flat slab of concrete. The type of material used affects the average cost of foundation repair for your home.

Over time, these materials may develop cracks or splits that could lead to damage to your home. Foundation repair fixes these breaches before they turn into something more damaging.

Why Do I Need To Repair My Home’s Foundation?

When a house is first constructed, it’s expected to adapt to the environment it was built upon. This means the house will settle over time naturally. It is nothing to worry about right away. You do need to pay attention to ensure the house doesn’t settle too much, though.

If you notice a shift in your home’s floors or walls, it may mean that it is settling further than expected. Your house may be sinking into its foundation, and it’s important to be aware of this.

The damage that can result from an unfixed foundation can be extensive. You do not want these cracks and chips in your foundation to develop any further than they already have. Doing so might lead to water seeping into these cracks and damaging the building’s framework. Besides water damage, the risk of mold or other harmful bacteria growing in your home also increases.

To ensure that your home is safe and livable, you must ensure that its foundation is sturdy. Even if you plan on moving, you should have this fixed beforehand. Buyers will turn away from a house that’s foundation isn’t strong, no matter how beautiful it looks inside.

How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?

Foundation repair costs depend on the size of your home and the extent of the damage.

Costs may range anywhere from $1500 to $6500. Though the average cost of foundation repair generally falls around $4000. If the damage is minor and only requires small patching of cracks, you may only be looking at a $200-$800 bill. If the entire structure of your home needs repairing, it can cost somewhere upwards of $10,000.

The first step in determining how much you will pay for foundation repairs is identifying the problem. For cracks smaller than ⅛”, you can expect to pay a much smaller fee. These cracks likely aren’t affecting the entire structure of your home.

When the cracks appear larger than ⅛”, this is when it becomes a problem. Splits and cracks of this size might indicate that your foundation is sinking.

What Are The Types Of Foundation Repair?

There are many different ways to repair your home’s foundation. The options available depend on a few things. The most obvious relates to the type of foundation that is holding up your home. The other factor relates to the extent of the damage to your structure. Finally, it depends on what you’re willing to invest to strengthen and protect your home from future foundation damage.

It also depends on what the experts repairing your home recommend. We’ll list the most popular types of foundation repair and a tell you little about each of them:

• Steel Piers
  • This type of repair takes a lesser amount of time than concrete piers. They also cause less of a disturbance to the landscape around the foundation.
  • Steel piers have revolutionized the process of repair. They are more data and technology-driven in installation.
• Concrete Piers
  • Most homes and structures are on concrete piers.
  • Liquid concrete gets poured into holes drilled deep underneath the foundation.
• Perma Pile Piers
  • Up to 10 times less expensive than replacing the foundation itself.
  • Experts can perform the repair without you needing to evacuate your home.
  • Ideal for lighter foundation areas like porches or decks.
• Earthquake Piers
  • Reinforced foundation material also known as a seismic pier.
  • Protect the home or building from unwanted destruction by stabilizing the foundation.
• Tornado Piers
  • Constructed using structural engineering to expect potential high wind and water surge loads.
  • Transfers the weight of the structure toward the soil to keep the home from leaving the ground.
• High-Density Polyurethane Foam
  • This injectable foam is the simplest form of foundation repair.
  • Offers a low price and speeds up the process of repair.
  • Has potential to clog HVAC ducts or drain lines.

To determine what is best for your home in particular, contact a foundation repair expert.

How Do I Know When It’s Time To Repair My Foundation?

Like we said before, it’s important to pay attention to your home’s foundation. It might be showing all the signs of needing a repair, but if you don’t know what to look for, then you probably aren’t aware. Here are some key signs that your foundation needs repairing:

• You notice cracks in the floors, walls, or ceilings of the interior of your home.
• The floors of your home are uneven or sagging.
• Chunks of concrete appear to be missing from your home’s foundation.
• There are cracks in the sheetrock or bricks on the exterior of your home.
• If you notice your home is drafty or warmer than usual. This might mean there are gaps around the door frames or window sills due to a shifting foundation.
• If your doors or windows aren’t opening/closing like normal.
• Your cabinets are pulling away from the wall, hanging crooked, or opening/closing in an abnormal manner.
• You notice gaps in the corners of your home.
• Wooden materials along the floor or other areas in your home seem to be decaying.
• You notice standing water, damp walls or floors, or excessive humidity in your basement or crawlspace.

Signs that you need to repair your foundation aren’t subjected to these signs only. There are various other indicators that the structure of your home isn’t holding up well. The best way to be sure your home’s foundation is sound is tohave an expert come inspect it. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry, after all.

Contact Us

If you suspect you might need a foundation repair in the Ark-La-Tex region, we’re here to help. Our experts at Level Home Foundation Repair have passion, knowledge and experience. We’ll get your foundation job done right the first time around. Visit our website or call us at 318-497-4397 for the quickest and most affordable foundation repair.

If you want to know the cost to replace a cast iron drain pipe, you have probably noticed some signs of leaks in your house. We put together some commonly asked questions about cast iron drain pipes and a list of things you should look out for.

How Long Do Cast Iron Drain Pipes Last?

Cast iron drain pipes can last anywhere from 80 to 100 years. Most houses built before 1970 contain cast iron pipes because plastic piping didn’t exist yet. Before the 1970s, cast iron pipes were the most durable option and could withstand heavy loads and high pressure.

But every property is different and a variety of factors could cause your cast iron pipes to fail long before that.  Old trees have extensive root systems that can spread into the plumbing system and damage the pipes. A lot of the chemicals we flush down drains are caustic and rust cast iron drain pipes from the inside out. Depending on the type of soil and water quality on your property as well as extreme weather changes, your cast iron pipes might not last as long as you might hope.

It’s not a question ofif your cast iron drain pipes will go bad, but rather when they will go bad.

Is it Necessary to Replace Cast Iron Plumbing?

Repairing cast iron plumbing can be like a game of whack-a-mole. Although you might fix a few problems today, several will pop up tomorrow and demand the same or more attention. If the pipes are old, there is only so much you can do to spot fix them. Spot repairs to fix leaks end up wasting time and money.

We know that the idea of replacing everything at once is daunting. But it’s important to realize that all these small repairs add up in the end. You’ll need to replace the pipes anyway. If your pipes are all the same age, chances are you’ll find problems in all areas of the drain pipe system under your house eventually.

Sometimes it’s possible to replace your cast iron drain pipe in stages. This means you could replace one section of the system now, and another part in six months. Splitting the job up reduces some of the initial sticker shock you might have from the thought of replacing the entire system.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Cast Iron Drain Pipe Under Your House?

The cost of replacing the cast iron drain pipe under your house depends on many different factors. A rough, ballpark estimate is about $175 per foot of piping. It’s important to always budget for more. Sometimes there are extra costs from replacing concrete or tile, accommodation (you might need to leave your house until the repair is finished), and more. Repairing afoundation can cost roughly around $4,000. Cleaning up water damage can cost roughly around $2,500. Removing standing water might cost roughly around $3,000.
A good plumber may be able to recommend a professional that can perform these repairs, and sometimes do them themselves. You can do your part by looking out for leaks, water damage, or pooling in your yard. The sooner you catch the signs of leaking or line breaks, the less damage you’ll deal with later on.

Look for a plumber that offers a lowest price pledge like Level Home Foundation Repair.

How Do You Replace a Cast Iron Drain Pipe Under Your House?

This will depend on the foundation of the house, surrounding trees and vegetation, and other unique structural features of the property. Plumbers will often use a drain camera to locate the problem areas. The pipes are gradually removed and replaced with plastic or PVC pipes.

What Are The Signs You Need to Replace Cast Iron Drain Pipes?

An unusually healthy looking lawn

Are you noticing a greener lawn, even though you haven’t done anything to treat it? Although sewage is very toxic for humans, plants thrive from it. It acts as a natural fertilizer for vegetation. Lush green patches in the middle of a dry, brown lawn could be a sign you need to replace a leaky cast iron drain pipe under your house.

Discolored water or foul odor

All sewer systems that are in good condition should be airtight. There are only a few exceptions for vent stacks. If you smell sewer gas around your home, you might have a cracked pipe. If you see any brown or yellow water coming out of your tap, you could also have a cracked pipe. Unless you use water from a well or live in a remote, rural area, discolored water is usually a sign of damaged cast iron drain pipes. Discolored water indicates rust or corrosion. This means your cast iron pipes are starting to approach the end of their lifespan. Cracked pipes cause sewer gas to escape. This is unhealthy for you and your family. If you smell sewer gas anywhere in your house, you should call a plumber. Unless you live in a rural area or use water from a well, discolored water is a sign of damaged pipes.

Puddles and leaks

If you see any sewage puddles anywhere on your property, you certainly have a problem somewhere. This needs urgent attention. Sewage is extremely toxic to humans. Contact a plumber immediately.

Pest infestation

Sewer pipes aren’t the first suspect when it comes to insect and rodent infestations. But make no mistake: cockroaches, flies, and rats love to travel through cracked cast iron drain pipes. An influx of insects and rodents could be due to a crack in your pipe that might allow entry to your home. They easily make their way through even the smallest cracks in your pipes. If you’ve hired an exterminator and your pest problem still persists, it’s time to take a look at your pipes.

Mold

Mold on your walls is a visible sign of damage. It can start to grow with as little as 55% humidity. If a pipe cracks behind your walls and leaks water, it’s easy for mold to start growing. Some mold can be dangerous to ingest.

Sluggish drains

Does your water take a long time to drain after flushing the toilet or filling the sink? This could be a sign that the cast iron drain pipes are damaged. A lot of common household cleaning products for unblocking pipes contain substances that further damage cast iron pipes.

Dips in your lawn or pavement

When a cast iron drain pipe under your house, lawn, or driveway cracks, water can pool. After a while, it can erode the soil and cause parts of the grand to sag. Sometimes these dips or indentations can be hard to notice, but they are a clear sign that your plumbing is in poor health and needs attention.

Cracks

If you see any cracks in your walls or foundation, act quickly. Cracks are a serious sign of a damaged pipe. Cracks usually indicate a cast iron pipe that has been broken for a long time.This happens because the mainline had a leak that went undetected. You could risk the formation of a sinkhole if you are not careful.

How Do You Find a Break or Leak in the Line of Your Cast Iron Drain Pipe Under Your House?

It’s usually quite difficult to find a break in your sewage line unless you can see a clog through a drain or a cracked pipe under a sink. Your plumber might test water pressure or use a sewer camera.

Sometimes a visual inspection doesn’t cut it. If a lot of time has passed since you last called a plumber, you can call us for an inspection. We can help you determine if your pipes need replacing.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a broken cast iron drain pipe under your house, don’t delay in contacting us! The cost of replacement will certainly be less than repairing the potential damage in the future.

You can reach us by phone or by email.

Aside from a rowboat, few things can inspire more anxiety and panic when filling with water than a basement.  Unfortunately, floods and unwanted water accumulation falls under the list of hazards of home ownership. Although you may not be able to avoid the experience of tossing bucket after bucket aside, with this guide you should be able to use several methods to clean a flooded basement and get your below-ground dwelling back to above sea level.

What are the Common Causes of Basement Floods?

Repairing any water damage found begins with determining the cause of the flooding.  This comes from many potential sources.

Most notably, burst pipes or leaking plumbing tend to be the root cause of basement flooding:

• old pipe systems,
• water pressure variances, and
• loose pipe fittings

often find themselves as the primary reason an individual experiences saturated indoor environments.

While those causes relate to unwanted water flowing into the area, basement floods also occur when drainage systems clog or otherwise can’t transport the water from the room or fixture. Sewer system blockages contribute to a large number of basement floods:

• Clogged toilets,
• shower drains,
• washing machine runoff, and
• water heater backups

can cause a sudden influx of water in areas that aren’t designed to handle large quantities of water.

In some circumstances the flooding’s source comes from surges of groundwater or rainwater due to weather events.  If the foundation of a basement isn’t sound, overly-saturated soil can release the excess moisture through the walls or seams of a building through hydrostatic pressure.  This is also known as overland flooding.  In certain cases improper irrigation causes water to build up and the makeshift dam experiences an eventual burst.  Basement windows or doors without proper sealants can also be the cause of unwanted water encroachment.

What Types of Basement Floods are There?

The short answer is that there’s only one type of basement flood:  an inconvenient one.  But, to better understand the methods needed to address the issue, it can be helpful to categorize the flood based on the type of water that entered the area and how it came to it’s inconvenient location.

Clean Water Floods

Clean Water floods are instances in which the unwanted water originated from a leaky faucet or pipe.  This is water that is already within your plumbing system.  This water doesn’t pose an immediate health hazard, although if left unattended additional issues can arise. These types of floods are usually the least expensive to address.

Grey Water Floods

If a washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance malfunctions and floods an area, this is known as a grey water flood.  This water can have household chemicals or treatments within it that could pose a health risk if an individual is exposed to the contaminated water. Grey water floods fall into the second category of household flooding and coincide with a moderate level of restoration expense.

Black Water Floods

The most serious category of flooding from a health standpoint and most costly from a repair perspective is a black water flood.  A black water flood iresults when a sewage system malfunctions or an overflowing river/body of water contaminated with hazardous chemicals floods an area.  Specialized equipment is required to remove and disinfect the affected areas.  From a health standpoint, black water floods pose the greatest danger and threat of additional issues through prolonged exposure.  Due to the absorption of contaminants into any porous surface, many structures have to be completely replaced.

What Equipment is Needed to Clean a Flooded Basement?

Whether through a professional service or a DIY attempt, cleaning and repairing a flooded basement will need the use of similar equipment.  Most basement cleaning services combat flooded areas with the following:

• Sump pumps,
• moisture meters,
• air blowers,
• air scrubbers, and
• low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers.

Sump pumps are submersible pumps that can drain an area of water where a standard wet/dry vac is unable to address the amount of water.

Moisture meters determine the amount of moisture within a solid surface.  They commonly use a percentage metric to display how heavily saturated a surface is.  Moisture meters prove helpful when determining the extent of moisture within walls or furniture.

Air movers do not disappoint in terms of living up to their name.  The primary function of an air mover is to circulate air through a surface and increase the rate of evaporation.  The benefits of air movers include their ease of use, low cost of use, and low level of supervision required for use.

Air scrubbers differ from air movers in the sense that they serve as a filtration system for the air.  As air particles pass through the scrubber, the contaminants disappear and the cleaned air passes back into the area.  Air movers serve to clean the air, rather than moving it and expediting evaporation, like an air mover.  This proves useful in situations where harmful chemical exposure occurred to the environment.

Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers work by lowering the humidity in the air, making the evaporation process easier.  LGR dehumidifiers also cool the air, making it difficult for moisture to remain in the air.  LGR dehumidifiers are specialty equipment that differs from a household dehumidifier in it’s capacity to treat larger areas and the cooling effects produced.  Regular humidifiers are helpful, but treat smaller spaces and take much longer.

How Long Does it Take for a Flooded Basement to Dry?

The length of time needed in order for a flooded basement to dry depends on several factors:  the type of water damage, the extent of damage, professional/DIY repairs, and removal of contaminated/damaged surfaces or furniture.  Estimates on total time to repair/dry a flooded basement range from a few hours to several days based on the extent of water damage and collateral issues.

How to Get Water out of Your Basement

Whenever you encounter a flooded basement, your first step should be to turn off the power to the affected area.  This prevents further damage from occurring due to electrical shorts.

Next, you’ll need to determine where the water is coming from and if the leak/flood is ongoing.  If there is an active leak, you’ll need to stop the flow of water in order to begin the cleanup process.   Most of the time, shutting off the water will do the trick!  If the water has appeared as a result of heavy rainfall or another external source, you’ll need to wait until the water level ceases to rise or recedes before starting to remove water.

If the amount of water within the room is a small amount (e.g. a few inches deep) then it is possible that a wet/dry vac could get the bulk of the water out.  But, if the water level is greater than a small amount, a more specialized piece of equipment (like a sump pump) may be needed.

Before any mud that has appeared dries, it needs to be removed.  Removing the mud while it’s wet is much easier than waiting until it’s dry!

Once the water and mud has been removed, the damage needs assessment.  Remove any furniture or soft materials. Follow up with cleaning and disinfecting before reintroducing them to the space.  Any items that are unable to be effectively cleaned should be disposed of. You’ll want to have the drywall inspected. A professional can determine if the material is salvageable.   In the event that the flood waters fall into the grey or black category, proper disinfection is necessary.  Homeowners should also take additional precautions against the growth of mold and mildew, during the drying and cleaning process.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Basement Cleaning Service?

Because each situation is dependent on the circumstances of the damage of the flooding, the cost of professional flood repair ranges from just over $100 to amounts in excess of $10,000.  A general rule of thumb for the cost of water removal and damage repair is in the neighborhood of $6500.  The final amount largely depends on the size of the flood, any associated damages incurred, fees for disinfection, and any additional labor required to bring the room back to its former glory.

Contact Level Home Foundation Repair for Flooded Basement Repairs

Once you’ve assessed the damage and taken the steps necessary to begin cleaning the area affected by flooding, the next step is to turn to a professional that can assist you in preventive measures that will keep the situation from occurring in the future.  The professionals at Level Home Foundation Repair offer a wide range of services designed to improve drainage systems and plumbing setups.  By contacting Level Home Foundation Repair, their team can give you options for addressing your issues that fit every budget.  Contact them today and review your options for keeping your basement and home foundation free of flooding issues: 318-539-5554.