3 Ways to Fix Your Wet Basement in New Jersey

Most New Jersey residents suffer from wet basement problems at one time or another. Some of us face them constantly. We're blessed with plenty of humidity here in New Jersey and coastal conditions that can turn your basement into the perfect swampy breeding ground for a mold infestation.

Fix Your Foundation

As your home settles, cracks appear in the foundation. This is especially a problem in old houses, but even in new houses, cracks can start appearing not long after the house is built. Although these cracks are small, they can allow a great deal of moisture into your home.

The reason why even the smallest cracks are dangerous is because of pressure from outside. Water gets pressed against the outside of the foundation and pushed in through these cracks, no matter what their size.

To fix your foundation, you need to seal these cracks. This is a job that can be small or large, depending on how bad the problem is. If it's just a few minor cracks, you might be able to do it yourself with some caulk and a trowel. But if the damage is more extensive, you'll probably need to hire a professional.

Improve Your Landscaping

Another way to fix your wet basement is by improving your landscaping. If water is pooling around your foundation or not draining properly, it can seep into your basement through cracks or other openings.

To address this, you should make sure that your gutters are properly directing water away from your house. You might also need to slope the ground around your basement so that water flows away rather than towards it. This can be done by adding a French drain or simply moving soil to create a slope.

Install an Interior French Drain

If water is still getting into your basement despite fixing the foundation and improving landscaping, you might need to install an interior French drain. This involves creating a channel inside your basement that directs water to a sump pump or drainage system.

The process typically involves cutting a trench in your basement floor, installing a pipe with holes drilled into it, and then covering it with gravel or another porous material. The water will flow through the pipe and into a sump basin where it can be pumped out of the house.

By addressing these issues, you can help prevent water from entering your basement and reduce the risk of mold infestation. It's important to regularly inspect your basement for any signs of moisture or damage and take action promptly if problems arise.