A sump pump is a mechanism installed in the lowest point of your house, such as the basement or a crawl space, to help prevent the risk of your basement flooding.

How does it work?

When the ground becomes overly saturated with water from a rainfall or natural ground water, the excess water travel towards the sump pit where it begins to fill with water. The water triggers the float switch to activate and to start pumping water out. The water is pumped out to a nearby storm drain, dry well or detention pond. The sump pump prevents water from accumulating in your basement, which would ultimately cause a flood.

What are the benefits of a sump pump?

• Defense against flooding in your basement
• Protects the floor and walls from water damage
• Protects any basement appliances from water damage
• Reduces the risk of mold and mildew from growing
• Prevents the infestation of bugs and insects
• Protects the foundation of your home
• May be a requirement for your homeowner’s insurance

Do I need a sump pump?

If any of the following statements seem to fit your conditions, you may want to strongly consider installing one.

• If your property tends to get flooded due to poor draining soil or ineffective grading
• The climate you live in tends to have a heavier rain and snow fall than normal
• If you have experienced water accumulating in your basement in the past
• If you have a finished basement and would like to protect your living space

Maintenance

Sump pump and sump pits must be properly maintained. They should be inspected at least once a year to ensure they are in proper working order. Dirt, gravel, sand, and other debris should be cleaned from the mechanism to guarantee that it is running efficiently. An obstructed pump will work harder and have a greater chance of overheating and failing.

Sump Pump Installation

If you are considering of having a sump pump installed in your home and would like a free home estimate, please contact ACCL Waterproofing at 905-448-5909 or  info@acclwaterproofing.ca

The post When Do You Need A Sump Pump? appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.

In the Toronto area, heavy snowstorms are typical. These storms can dump many feet of snow on the ground and stay there for days. When the temperatures rise and the snow melts, there will be nowhere for the excess water to go. You may wind up with a leaking basement if your basement is not prepped for the weather before winter. It’s critical to get moisture out of your basement before it causes more foundation damage. Let’s take a look at how snow might harm your basement.

Damage to the foundation

The most common cause of winter water damage is snowmelt. Winter’s repeated freezing and thawing will erode the foundation over time. Moisture freezes and expands, causing breaches in your basement and allowing more water to enter. This cycle continues, producing cracks in the foundation and compromising its structural stability. A weaker foundation can also result in a cracked pipe, allowing air into your basement and putting your pipes at risk of freezing.

Ice can cause damage to your roof and gutters

An ice dam is a buildup of ice along the edges of your roof that can damage your gutters, get below your shingles, and leak into your home. Hanging icicles are a symptom of an ice dam. Uneven heat on your roof causes ice dams to grow. When the attic is warm, the snow in the middle of the roof melts. That snow falls to the ground and freezes at the rim. When water freezes, it expands, damaging your shingles, causing roof cracks, and breaking off your gutters.

Floors with Cracks

In unfinished basements, any moisture can wreak havoc on hardwood, laminate, carpeted, and even concrete floors. Hardwood and laminate flooring will flex and warp when the moisture is removed and the basement is dry. The glues that hold the floor tiles together will eventually wear out, causing the floor to bubble or the tiles to fall out.

Damage to the Sump Pump

Double-check that your sump pump hose doesn’t have any low locations where water can accumulate. Make sure the water is flowing freely away from your house. The sump will cease working if the water collects and freezes, and it may possibly cause irreparable damage to the system. Because sump pumps are located in the basement and are out of sight, many homeowners overlook them. The sump pump, on the other hand, is one of the most important elements in adequately protecting your pipes from freezing damage.

At ACCL Waterproofing, we have over 30 years of experience in delivering leak-free waterproofed basements for our customers. Contact us right away to schedule a complimentary estimation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members.

Take advantage of the winter months to have us look at your basement and help you determine how best to address your basement leakage problems.  

Get the job done RIGHT – Hire a professional Waterproofing company!

Want to know more about our waterproofing process? Give us a call at 416-759-2995

Rely On our ACCL Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts

Don’t Drown in a wet basement!

Rely On Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts in Toronto

If you’ve noticed foundation cracks, spots, water, mold, and mildew, don’t ignore the signs or it could lead to more damage and possible health effects.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

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Toronto homes that have mould and mildew come with a lot of misconceptions. Mould and mildew can be an unseen problem in your home and is found in virtually every environment. Moulds can be detected indoors and outdoors all year. They grow best in damp, warm, dimly lit and humid conditions. Seeing mould in your home is usually never a good sign and can become highly dangerous and damaging when left untreated. In this article your Toronto and Durham Region waterproofers at ACCL Waterproofing will go over what you need to know before getting rid of mould.

Toronto home conditions that mould needs to grow:

Before mould begins to grow in your Toronto home these conditions must be present:

• Mold spores
• A food source (e.g. wood, drywall, cotton)
• Darkness (mould can’t grow under ultraviolet light)
• Warmth (mould can’t grow in freezing temperatures)
• Oxygen
• Moisture (e.g water leaks, humidity)
• Enough time (most moulds can begin to grow in 24-48 hours if the conditions are right)

Moisture is really the key cause of mould growth since the other conditions on the list are always going to be present in homes.

5 Signs to help you spot mould:

1. Mould smells: In most cases a mouldy smell might be the only clue. When you smell mould odours and you can either see or not see the mould. You need to inspect your home before problems get worse.
2. Humidity: Aside from moisture humidity can be a sign of mould. Humidity leads to condensation and homes that’s have a Jacuzzi spa or large bodies of water such as a big aquarium can create an environment for mould to grow. If you notice a built-in humidifier located in the cooling/heating system this means that humidity is traveling throughout the home. To keep your humidity levels down you should use a dehumidifier.
   

   

3. Peeling Paint:  Unusual peeling  of paint like bubbling or cracking can be a sign of moisture. Keep an eye open for the presence of moisture in the wall.
   

   

4. Moisture: Look for the signs of moisture and water damage. A spongy stained carpet or ceiling, peeling wall coverings, foundation cracks, and the musky odour of mould and mildew. Are all indicators that the home has a had a leak problem.
5. Dark coloured spots: Mould appears in various different textures, colours and shapes. Once you start noticing dark coloured spots or discolouration on your walls that is green or black in colour it could Indicate that the growth of mould, mildew, algae, and moss are present. – Take action right away

Want to know how to get rid of mould ?

Get the job done RIGHT – Hire a professional Waterproofing company!

Rely On our ACCL Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts

If your Toronto or Durham Region home is showing signs of mould. | CALL 905-448-5904 or CLICK HERE to visit our contact page.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

How do basements become wet?Wet Basement? – 4 Common Ways Water Can Get Into Your Home

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Autumn also known as the fall season is less then a week away! With this is mind, if your like most homeowners your probably concerned about a wet leaky basement. Not only do all the trees start loosing their leaves but the weather also tends to bring us fall wet rainy storms. As you may know storms lead to wet leaky basements and just because its raining outside, doesn’t mean it has to be wet in your basement. Autumn is also a reminder of the cold wet winter season that will soon be creeping in. Once winter arrives and the snow thaws/spring melts begin to happen you’re basement will be at risk. ACCL Waterproofing has written this article to go over the top 4 autumn maintenance steps to ensure a leak free basement.

Autumn Is Here: Is Your Basement Prepared?

According to global news, Oshawa and Toronto Ontario are expected to have a milder winter, which means frequent cycles of freezing and thawing – leading to wet basement leaks. As you may know a wet leaky basement can damage belongings, create mould and mildew, and cost a lot in repairs. Let’s face it no one likes dealing with issues involving their basement, attic, or foundation. The following home maintenance steps can make a big difference when it comes to getting your home ready for snow and wintery/spring conditions ahead.

Autumn Maintenance Tips That Will Ensure A Dry Basement Next Spring:

1. Cleaning Gutters and downspouts:

Eavestroughs (gutters) and downspouts function by directing rain water and melting snow off the roof into areas away from the homes foundation. Its critical to ensure your eavestroughs are cleaned out before the winter months arrive. Overtime excessive build of leaves and debris can cause your gutters and downspouts to become clogged. If this happens, water can leak causing pooling around the foundation of the homes foundation. Which will lead to a wet basement. When you have clean eavestroughs it will enable water to drain property during fall rain storms, winter, and spring thaws. Overall Autumn is a very important time to check your gutters!

2. Checking Basement Windows and Window Wells:

Basement windows are typically below ground surface making it easier for water to seep into. Before the winter begins its important to ensure your windows and window wells are in top shape to avoid future problems. Taking the time to inspect windows and window wells for cracks, broken pieces, rotting and cracked caulking or a clogged window well will help ensure a dry basement. If you have a clog in your window well or you think theres other faults involved – Contact your wet basement specialists at ACCL Waterproofing

3. Checking the grading and slope of home:

If the grading around your foundation is ineffective it will cause the rain or groundwater to make its way into your basement. If the ground slopes inwards or even if its levelled, it could be directing rainwater back towards your home. Remember the grade around your foundation should slope away from the house, not towards it. Usually property slope and grading problems are more common among older homes as the soil shifts and resettles over time. If you think you have property slope or grading problem, you need to have this inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

4.Testing sump pumps:

If you have a sump pump in your basement (which you probably should), you need to test it regularly. First, check to make sure that it’s working. Where your outlet is, you should see two plugs. Unplug both, and then plug in the one just for your pump. If it doesn’t turn on right away, it is not working right. If it does work, make sure to plug back in the other plug to make sure that your sump pump is ready to go. Next, pour water into your sump pump. This will show you in real time if it’s going to work. Remember a sump pump is made to ensure your basement is kept dry in case water leaks into it. There are various different of sump pumps to choose from – Click Here for more information.

Are you tired of dealing with a wet basement, flooding, or leaks every time it rains? Basement waterproofing can help put an end to water in your basement. The above fall maintenance tips should help stop or at least lessen the amount of water getting into your basement. You may think that since winter season is arriving and there wont be much rain that your basement will be free of obstructions. Unfortunately once the snow melts and the winter/spring thaws begin all the same issues you were having before will reappear and could be worse!

If you do nothing to prevent a wet leaky basement from happening the outcome could be:

• Water damages
• Clogged drains
• Mold and mildew
• Warped floorboards
• Contaminated drinking water
• Diseases
• Structure displacements

Get the job done RIGHT – Hire a professional Waterproofing company!

Rely On our ACCL Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts

If you need a basement underpinning renovation to increase the height and square footage of your home, or if your foundation is showing structural problems. CALL 905-448-5904 or CLICK HERE to visit our contact page.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

How do basements become wet?

Wet Basement? – 4 Common Ways Water Can Get Into Your Home

Why Choose Basement UNDERPINNING ?

Foundation Cracks? – How crack injections work

DOES YOUR BASEMENT NEED WINDOW WELLS?

Waterproofing Ontario properties and real estate

Click here to view our September promotions!

The post Autumn Maintenance | Ensuring a leak free basement appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.

A sump pump failure can result in various wet leaky basement damages. When you own a sump pump it is your first defence against a wet basement or basement flooding. However when a sump pump fails, it can make problems worse or cause flooding. Finding evidence of water in your basement when you own a sump pump can be a clear indication that your sump pump has failed. In this article the waterproofers at ACCL Waterproofing will go over the top red flags and what you should do if your sump pump fails! 

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is designed to remove water and excess moisture from your basement. The sump pump is installed at the lowest point of your basement floor. Once properly installed the sump pump system controls how water gathers beneath your home while collecting the water through a filter trap. This directs the water outside and away from foundation using a discharge pipe to prevent moisture levels rising in your home.

Most homes have a sump pit below their foundation, depending on home location and age. When gravity drainage doesn’t work, the Ontario builders code requires a sump pump to be installed. Although homeowners may decide to have a sump pump installed if their basement begins leaking or showing signs of water damage.

Why sump pumps fail?

The average lifespan for a sump pump is 10 years. Since sump pumps are mechanical devices they are prone to malfunction, especially if not maintained properly. Sump pumps run on electricity connected to your homes power supply if the power shuts off or gets disconnected your sump pump will fail. Sump pumps also come in various types, brands, and models. Depending on the model, brand, and type of pump you may have purchased a cheaply or poorly designed sump pump. Another factor in a sump pumps failure is not being installed properly.

How you can spot a sump pump failure

7 common ways a sump pump will fail on you – See Below

1. Makes strange noises:

If you hear strange sounds coming from your pump, it could indicate worn or damaged parts. A rattling or grinding noise could mean a jammed or damaged impeller. Another sound to listen for is motor noise. Noise from the motor could indicate a failed bearing.

2. Overrunning sump pump:

During heavy rain storms and winter snow thaws your sump pump will be working overtime! However in some cases the sump pump may not have the sufficient horsepower to be able to handle the volume of water pouring in.

3. Eight Years Old or Older

Regardless of maintenance and cleaning, these devices do not last forever. If yours is older than seven years, go ahead and replace it.

4. Irregular Cycling

If you notice your sump pump is cycling on and off frequently, you most likely have an issue with the float switch. The float switch is responsible for turing on the sump pump and if you notice irregular cycling it could mean your float switch is causing the pump to come on when only a few inches of water accumulate in the basin.

5. Clogged Sump Pumps and Switches

Sump pumps that become clogged either slow down or stop working entirely causing a sump pump failure. – See below for ways a sump pump can get clogged ;

• • • • • Sump Pit: The sump pit can get clogged with debris and dirt.
        • Sump Pump Mechanical Parts: If the sump pump sits straight against the bottom of a dirty sump pit, the mechanical parts will become dirty and clogged.
        • Float Switch: The float switch can become clogged or jammed causing your pump to run constantly or not at all.

6.Frequent Power Outages

When a power outage happens, or your power shuts off a traditional sump pump will stop working. Leaving some components vulnerable to damage from power surges, causing pump failure. If you live in an area that has constant or frequent power outages- Consider installing a battery backup sump pump.

7. Working sump pump but no water in sump pit?

Noticing theres no water in the sump pit can be a huge sign of an improperly installed pump, or a pump that is not linked to a drainage system. Not all contractors are waterproofing or plumbing experts Call a professional right away if you feel your sump pump hasn’t been installed correctly!

RED FLAGS ?

Have you noticed the 7 top red flags listed above during your inspection? or are not sure how to spot the signs?

Get the job done RIGHT – Hire a professional Waterproofing company!

Want to know more about keeping your sump pump maintained  or how to prevent sump pump failures ? Give us a call at 905-448-5909

Click here to find out why you shouldn’t waterproof without professionals

Rely On our ACCL Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts

If you need a basement underpinning renovation to increase the height and square footage of your home, or if your foundation is showing structural problems. CALL 905-448-5904 or CLICK HERE to visit our contact page.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

How do basements become wet?

Wet Basement? – 4 Common Ways Water Can Get Into Your Home

Why Choose Basement UNDERPINNING ?

Foundation Cracks? – How crack injections work

DOES YOUR BASEMENT NEED WINDOW WELLS?

Picking the right sump pump for you home/investment

Waterproofing Ontario properties and real estate

Click here to view our September promotions!

The post Sump pump failure | RED FLAGS | appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.

Basements are one of the most vulnerable areas of the house that is susceptible to moisture, leaks, and condensation. Have you noticed cracks outside your foundation walls, or inside on the walls and floors? Or have you seen the signs of peeling paint, mold and mildew, and pooling of water on your basement floor? – Ever wonder what could be the cause and why this tends to happen in basements majority of the time? In this article the waterproofers at ACCL Waterproofing will go over the reasons why your basement can become flooded, leaky, and humid and how you can prevent it!

4 Reasons why your basement can become wet:

1.    Broken or Cracked Gutters and Downspouts

A wet basement can be caused by your gutters and downspout system. Pay attention to the changing seasons during spring and summer as well as the weather. Rainstorms and winter snow thaws are a huge factor for wet basements, looking outside your house frequently during these storms and thaws to ensure your downspouts and gutters are functioning adequately can help protect your basement from leaks and floods. Noticing cracks or broken areas is a sign you need to have your gutters or downspouts repaired and replaced. Cracks and broken areas will allow water to pool around the foundation of your home causing moisture, humidity, damp basements, leaks, and musty scents throughout your basement. Cleaning your gutter system after each season as well as getting the necessary repairs will allow water to drain away from your home preventing a wet basement

2.    Sump Pump Failure

One of the best ways to keep your wet basement dry and safe of any flooding is to install and maintain a sump pump. Sometimes your sump pump can fail due to several reasons, such as power failure, improper installation, clogged lines, and poor maintenance. When a sump pump failure happens, it can cause a large influx of water to overburden the system forcing leaks to happen around the foundation of your home. Eventually these leaks will seep into the basement walls. ACCL Waterproofing highly recommends calling a waterproofing company, or sump pump maintenance company for immediate assistance if you notice any problems with your sump pump.

Sump pump installed

3.    Grading and Slope:

Seeing and noticing water along the wall of your basement can be a clear indication that there’s a problem with your drainage. If the grading around your foundation is ineffective it will cause the rain or groundwater to make its way into your basement. If the ground slopes inwards or even if its leveled, it could be directing rainwater back towards your home. Remember the grade around your foundation should slope away from the house, not towards it. Usually property slope and grading problems are more common among older homes as the soil shifts and resettles over time. If you think you have property slope or grading problem, you need to have this inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

4.    Foundation cracks

Cracks in your foundation can occur when your property or buildings begin to age, settle and the foundation shifts, causing water seepage and basement floods. If you are a homeowner or rent a property than you know that seeing or noticing cracks on the inside and outside of the property’s foundation or any signs of leakage coming from the cracks during rainstorms and snow melts can be a sign that a crack injection is needed.

Tips for Preventing a Wet Leaky Flooded Basement

Keep Gutters & Down Spouts Clean – Keep gutters clean and extend downspouts away from the house and foundation. This will help limit roof water from collecting and pooling around the foundation.

Landscape – The grade around your foundation should slope away from the house to keep rainfall from collecting and pooling against foundation walls.

Sump Pump Maintenance – Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Make sure the sump pump is plugged into a working electrical outlet. Sump Pump Systems should be serviced (preventative maintenance) at least once a year.

Install A Sump Pump – A sump pump with an automatic level switch should be installed into a basement sump pit (sump liner). When water enters the sump pit, the sump pump will pump water out of the basement (below grade) and away from the house.

Install A Backup Sump Pump – A battery backup sump pump will automatically pump water out and away from the house when there is power loss or if the primary sump pump fails. A battery backup sump pump will also pump water out if the primary pump becomes overwhelmed.

Repair Foundation Cracks – Inspect your basement and repair any cracks. Make Sure There are No Cracks in the foundation wall.

Repair Window Leaks & Protect Window Wells – Inspect basement windows for leaks. If they are leaking, repair them or have them replaced. If your basement windows are below grade, clean any debris around the windows and consider installing Window Well Covers.

Snow Removal – Shovel snow away from the perimeter of the home, especially basement windows. Keeping excessive snow away from your home’s foundation will reduce the amount of water caused by snow melt.

Check & Prevent Frozen Pipes – Inspect plumbing that is exposed in the basement. Insulate all water pipes from cold moving to prevent from pipe burst from freezing.

Most flooded basements are caused from a lack of maintenance, as we often look to quick fixes for wet basement problems. Getting the proper prevention system or maintenance can help prevent a flooded basement.

Get the job done RIGHT – Hire a professional Waterproofing company!

Want to know more about keeping your basement free of water? Give us a call at 905-448-5909

Click here to find out why you shouldn’t waterproof without professionals

Rely On our ACCL Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts

If you need a basement underpinning renovation to increase the height and square footage of your home, or if your foundation is showing structural problems. CALL 905-448-5904 or CLICK HERE to visit our contact page.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

Why Choose Basement UNDERPINNING ?

Foundation Cracks? – How crack injections work

The Difference Between Urethane And Polyurethane Crack Injections

DOES YOUR BASEMENT NEED WINDOW WELLS?

Carbon Monoxide Prevention 

Picking the right sump pump for you home/investment

Waterproofing Ontario properties and real estate

Click here to view our JULY promotions!

The post How do basements become wet? appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.

One of the biggest challenges we face during storms and unpredictable weather patterns here in Ontario is keeping our basement dry. Generally, in many cases, we end up dealing with the after affects of a damp, moist, and a wet leaky basement. If proactive measures are taken, health risks, loss, home damages, and wet leaky basements can be avoided.

The waterproofers at ACCL Waterproofing know It’s not always easy determining the source of water or what the problem may be. In this article we will go over the 4 most common ways water can get into your home.

4 Ways water can get into your home:

1.Cracks on foundation walls or floors

When you have cracks in your foundation walls and floors it can lead to access moisture and condensation. Cracks in your foundation occurs when buildings and homes begin to settle and age causing foundation shifts, water seepage, and basement floods. If you are a homeowner and notice the signs of foundation cracks inside or outside your property its essential to repair the cracks as soon as possible to avoid water leakage resulting in a wet damp basement. – For more information on foundation cracks CLICK HERE 

2. Windows and Window Wells

Without proper protection your windows could be one of the reasons your basement is flooding, leaking, or seeping water. Since window wells are located below ground level they can accumulate debris, water, plants, and dirt. During winter thaws, summer rains, and storms your window wells can fill up with water, if there is any cracks or openings near the window your basement will be flooded. Proper window well and window maintenance is essential to the protection of basement leaks and floods. – For more information on window wells and if your property should have one  CLICK HERE

3.  Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts direct melting snow and rain water off the roof into areas away from your foundation. Overtime excessive buildup of debris and leaves can cause rainwater to be unable to flow freely. This can cause a wet leaky basement and problems with your roof. Downspouts should be at least 5 feet away from your home if your downspout is to close to your home water can pool around the foundation. Causing hydrostatic pressure leading to basement flooding. By ensuring your gutters are never clogged, corroded, and your downspout is functioning properly will help prevent a wet leaky basement. – Not sure how to clean your gutters? CLICK HERE

4. Ineffective Grading/ Landscape

If the grading around your foundation is ineffective it will cause the rain or groundwater to make its way into your basement. The grade around your foundation should slope away from the house, not towards it to keep rainfall from collecting and pooling against foundation walls. Pay special attention to any pools of water close to your foundation CLICK HERE for tips on how to prevent basement floods.

What to do if you find a problem?

If you see any type of water, moisture, condensation, or cracks you should get it checked out right away before any damages get worse. Dealing with a wet basement is a troublesome situation for homeowners. Not only does having a wet basement cause stress on homeowners it also reduces the worth of your property. Finding the source of the water can be a critical role in prevention. Ensure you pay a close attention to pools of water close too your foundation, cracks, gutters, downspouts and windows.

If you do nothing to prevent water from getting into your home the outcome could be:

• Water damage
• Clogged drains
• Mold and mildew
• Warped floorboards
• Contaminated drinking water
• Diseases
• Structure displacements

Remediate any damage that has occurred:

Mop up any water so no mould can form

Dry or replace any material that is wet when you assess structural damage.

Get the job done RIGHT – Hire a professional Waterproofing company!

Want to know more about keeping your basement free of water? Give us a call at 905-448-5909

Click here to find out why you shouldn’t waterproof without professionals

Rely On our ACCL Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts

If you need a basement underpinning renovation to increase the height and square footage of your home, or if your foundation is showing structural problems. CALL 905-448-5904 or CLICK HERE to visit our contact page.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

Why Choose Basement UNDERPINNING ?

Foundation Cracks? – How crack injections work

The Difference Between Urethane And Polyurethane Crack Injections

DOES YOUR BASEMENT NEED WINDOW WELLS?

Carbon Monoxide Prevention 

Picking the right sump pump for you home/investment

Waterproofing Ontario properties and real estate

Click here to view our JULY promotions!

The post Wet Basement? – 4 Common Ways Water Can Get Into Your Home appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.

Spring has finally arrived! Flowers are beginning to bloom, trees are beginning to get leaves, and the birds are singing. Aside from all the spring excitement you may also notice rain and thunderstorm season is upon us making it important that you take the necessary precautions to protect your basement from flooding. In this article the Waterproofers from ACCL Waterproofing will go over the top 3 steps you should take in order to prevent flooding in your basement.

Step one:

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts:

It’s important to keep your gutters clean in order to effectively keep rainwater away from your home. Gutters and downspouts direct rainwater and melting snow off the roof into areas away from the foundation. Excessive buildup of leaves and debris from the left-over winter season, causes the rainwater to not be able to flow freely, potentially causing problems with your roof and causing a leaky basement. Your downspouts should be at least 5 feet away from your home. If the water from the downspouts doesn’t make it far away enough from the home, it can pool around the foundation of the home causing hydrostatic pressure on the foundation with possible crawl space or basement flooding.

Insuring you check your gutters this spring season will prevent any water damage that can occur when they are clogged. It also helps prevent corrosion which could lead to costly repairs or a gutter replacement.  Therefore, it’s a good idea to clean your gutters regularly.

Step Two:

Checking for Cracks:

Noticing any cracks on your basement walls or floor could potentially put you at risk for basement leaks or if you are already experiencing basement leaks it could be the reason. A short walkthrough of your homes inside and outside as well as checking along your foundation walls for cracks can be critical to ensuring full basement flood protection this spring. If you see any and have worries or are unsure how to spot these cracks, call ACCL Waterproofing for a free estimate and we’ll let you know what’s going on and how it can be fixed.

Step Three:

Testing Sump Pumps:

One of the best ways to keep your wet basement dry and prevent any flooding is to install and maintain a sump pump. its important to check on your sump pump periodically. Having a visual inspection should let you know if the sump pump is working property or if it is not, catching a sump pump problem early can be crucial to keeping water from rainfalls away from the inside of your home. Even when it’s not rain or thaw season you should still check on your sump pump to ensure its operational. A simple way to test your sump pump is to pour a bucket of water into the sump pit – if it starts up automatically this means your sump pump is functional.

If you have a sump pump in your basement (which you probably should), you need to test it regularly. First, check to make sure that it’s working. Where your outlet is, you should see two plugs. Unplug both, and then plug in the one just for your pump. If it doesn’t turn on right away, it is not working right. If it does work, make sure to plug back in the other plug in the outlet to make sure that your sump pump is ready to go. Next, pour water into your sump pump. This will show you in real time if it’s going to work.

Don’t Drown in a wet basement!

Rely On Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts in Toronto

If you’ve noticed foundation cracks, spots, water, mold, and mildew, don’t ignore the signs or it could lead to more damage and possible health effects.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

April Showers bring may flowers! – Or Wet Basements?

Carbon Monoxide Prevention 

Picking the right sump pump for you home/investment

Ensuring your basement is ready this thaw season

Waterproofing Ontario properties and real estate

Questions to ask your waterproofing contractor

Click here to view our May promotions!

The post Is your basement spring ready? appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.

April showers bring may flowers! – or wet basements? –  Lately our weather patterns have been up and down with lots of rain in the forecast leaving your basement prone to water leaks, floods, and damages. One of the biggest challenges we face during storms and unpredictable weather patterns here in Ontario is keeping our basement dry. In this article the Waterproofers from ACCL Waterproofing will provide you with the best solutions in order to protect your property from floods and heavy rain conditions.

Protection against flooding conditions

April is that time of season where it rains the most. The best solution to protecting your property from floods and heavy rain conditions is prevention. Generally, in many cases, we end up dealing with the after effects of a damp, moist, and a wet leaky basement. If proactive measures are taken, health risks, loss, home damages, and wet leaky basements can be avoided.

Below we have listed the problems, solutions, and tips to protect your basement, family, and property!

• Inspect sump pumps and drains regularly to ensure proper operation.
• Having  a proper generator backup system for your sump pump.
• Water heater and furnace and other permanent equipment should be elevated above the expected flood levels of your area.
• Know your properties flood zone risks.

• Move to high ground to avoid rising waters and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
• Remove standing water as quickly as possible, including from your basement. If your basement is flooded, pump out about 1/3 of the water per day to avoid structural damage.
• Do not energize electrical or electronic equipment that may have water damage without first having a qualified electrician inspect and/or test it.

Tips for Preventing a Wet Leaky Flooded Basement

Keep Gutters & Down Spouts Clean – Keep gutters clean and extend downspouts away from the house and foundation. This will help limit roof water from collecting and pooling around the foundation.

Landscape – The grade around your foundation should slope away from the house to keep rainfall from collecting and pooling against foundation walls.

Sump Pump Maintenance – Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Make sure the sump pump is plugged into a working electrical outlet. Sump Pump Systems should be serviced (preventative maintenance) at least once a year.

Install A Sump Pump – A sump pump with an automatic level switch should be installed into a basement sump pit (sump liner). When water enters the sump pit, the sump pump will pump water out of the basement (below grade) and away from the house.

Install A Backup Sump Pump – A battery backup sump pump will automatically pump water out and away from the house when there is power loss or if the primary sump pump fails. A battery backup sump pump will also pump water out if the primary pump becomes overwhelmed.

Repair Foundation Cracks – Inspect your basement and repair any cracks. Make Sure There are No Cracks in the foundation wall.

Repair Window Leaks & Protect Window Wells – Inspect basement windows for leaks. If they are leaking, repair them or have them replaced. If your basement windows are below grade, clean any debris around the windows and consider installing Window Well Covers.

Snow Removal – Shovel snow away from the perimeter of the home, especially basement windows. Keeping excessive snow away from your home’s foundation will reduce the amount of water caused by snow melt.

Check & Prevent Frozen Pipes – Inspect plumbing that is exposed in the basement. Insulate all water pipes from cold moving to prevent from pipe burst from freezing.

Health Impacts:

You may not believe it, but flooding can cause a range of health impacts and risks such as:

• Contaminated drinking water
• Mold/mildew
• Diseases
• Structure displacements

Most flooded basements are caused from a lack of maintenance, as we often look to quick fixes for wet basement problems. Getting the proper prevention system or maintenance can help prevent a flooded basement.

Don’t Drown in a wet basement!

Rely On Wet Basement Waterproofing Experts in Toronto

If you’ve noticed foundation cracks, spots, water, mould, and mildew, don’t ignore the signs or it could lead to more damage and possible health effects.

The basement waterproofing specialists at ACCL Waterproofing know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. We would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry!

Carbon Monoxide Prevention 

Picking the right sump pump for you home/investment

Ensuring your basement is ready this thaw season

Waterproofing Ontario properties and real estate

Questions to ask your waterproofing contractor

Click here to view our April promotions!

The post April Showers bring may flowers! – Or Wet Basements? appeared first on ACCL Waterproofing.