Leaks will happen. Especially when purchasing a home, the buyer needs to be sure to have the house inspected for anything that may be a concern, leaks being at the top of the list since they could be the source of potential problems. A leak in itself doesn’t have to be a problem, but its cause could become a headache.

Whether a new homebuyer is inspecting a property for purchase or a current homeowner is checking for any issues that may not be openly seen in the basement, there are certain steps that can be taken in the event that a problem is discovered. A basement waterproofing specialist should be called in upon the first sign of a leak in a basement. There could be any number of reasons why the leak exists, from a minor, easy to fix problem, to a major problem, for instance, possible cracks in the foundation of the house. Repairing foundation cracks should be addressed as quickly as possible by a foundation repair contractor. Statistics show that almost all homes will, at one time or another, be exposed to some type of damage from water leakage.

It is best to have a basement waterproofing specialist come in to inspect a basement before the owner ever sees any evidence of leaks. A professional contractor will be able to find any potential problems that might allow water into the home, causing cracking and damage to the walls or foundation. Basement waterproofing is easy and affordable and can save thousands of dollars of damage in the long run.

Many people who live in high risk flood zones will install a sump pump in their basement. This type of pump will immediately begin to pump the water back out in the event of a flood. If installed correctly and kept clean, a pedestal style sump pump should last up to 30 years; another type of pump, which is submersible, usually lasts between five and 15 years.

Waterproofing basements can be done easily by a reliable basement waterproofing specialist. A sealant, or a coat of waterproofing masonry cement, will be placed on the inside of the basement walls in order to prevent water from entering from any source. A good way to prevent water from seeping in from the soil outside is to make sure that any kind of plant life is placed in the soil outside the house at least two feet away from the outside basement walls. This will redirect water away from the foundation of the house.

Better being safe than sorry is the best rule of thumb for protecting a home from water damage from any cause. An early inspection can save a homeowner both money and stress in the future.