Basement Waterproofing

Guide To Basement Bathroom Plumbing

2007-05-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

Guide To Basement Bathroom Plumbing By mrizalm Basement bathroom plumbing work needs considerable skill, experience and care. It is advisable to hire the services of a plumbing contractor for carrying out basement bathroom plumbing work. The existing floor needs to be busted and in the process drainpipes may also get broken if adequate safety measures are not taken up.Basement bathroom plumbing procedure Some concrete may need to be removed for installing basement bathroom plumbing system. The fixtures required for setting up basement bathroom plumbing - bathtub, one-piece shower unit etc. may not be easily obtainable. Special effort needs to be made to secure them.Often, the concrete of the basement needs to be broken. Marks are made on the surface along some demarcations and the concrete is chipped away usually employing a jack hammer. The debris thus obtained has to be cleared and new plumbing pipes are well glued to the original setup. After completion the new setup has to be covered up with concrete. Another approach to basement bathroom plumbing is installation of a plastic sump beneath the basement floor. A sewage ejector pump or lift pump is used to pump out the waste as the sump becomes full. The pumps have devices to grind solids. In case the pump fails the toilet will not be draining properly. There may be some houses where the building drain lies below the basement level. So, no pump is needed. A plumber can help in this regard by providing various estimates of drain line locations and plumbing setup plans.Again, there may be homes where the main drain lies at floor level. To help out in such cases you may build a false floor for the bathroom. Of course your ceiling needs to be high enough in such case. The false floor erection would ensure that the fixtures are higher than the sewer line. This will do away with the necessity of installing a sewage ejector pumping unit.Basement bathroom plumbing - a special plumbingBasement bathroom plumbing is a special kind of plumbing setup. Therefore, special care needs to be taken while proceeding with the installation, maintenance and repair or replacement of the basement bathroom plumbing system. If you are contemplating basement bathroom plumbing for your home then you may conveniently hire some competent plumber for helping out. Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on basement bathroom plumbing, 12 volt appliances and kitchen cabinetry. We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to Who Invented Plumbing that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Prevention Of Plumbing Damage

2007-05-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

If you want to prevent water damage in your home or office, you must first learn where to look for and what are the different causes of this kind of damage. This article covers the invisible causes of water damage, those that are a little harder to detect by simple do-it-yourself inspections. There is additional material about the visible causes of water damage that you need to read in order to fully understand the subject. A good understanding of the subject will not only provide you with great techniques to prevent water damage but also will help you save money and will keep your house in good shape, preserving its value for many years. While you can control some of the causes for damage, others cannot be predicted and therefore cannot be prevented.
Plumbing:Plumbing equipment usually develops leaks due failures in joints or hose attachment.Internal wall leaks are even harder to discover and can cause major damage.
Pipes: The common problems in pipes are blocked toilets and drains (especially kitchen drains), failure of garbage disposals, and roots in sewer lines .
Weather:Unpredictable summer storms, floods, and other water accompanied disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards, and tornado's are some more reasons for water damage.
Heating Systems and Air Conditions:Neglecting air conditioners leads to poor performance, expensive operating costs and moisture issues. Moist cooling ducts promote mold and other water-borne bacteria.
Appliances:Water heaters, washers, and dryers tend to crack over time, allowing water to trickle. Although these appliances will start leaking slowly, this leak can grow and cause a flood when completely failed. Hoses tend to deteriorate inside out, resulting in leaks as well. Basements: A wet basement is caused by moisture accumulations that drip through the foundations. When moisture evaporates, it increases humidity even if there are no leaks or standing water. Another common cause is condensation on the cold concrete walls and floors during more humid time periods. It is recommended to inspect your home periodically to ensure that it stays in good condition and keeps its real market value. A periodic inspection will also help preventing high-costs restoration projects after water related disasters.

Mold A Mojor Effect of Wet Basements

2007-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

* How does mold enter a home? Molds usually enter a home through spores that pass through open doorways, ventilation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air intakes. The mold spores also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes, clothing, bags and other objects that are capable of carrying spores. When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there is excessive moisture, they will attach and grow themselves. This will serve as their breeding ground. Molds usually grow in moisture rich places and those that are quite cold. The most common places where molds grow are in roofs, pipes, walls and plant pipes. * How does mold grow? Molds grow in different ways. Molds have tiny spores and these tiny spores have the capabilities of reproducing themselves through sexual and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction of mold, spores need another spore for them to reproduce. In asexual reproduction of mold, a single spore can reproduce by itself without requiring another spore. Mold spores can reproduce themselves anywhere. They can grow and reproduce in soil, roof, and pots and even in air. Molds grow rapidly in places that have excessive moisture and have quite dim lightings. * What kinds of health problems could there be if there is mold in my house? Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms like watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reaction to mold is common. It triggers asthma attacks. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances that are dangerous to the human body. * On what kinds of surfaces can mold grow? Molds never choose the surface where to grow and breed; rather, they survive as long as a surface has excessive moisture. Moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, wood and plastics and other materials that will cause dampness resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and others. The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is always damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all possible surfaces for mold growth. Basement and laundry rooms are also common for mold growth. The kitchen is also a possible site for mold. There is no required surface for mold. Any surfaces are susceptible to mold growth if moisture is present. * How can I reduce the humidity in my home? Reducing the humidity at home can be done in many ways. There are simple ways that are effective in reducing the dampness at home which is the main reason of mold growth. The following are three effective simple ways of reducing humidity at home. ? Remove standing water. ? Dry out your home. ? Remove wet materials. And also insulate your home properly.

STOP THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT STARTS

2007-05-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we all get leaky faucets that cause annoying sounds during the night as the water drips down into the sink. Usually when faucets leak, it is caused by the wearing of the washers or O-rings. These leaks are relatively easy to fix in some instances, since homeowners can either replace the washers or O-rings or merely tighten the screws to repair the leak.Other times the leaky faucets may need repairing. There are many different styles of faucets and parts may differ widely; but they all have parts that can be replaced. To replace the faucet you might have to make the purchase of a new faucet kit. The kits are easier to install than buying pieces one at a time. When installing the faucet kit you must shutoff the water supply which is usually below the sink or else in the basement area.After disconnecting the water, locate and unscrew the nuts found at the top of the faucet of the old faucets to loosen the nuts, and then pull up the faucet. When taking apart the faucet, it might benefit you to pay attention to the arrangement of the parts. Once the old faucet is removed, you are ready to install the new faucet. Make sure the nuts are securely tightened on the faucet before reconnecting the water lines. At this time you reconnect the water lines and turn on the water. Check for leaks before using the sink. Improving your home is relatively easy in some areas. The repairs are part of improving the home and for the most part the process is easy. If the improver can follow a few instructions, repairs are never hard. Therefore, you must make sure to follow instructions carefully before repairing your home. If you need to install a new shower, it is possible to do so without the skill of a contractor. Shower kits come with systematic instructions for installation. You can use prefabricated shower panels and a plastic shower base to build an inexpensive easy-to-install shower stall. If you want an elegant look, try a custom-tiled shower stall.Other kits are also available that come with systematic instructions for repairs and installations. It is essential to follow instructions if you are not hiring someone to handle the task. If you follow the instructions carefully, you should not have a problem finishing the tasks. Home improvement does many things. When you improve your home, you are making a statement while increasing the equity of your home. Equity is important when you own a home. The equity of the home determines how much you can sell the home or how much a bank will loan you against your home. Equity is enhancing the home. At what time a person applies home improvement it may lead to increases of taxes but for the most part, the value of the home is increased as well. This means if you choose to sell your home, again you will have more advantages. Repairing or installing a new faucet will only cost you around ten bucks, but it will increase the value of your home around a percentage or more. Thus, the equity adding another percentage is more than the price you will pay for a new faucet. If you are installing a new faucet in the bathroom, or in the kitchen the kits are often the same price and you will follow the same procedures.Anytime you purchase kits for improving the home, make sure you read the instructions to avoid problems. Reading the instructions will help you achieve accuracy. Again, do not forget to check for leaks before completing the procedure. Most times if you follow instructions however, there will be no problems. Repairing the home in the plumbing area is never complex, but if you are repairing plumbing that is more complicated you may want to get quotes before taking on the job yourself. Remember that water leaks can cause damage to your home if left unattended for a period of time.On the contrary, if you are installing a new shower, purchasing a kit will cost less than hiring a plumber. The kits include materials, such as shower flooring, doors, walls and/or curtains, showerhead and faucet. Sometimes when you have a leaky shower, it is easier to repair by merely renewing the faucet, but if the shower is old, it may be wise to up the value of your home by replacing the entire shower. If you are installing a new shower verses the faucet make sure you have all the tools you need, including 3/8 inch PVC pipes, or half-inch PVC pipe. You will also need Purple Primier, CPVC Cement, Philips, cutters, liquid nails, and silicon sealant. Use a little caution. If you feel uncomfortable installing a shower, by all means, look into hiring a professional. It will cost you a little more but will save you in the long run.

Professional Basement Waterproofing Solutions

2006-06-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Frequent flooding, severe cracks that seem to be getting worse, bulging walls and heavy floors are not do-it-yourself projects; they call for the services of a waterproofing professional. Select a basement waterproofer as would any other contractor: Get written estimates, check references, ask about the method used. Many contractors offer long-term warranties for the work they do; that is important protection for you, even if it is initially more expensive for you. Professional waterproofing systems differ, but most include at least one of the following approaches.

Interior Drain Fields
An interior drain field works in much the same way as the channeling system, except it runs under the floor. The installer excavates around the basement slabs perimeter, drills weep holes at the base of the walls, then lays perforated drain pipe in a bed of gravel. The result is a drain field like the one outside the footing. The pipe channels water to either a storm sewer or a sump pump. Although more costly than a channeling system, an interior drain field can handle far more water, an important consideration if your basement suffers from a high water table, a clogged exterior drain field or heavy seepage.

Sump Pumps
If a spring or high water table is forcing water up below the slab, a contractor may recommend installing a sump pump. A sump is a pit that collects underground or runoff water. As the pit fills, a float activates the motor of a pump in the pit. A one-way check valve ensures that the water from outside won't back up the sump.

Controlling Ground Water

2006-06-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

When water collects next to a foundation wall or when the water table is higher than the basement floor, hydrostatic pressure can force water through joints, cracks and porous areas in concrete walls and floors and through cracked or crumbling mortar joints in masonry walls. Poor construction practices-clogged or nonexistent waterproofing on the foundation, through-the-wall cracks, and improper grading-often are the cause.
Correcting any of these problems is a major job that requires digging out the foundation to the bottom of the footings. Though this may be the most permanent repair , first try the following remedies:

1. Exterior Remedies - Roof and surface water collecting next to the foundation may be causing dampness in your basement. Make a careful inspection outside, using the following checklist, and correct any problems you find.

Gutters and downspout should be clear and should direct water away from the basement.
Proper grading around the house the ground should drop 1 inch per foot for the first 10 feet away from the basement walls-is essential to ensure good drainage.
Planting beds next to the foundation should not allow water to collect or pool there.
Window wells around basement windows should be free of debris, have good drainage, and be properly sealed at the wall.

2. Interior Remedies - These simple interior repairs may alleviate or cure your water problem.

Apply coating to the wall. Most coatings are painted on, though some are plastered on with a trowel. Except for epoxy coatings, all are cement-base products with various additives. Epoxy does the best job. Look for coatings at home improvement or masonry supply centers.
Patch cracks in walls and floors with Portland or hydraulic cement patching compound. Hydraulic cement expands and dries quickly, even when in wet conditions. Cracks wider than 1/8 inch should be chiseled out so the bottom of the crack is wider than the top. This will prevent water pressure from popping out the patch.
chisel out a groove along the wall if water is entering through the floor/wall joint. Fill the groove with hydraulic or epoxy cement and cove.

REPAIRING BASEMENT LEAKS

2006-05-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Once a leak is discovered, it must be dealt with immediately to prevent further water damage to your basement. The dry wall should be removed to get to the problem, making sure that enough of the wall is open to fill the entire crack. Once the crack is visible, clean it out as good as possible, then fill it with a waterproof cement sealant, be sure not to miss any of the crack. It's not a bad thing to overdo it. Let the sealant set up for as long as instructed on the package it came from.

2006-05-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

WATERPROOF YOUR BASEMENT
No one wants to deal with water damage down in their basement. If you do your waterproofing correctly you won't have to deal with water damage in you basement. You need to install the correct drainage system before pouring your basement foundation. As well as pouring the foundation in a professional manner, you must let it set up, along with picking the right day to do it; check the forecast, if there is any chance of rain insight, delay the basement till it's clear. You want your basement as waterproof as possible. Make sure to check out the creditials of whoever you may choose to hire, IT'S A MUST. You don't want to hire someone who is inexperienced with basements just to save a buck. Pay the extra to have your basement as waterproof as possible, it will save money and a huge headache down the road.

Basement Waterproofing

2006-05-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Basement Waterproofing
WHY NOT DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME?
It's like the old saying goes, "measure twice and cut once", no one wants to pay a contractor to come into their beautiful basement and turn it into a war zone.
The main-drain system combines the baseboard system with the subfloor tile system. Instead of pumping water below your floor, hydrolic pressure is used to push water to the sump pump.Water spunging in around the foundation creates hydrolic pressure. Holes punched into the base of the blocks releases the pressure. Water flows through this low profile system to a sump-pump. The concrete founation is layed over the main-drain. The water flow coming from the main-drain is equal to that of a 4 inch pipe. Two external rubber gaskets along the bottom of the main-drain reduce pumping of exterior water under the basement foundation. Instead of pumping hydrolic pressure under your basement foundation, the mainp-drain traps hydrolic pressure with the two rubber gaskets then uses the pressure to drive water to the sump pump system.
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