How to Dry a Wet Basement

In the spring, southern Ontario gets a lot of rain. This influx in precipitation can cause serious issues to homes with basements that have a poor drainage system or inefficient interior and exterior waterproofing systems. Or, your concrete walls could have cracks causing leaks—a common issue in older homes or homes that aren’t maintained.

If you’ve landed on this article, you likely have a wet basement floor or wet basement walls and you’re looking for a solution. Don’t panic. After calling an expert team of Hamilton waterproofers, the important thing to do is getting the area dry before irreparable damage is caused.  

Keep reading to learn how to dry a wet basement to avoid structural damage, compromised indoor air quality, and mould growth in your foundation wall. 

Tip #1: Limit Condensation With a Dehumidifier 

Prevent moist air by running a dehumidifier in your basement. This will prevent moisture from accumulating on cold surfaces and stop mould and mildew growth in your basement. Dehumidifiers can also help reduce allergens in the room and make breathing easier. 

Image source: Canva

Tip #2: Place Charcoal In High-Moisture Areas 

A useful and affordable solution to keeping your basement walls and floors dry is to place charcoal in high-moisture areas in your basement. This will prevent the musky smell caused by damp air and keep the mould and harmful bacteria at bay. Do note, however, that using charcoal won’t be of much help if the flooding in your basement is significant.

Tip #3: Clean Your Gutters 

Another tip when learning how to dry a wet basement is to keep your gutters clean and free from debris, such as twigs or leaves. These can clog your gutters and downspouts, which causes the water to push against your home and cause foundational cracks. 

You can also avoid wet basement walls and floors by installing an interior gutter to collect water and re-route it to an interior drainage system or sump pump.

Tip #4: Find and Fix Leaky Pipes 

Leaky pipes will either bring water into your basement or lead to burst pipes, which will then damage your foundation walls. Both are bad situations! 

If you have a wet basement floor or walls, be sure to check for any pipes that may not be working as intended. You should of course check those in your basement, but also under your sink and behind your toilets. You may also want to consider insulating your pipes to prevent frozen water from causing cracks and leaks in the winter.

Tip #5: Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working 

When you get a sump pump installed, you do so knowing its job is to pump water out of your basement. However, if it isn’t working right, you can quickly find yourself dealing with some serious water and a frustratingly wet basement. 

Double-check your sump pump whenever it rains. Like every appliance you use, your sump pump also needs maintenance. Schedule regular check-ups to ensure your sump pump continues working properly for many years to come.

Image source: Canva

Avoid a Wet Basement Floor With PRO Waterproofers 

If you’re still not sure how to dry a wet basement or these solutions didn’t work, it may be time to call in the professionals.

PRO Waterproofers is one of the most trusted waterproofing companies in the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you’re in Hamilton, Burlington, or Oakville, our mission is to provide waterproofing solutions that keep your property protected. From rainwater management to interior waterproofing and installing sump pump systems—we do it all.

Take advantage of our FREE in-home consultation today!