The sinking feeling is one you are familiar with, having felt that familiar damp chill in the air after a big rainstorm in Ontario. A wet basement is not only uncomfortable, it can also be a health hazard. It can slowly eat away at the foundation of your home, cause hazardous mold growth and run you up a bill that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars if it is not treated in time!
Basement water issues also are not one and one-half dimensional. They can also be part of the bigger home plumbing and drainage issues and what may begin as a wet wall can rapidly turn into an extensive plumbing system failure if the underlying cause is not handled.
The good news? When your basement begins to cause problems, it doesn’t always get serious right away – it will typically inform you first. If you have an idea of what to look for, you can save yourself a huge headache and a huge bill.
Here are 10 signs your basement needs waterproofing immediately.
1. You Notice Water Stains or White Mineral Deposits on Walls
The chalky white streaks or yellow stains on your basement walls are more than just an eyesore. They’re known as efflorescence, which means that water has been percolating through your concrete or block walls and has left mineral deposits. One of the first signs to look for when it comes to basement waterproofing.
If they appear after rain or in spring when snowmelt, don’t underestimate them. This moisture is infiltrating through your foundation walls, and it’s not long before it gets to be even worse.
2. There’s a Musty Smell You Can’t Get Rid Of
If there is always a musty smell in the basement, it is almost always a moisture problem. Even though standing water is not visible, moistness behind drywall or under floorings provides the ideal breeding area for mould and mildew!
It is a very common complaint during the humid summers and wet spring of Ontario. The poor waterproof interior of the building and moisture can get trapped in walls and floor gaps, but not be seen until it becomes a major mold issue.
3. You Can See Mould or Mildew Growing
This one’s urgent. Chronic moisture intrusion is evident by mould growth on the wall, ceiling or stored items in the basement. Mould isn’t just an issue of damage to your home, it also can be a serious health threat, particularly to children, seniors and those with respiratory ailments.
The costs of mould remediation are often in the thousands. The root fix is nearly always wet basement repair, and determining and fixing the source and entry points of the water.
4. Your Basement Floor or Walls Have Cracks
Chances of having structural cracks in your foundation walls or basement floor are more than just eyesores. They’re channels that let the water flow through. Horizontal cracks, especially, are serious, as they may indicate lateral pressure from the ground outside against your foundation waterproofing barrier.
Settling or the freeze-thaw cycle that all Canadian homes experience every winter can cause vertical and diagonal cracks. In either case, cracks must be inspected and filled to prevent water infiltration.
5. Water Is Actually Pooling or You’ve Dealt with a Flooded Basement
A flooded basement is an emergency – period. Even a little puddle after a rain or spring thaw means your house is at-risk. A seepage problem can easily turn into thousands of dollars of water damage in just one bad storm or rapid snow melt.
If you are living in Mississauga, Oakville and Hamilton, and basement leaks are becoming a more frequent occurrence, basement leak repair is not something you need to wait on. Of course, it’s always cheaper to act before a storm than clean up afterward.
6. You Notice Peeling Paint or Bubbling Drywall
Paint does not peel or bubble. If it occurs in the basement, it is nearly always due to moisture behind the basement. Some older homes in the GTA have been “painted over” in their basement to disguise problems – and this is a cosmetic solution, not an actual fix.
Any bubbling or peeling paint that appears on the walls of the basement is a good sign that exterior sealing or drainage work must be done if the house has a problem with moisture.
7. Your Sump Pump Is Running Constantly or Has Failed
A sump pump constantly running is working more than its strength and there is more groundwater pressure than the foundation can handle. One of the most common causes of basement flooding in the GTA is a sump pump failure or it clogs.
If your pump is operating continuously, then it may be time to consider a more complete basement systems upgrade where additional french drain systems are provided to alleviate hydrostatic pressure before it reaches your sump pit. The right french drain basement system can greatly reduce the amount of water your sump pump will need to pump.
8. Doors or Windows in the Basement Are Sticking
It comes as a shock to many homeowners. If water penetrates into your foundation walls, the wood framing that is around the basement windows and doors becomes moist and expands. If you’ve not spotted any water, yet doors stick or windows don’t open smoothly, it may be an initial indicator of moisture intrusion.
Wood waterproofing of exposed basement framing with treatments will help limit water absorption, but will not eliminate the source of water. If you are finding water seeping into your lower level bathroom, you might want to install bathroom waterproofing in addition to your overall basement solution particularly if your lower level is finished with tiled walls and floors that can conceal water intrusion until it causes significant damage.
This, along with other symptoms listed on this page, suggests a moisture problem in the foundation, which might be solved by exterior waterproofing or drainage inside the building.
9. You Can Feel or See Water Coming Through the Floor
If you notice water pushing through basement floor cracks or a floor drain during heavy rain, then the water in the ground underneath your foundation is trying to find a way out. This is especially prevalent in clay soils prevalent throughout the GTA, where the water does not drain from foundations rapidly.
This is usually a waterproofing solution that has to take care of drainage underneath the slab which may involve an interior sump pump and drainage channel.
10. Your Home Is in a Neighbourhood with Known Drainage Issues
Not all warning signs are inside your home. Wet basement issues, a flood prone street and homes built prior to the 1980s increase your likelihood of water intrusion into your house.
Some older homes in the GTA, Hamilton, Milton, Cambridge and Niagara regions were not constructed with modern exterior waterproofing membranes, or functioning drainage systems. In such homes, a proactive waterproofing inspection by a waterproofing professional is among the savvy investments you will make.
Does Waterproofing Actually Work? What Are the Options?
With the right method, basement waterproofing can be very effective and last for many years. The best solution will depend on the location and source of water intrusion.
Interior waterproofing is the process of installing drainage channels on the inside of your basement walls to guide water to a sump pump, and away from the walls of your basement. Not as intrusive and suitable for a variety of properties.
The most complete solution is to excavate around the foundation and apply an exterior waterproofing membrane to the outside walls and the installation of a French drain system that will reroute the groundwater away from the building. A long-term investment, but will help to keep your foundation safe from the outwards elements.
In addition to excavating sections of wall, special entry points may be sealed with concrete waterproofing and/or wall crack injection, and wall waterproofing can be used to protect against moisture infiltrating through basement walls, rather than through a full section of wall.
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost in Canada?
The amount of waterproofing basement cost will depend on the type of waterproofing you choose, the size of your basement and the size of your problem. The cost is usually a few thousand dollars for interior drainage systems or more for full exterior waterproofing (excavation).
The best time to ask about cost is prior to having a flooded basement. When water damage is present, you’re spending your money on repairing and waterproofing at the same time.
When a Wet Basement Becomes a Plumbing Emergency
There are some water issues in the basement that are not discovered for weeks or months. Others hit hard, the pipe bursts overnight, or when it rains the heaviest the sewer backs up, or your sump pump fails. Then there’s no time to do some price checking.
It’s at that time you need to have a trusted 24 hour plumber on speed dial. Basement flooding due to a broken pipe or sewer backup are plumbing emergencies that must be addressed quickly to avoid damage to the structure, mold growth and personal property loss. The delay is costly and makes cleanup much more problematic, and the repair bill a lot more expensive.
If water is coming into the house, do not wait until the morning. A local emergency plumber (after hours plumbing service) in the area can come in, cut off the source of the leak and get started on cleanup immediately. Find a same day plumber with the necessary tools and skills to deal with the plumbing leak and the drainage problem that typically accompanies it.
Whether it’s 2 a.m. on a Tuesday or a Sunday afternoon, BOS Plumbing and Drains will always be here to help when you need it, so you don’t have to deal with a flooded basement yourself.
Residential and Commercial Basement Waterproofing What’s the Difference?
Homeowners are not alone in having wet basement issues. They are also a concern for businesses, multi-unit buildings and commercial properties throughout the GTA, and they’re a threat even greater when they involve the safety of the inventory, equipment, or tenants.
A qualified commercial plumber or commercial plumbers near me will be able to direct you towards firms that are knowledgeable about bigger scale drainage and waterproofing systems. Commercial buildings may have more intricate plumbing systems, code compliant drainage requirements, and/or faster turnaround to avoid disruption to the business.
When it comes to residential plumbing problems, your family’s home, structural stability, and the value of your home are at the top of the list. The work will depend on the size and nature of the building, whether you’re the homeowner in Oakville or a commercial property owner in Hamilton, the right plumbing company will provide the waterproofing solution that fits your needs.
BOS Plumbing and Drains’ services to residential and commercial clients in Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara and Cambridge are of the same quality and care.
Common Causes of Wet Basements in GTA Homes
Basement water issues are not restricted to older homes and can be a serious problem in newer homes throughout the GTA as well. The fluctuating conditions in Ontario weather, rainfall and freeze-thaw stress continuously put pressure on your house’s foundation.
Drainage around the house is a huge reason why you may have a wet basement. Excess water or melting snow is not able to drain away from the house, and it starts to pool around the foundation walls. With age, it results in hydrostatic pressure which forces moisture into cracks, floor joints, and through porous concrete.
Throughout Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, Cambridge and surrounding areas, clay soils are also problematic and cause foundation movement and water retention. Clay is an expanding soil when it is wet and shrinking when it is dry, causing yearly stresses to foundation waterproofing systems.
Other common causes include:
- Aging weeping tile or french drain systems
- Cracked foundation walls
- Poor exterior sealing
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Failed sump pumps
- Improper landscaping slope around the home
- Older waterproofing materials breaking down over time
By early identification, homeowners can prevent costly basement leak repair and structural damage in the long run.
What Happens If You Ignore Basement Water Problems?
Failure to take action to address basement moisture issues is not cost effective. In fact, even a small leak can escalate to a large, costly problem particularly during wet spring and stormy seasons in Ontario.
The foundation deterioration is one of the major risks. With time, water starts to gradually erode the strength of concrete, causing cracks to grow larger, walls to shift and the structure to lose stability. After major foundation repair occurs, significant costs are incurred compared to early solutions that are available for basement waterproofing.
Basements can also be a problem for IAQ if they are wet. A build-up of moisture behind walls can lead to mould and mildew forming, which can impact allergies, breathing and home comfort. This can be particularly problematic for children, elderly persons and those with respiratory issues.
Other common problems caused by untreated water intrusion include:
- Damaged drywall and flooring
- Warped wood framing
- Rusted plumbing systems and appliances
- Electrical hazards near water exposure
- Increased humidity throughout the home
- Lower property resale value
- Pest and insect infestations
- Higher heating and cooling costs
When property owners actually need an emergency plumber or a 24 hour plumbing service, they often only seek out a plumber when there is extensive flooding. By this point, it is usually too late for repairs to be cost-effective, having been more costly than waterproofing work in the first place.
Waterproofing Solutions Comparison Table
All basement water issues are not the same and do not need to be dealt with in the same manner. The type of waterproofing to use will depend on the location of the water and the extent of the problem.
| Basement Problem | Recommended Waterproofing Solution |
| Small wall cracks | Crack injection and wall waterproofing |
| Water stains on concrete | Waterproof interior coating |
| Frequent basement seepage | Interior drainage system |
| Flooded basement after storms | French drain system and sump pump |
| Foundation wall leaks | Exterior waterproofing |
| Hydrostatic pressure under floor | Interior drain tile system |
| Persistent mould or dampness | Wet basement repair and dehumidification |
| Water entering near foundation | Exterior sealing and grading correction |
| Older GTA home with drainage issues | Complete basement systems upgrade |
| Water coming through floor cracks | Concrete waterproofing and drainage repair |
The only way to know if your home requires interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing or both is to have it professionally inspected.
FAQs
1. Is basement waterproofing covered by home insurance in Canada?
A typical Canadian home insurance policy will not cover a step-by-step water seepage or foundation problems that occur when a home isn’t properly maintained. If a pipe bursts for any reason, then a portion of the flooding may be covered, however, if it is a chronic issue, then usually it is not. When this happens, it’s even more crucial to do proactive wet basement repair.
2. How long does basement waterproofing last?
Quality membrane and drainage upon installation of exterior waterproofing can last 20-25 years or more. Interior drainage systems also are long-term solutions that will last. Have a system review every couple of years to keep your system effective.
3. Can I waterproof my basement myself?
The sealing of cracks or surface sealants may be a DIY project, but thorough basement waterproofing, such as drainage systems, sump pumps or exterior sealing needs a qualified professional’s evaluation and installation. If the waterproofing is not done properly, issues can be exacerbated or your home may be covered by the warranty.
4. When is the best time to waterproof a basement in Ontario?
Preferably in the fall or spring prior to the thaw. The hydrostatic pressure in GTA basements is highest during the spring when the snow melts and coupled with rain. However, most waterproofing services can be undertaken all year round and if there are indications of water into the building, this is not a season dependent issue.
5. How do I find a reliable plumber near me in the GTA for basement issues?
Find the best local and licensed, insured plumbers near me, read some reviews on Google or HomeStars. Look for businesses that will quote you free estimates, flat-rate plumbing repair costs, and are available for emergencies. A competent plumber’s service provider will also not be hesitant to tell you whether or not your problem needs waterproofing, drainage or both answers, as opposed to automatically suggesting the most costly solution.
6. Does basement waterproofing also cover appliance-related water damage?
Waterproofing is not a solution to appliance failures. If you have secondary water damage to your basement caused by a leaking washing machine, water heater or other appliance, however, you may need to have both the plumbing repair and have waterproofing done at the same time. When you call some of these companies may also have same day appliance repair coordination plumber services that repair appliances the same day of the call.
Trust BOS Plumbing and Drains Serving the GTA for Over 20 Years
If you hear any of the above mentioned signs, it’s time to contact a professional whom you trust. It has been over 20 years that the BOS Plumbing and Drains have been providing services to residents of Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara and Cambridge, among other locations in the GTA.
When you’ve been looking for a dependable plumber in Mississauga and are putting in the search, and typing in plumbing near me, you need to find someone that knows the area, and that is BOS. They are a full service plumbing company, making basement leak repair, waterproofing basements, having a basement flooded, or plumbing repair work, to emergency callouts and even cleaning drains.
From wet basements to 24 hour plumber services needed to a pre-problem inspection to prevent future issues, BOS has the expertise, a clear flat-rate price and a presence around the clock. They also offer a 25-year waterproofing water warranty and a 25-year sewer replacement warranty – one of the most comprehensive waterproofing companies in the GTA.
Avoid spending a lot of money on a minor water issue. Call BOS Plumbing and Drains now and discover just what your basement requires to remain in a dry, secure and protected manner season after season with a complimentary consultation.