How to Stop a Basement Water Leak

Stopping a water leak can prevent the damage that water can cause in your basement. Water can cause material to rot and decay. It can also cause dangerous molds to grow in your basement. Fortunately, identifying and stopping a water leak is not that difficult at all.

Supplies needed

• 
  

  Waterproof sealer

  
  


• 
  

  Cement

  
  


• 
  

  Bucket

  
  


• 
  

  Putty knife

  
  


• 
  

  Rags

  
  


• 
  

  Cleaning brush (hard bristles)

  
  


• 
  

  Paint (optional)

  
  


• 
  

  Paintbrush (optional)

  
  

1. 
   

   Identify where the water leak is
   located. There will be water around the leak. In some cases, you may
   actually see the water coming out. Once you identify where the leak
   is on the inside, go outside and see if you can find a source. If
   something is damaged outside, then you will have to repair that
   also. If the water is coming from a damaged gutter, then you will
   have to fix the gutter. If the water is coming from a pool of water,
   then fill up the area with cement or dirt.

   
   


2. 
   

   Go back into the basement and
   remove the water from the area around the leak.

   
   


3. 
   

   Use the cleaning brush to remove
   any material that is immediately surrounding the leak area inside of
   the basement.

   
   


4. 
   

   Get your putty knife and mix your
   cement in the bucket.

   
   


5. 
   

   Apply the cement onto the leak
   area. Use the putty knife to ensure that the cement is level.

   
   


6. 
   

   Let the cement dry.

   
   


7. 
   

   Apply the waterproof sealer onto
   the leak area. This will help to make sure that there are not any
   leaks in the future. Apply paint to the area if you wish. Sometimes
   the area where the leak was will be painted a certain color. Use the
   same color paint and apply the paint over the cement and waterproof
   sealer.