Effective Way to Deal with Leaks on Your Concrete Flooring

 

During the construction project of a home, various protective measures are implemented to ensure its foundation is waterproof. But, over time, concrete floors are likely to develop water leaks that lead to unpleasant consequences in the long run.

Water leaks under concrete flooring are very difficult to detect and costly to repair. The issue occurs due to the wear and tear of the plumbing lines installed underneath. If left unaddressed, these leaks can substantially damage your home, lowering its value.

Undetected water leaks in your concrete flooring create a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth which can be hazardous to health. In addition to calling a plumber to fix these damages immediately, consider an epoxy floor coating contractor. This guide will discuss other effective ways to deal with this situation.

Signs of Concrete Leaks

Water Bill Increase

If you have leaking plumbing lines, the first sign to look out for is increasing water bills. In this case, the bill will continue to increase even if your water usage remains constant. Hire a plumbing contractor to have the issue fixed before reaching out to a flooring contractor for the damage incurred.

Assess Your Appliances

Leaking appliances also contribute to a drastic increase in water bills. Inspect your appliances and toilets for leaks before hiring a flooring contractor to fix the damages caused by your concrete flooring.

Look Out for Moist Carpet and Stagnant Water

Leaky plumbing fixtures and pipes often result in water accumulation under the foundation. When the escaping water settles on your concrete floor, you may also notice a moist carpet. This damages the structural integrity of your concrete flooring.

Keep an Eye Out for Fungal Growth

Moisture accumulation in concrete flooring due to leaks promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Have your floors and walls inspected for damp spaces that usually emit a musty odor. To remove destructive fungal growth and effective cleanup, you'll need specialized skills and equipment.   

Identifying the Source of Water Leaks

Many homeowners are affected by water leaks developing in concrete flooring. This problem can be caused by various factors, so the ease of solution varies according to the severity and nature of the leaks.

Moisture in the ground is one of the most common causes of concrete floor deterioration. For example, as water fills your ground because of snowmelt or heavy rainfall, it runs along the foundation's outer walls. If your foundation has cracks or is too porous, moisture can be easily introduced into the concrete. This results in water appearing in your basement.

Another reason for leakage is the water accumulated by gutters. When gutters are too close to the walls of your home, the collected water can deteriorate the concrete wall. However, by moving away the downspouts, the flooring can be protected from potential issues in the long run.

Internal Problems Causing Leaks

It's not just the external causes that cause moisture penetration into a concrete flooring. Aging or damaged pipes can also lead to dripping water along the basement walls. In addition, extremely airtight insulation can prevent humidity from escaping. As condensation comes into contact with the concrete walls, it turns into water that runs down the walls and enters the concrete base.

Once water gets in the internal cracks developed in the concrete flooring, you may end up dealing with mold and mildew growth and, eventually, structural degradation of the property.  

How French Drain Installation is Helpful

Waterlogging in the space around your property's foundation increases the risk of seepage, especially if the issue isn't fixed. So consider installing a drainage system near your foundation, as it has proven to be an effective solution.

Though this won't resolve 100% of your problem, installing a French drain will route some of the accumulated water to the drainage basin situated underneath.

The system works properly only if it's in optimal condition and not clogged by elements such as sediments or roots.

Concrete Waterproofing

Once you find a leak in your concrete flooring, consider getting a waterproofing service, as this will prevent water from penetrating through the concrete and causing irreversible damage. It's necessary to identify the source of the issue before proceeding with the repairs.

If the leakage issue is caused due to one or more small cracks, consider having the surface sealed with epoxy floor coating. Property owners are recommended to hire professional flooring contractors to have their concrete flooring thoroughly inspected before fixing any damages.

Cleaning Clogged Drains

To clear up the drains in your foundation, remove any trash or debris stuck inside. Remember that even if the drain is accurately working, it could be blocked by elements trapped inside. As a result, water can escape from the foundation and adversely damage your concrete flooring. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a power washer to clean clogged drains

Installing Epoxy Floor Coating by Steel Coated Epoxy Floors in Layton

Epoxy floor coating is an effective way to prevent damage caused by leaks in your concrete flooring. The impermeable coating prevents moisture from spreading while maintaining your foundation's integrity. However, you must ensure you get the epoxy flooring installed by hiring qualified flooring contractors.

Epoxy floor coating requires quality installation so that it can offer benefits such as longevity, durability, and resistance to harmful substances. If you're looking for epoxy flooring contractors, partner with flooring contractors at Steel Coated Epoxy Floors. Whether you need an epoxy coating for your patio, garage, shop, or basement, the company can help you improve the value and aesthetics of the floor.

The flooring service in Las Vegas also offers residential and commercial coatings and specializes in various floor coating options. Moreover, they deal in steel-coated floors, garage floor coating, epoxy floor coatings, and industrial epoxy floor coating.

Contact them today to request a quote and transform old floors into something that will last for decades.