How to Fix the Moisture Problem in Your Basement
For many people - especially those with certain allergies - the basement is the least appealing place in the house. Even if you've got carpeting and have remodeled your basement to look like another great room, it won't necessarily be pleasant if you've got too much moisture built up. Moisture build-up in basements is a common problem, and with some common sense tips, you'll be able to make a lot of progress against moisture in your basement.
A dehumidifier is one of the most popular ways to reduce moisture. Even by its own name, the role of a dehumidifier is simply to take water out of the air and concentrate it back into liquid form: many people are surprised when they see just how much moisture was in their air. It's not uncommon for people to see gallons of water gathered in their dehumidifier after just a short time of running it. If you aren't running a dehumidifier - especially in the summer - it is a great addition to your basement. But remember that even though a dehumidifier removes moisture, it doesn't necessarily take the dampness out of your entire basement.
You can take a very natural approach to reducing basement moisture by employing a rain barrel to collect the rain that hits your roof and comes down through your gutter system. If you don't have a need to let all of that rain collect on your lawn or other places around the house, you can simply collect that water. This will avoid letting the water seep into the ground, where it can then find its way via moisture into your basement. Instead, you can use the rain barrel for practical applications such as watering plants on dryer days. You'd be surprised at how much rain you can collect if you really can find a way to put all of the rain from your roof into one source.
You can also look into waterproofing your walls - either by a waterproofing material installed along your walls or by choosing waterproofing paint when you paint your basement. Waterproofing your walls might seem like it traps moisture in your basement, but it's also keeping moisture out of the basement. When you have a dehumidifier running in your basement, it will then be simple to remove the rest of the moisture that's been trapped in your basement, keeping moisture levels stable and dry.
Knowing how to keep your basement dry means you also know how to keep it comfortable. If you plan on getting a lot of use out of your basement, make sure that you understand how to maintain clean, dry air.
Photo Credits: Photos by Mavis
Originally posted 2009-07-23 03:30:59.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on July 19, 2010 in
Basement, Handyman, How to Fix
Iffy dehumidifier? We can take care of that!
When you walk into your basement, you'll know if your dehumidifier is working properly or not. If it is, you should feel the air that is dry and feels relatively cool. If it's not, you'll probably pick up the must and maybe even an unpleasant smell. But does this mean your dehumidifier is broken? Not necessarily; it might just be in need of a tune-up. Here is how to fix a dehumidifier that isn't performing up to snuff.
First, you'll want to consider whether or not your dehumidifer is simply too small for the space you have. You can usually tell by a simple test: is this the first time you've used a dehumidifier of that size in your home? If so, then this is a possibility. However, if the dehumidifier has worked well in the past, it's time to check it out and make some repairs.
Note: Make sure that you take out the power cord before attempting any of these repairs. Needless to say, it's a very necessary precaution.
Remove the cover of your dehumidifier and identify the condenser and evaporator coils. These will probably look like they're in need of a good cleaning, which is exactly what you'll want to do. Check your condenser especially to make sure that it hasn't been clogged with dust or dirt. Also, the fan motor bearings might be in need of lubrication - now is the time to drop in a metal lubricant to make sure that it is running smoothly.
Your next option to tune up the dehumidifier is to check the "humidistat" with what's known as a Volt-Ohm meter. You might have to pick one up at your local hardware store. Setting your meter to the RX1 scale, attach the leads on the meter to the humidistat (to what's known as the "terminals"). If you need help with this step, be sure to consult with your hardware store or outsource your dehumidifier repairs to a professional.
The humidistat should register 0 Ohms through a limited range - if it registers through the entire range, there's something wrong with the humidistat and it will need to be replaced.
Once you've made these repairs and the dehumidifier still isn't working, you'll have to consider replacing it or finding a professional to work on it for you. Remember that a dehuimdifier is important to maintain the quality of air in your home; don't procrastinate fixing it.
Photo Credits: JND90745
Originally posted 2009-08-20 03:18:49.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on June 1, 2010 in
Electronics, Handyman, How to Fix
Water in the Basement?
One of the first things new homeowners realize about their home is that nothing happens automatically. That is to say, nothing will get cleaned unless you clean it up, and nothing will get maintained or repaired unless you take actions toward those ends. One of the frequent problem that pops up? A wet or exceedingly moist basement that smells stuffy. If you want a clean, dry basement that any guest would love to visit, here are a few tips.
First, if you don't have a dehumidifier, you'll need to get one. You'd be amazed at how much water a dehumidifier can remove from the air in your basement - you might find yourself emptying gallons and gallons of water that essentially came from "thin air." When you have a dehumidifier, you realize how things like air quality can really effect the rest of your home, not to mention the general mustiness of a moist basement. Make sure you have a dehumidifer up and running before you try some other solutions for a musty basement.
A dehumidifier can also solve other problems with a wet basement. For example, condensation appearing on your basement walls or on windows can mean that there's a lot of moisture in the air in your basement. A dehumidifier will also work to help solve this problem. If that's not enough, try using a vapor barrier. Remember that temperature differences also can make for humidity and condensation, so make sure that your basement walls are insulated.
For water seepage, there can be more problems with your basement that a simple dehumidifier can't fix. For example, rain water might be able to seap through the ground and enter your basement. If you have water seepage like this, you'll want to identify the source and then do further research to find out how you can remedy this kind of problem. If you're in doubt, try asking a professional for their advice.
Water damage can be among the most serious threats to your property, especially if you've got a basement full of sentimental items and useful trinkets and supplies. Make sure to guard your basement effectively by understanding insulation, air humidity, and how you can seal your basement off from potential water harm. The more you know about a wet basement, the better you'll be able to fix it.
Photo Credits: Loozrboy
Originally posted 2009-10-16 03:37:48.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on March 15, 2010 in
Basement, Handyman, How to Fix
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