‘Water’ and ‘seepage’ are two words that no homeowner ever wants to hear in the same sentence. Whether we’re talking about rainwater seeping from the roof into the ceiling, or trickling down an interior wall, water seepage can only ever mean bad things.
So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when we tell you that water seepage around your home’s foundation is also a bad thing. In this post, the experts at Melbourne’s premier foundation repair team, Techniblock, inform us how water seepage can affect your home’s foundation.
Water and foundation: two mortal enemies
Water and foundation never mix well. When it absorbs moisture, the soil underneath your foundation expands. The more the dirt expands, the more pressure is placed on your foundation. Expansive soils also shrink when they dry, removing support from your foundation. The back-and-forth of swelling and shrinking causes repetitive stress on your foundation, making it weak and causing it to have differential settlement from the surrounding areas .
Water seepage from hot water services
Another problem that could be contributing to foundation issues is that of water seepage from hot water pipes. Most hot water services have overflow pipes which, if stuck, have water dripping from them on a constant basis. This, if not directed away from the foundation, can cause excess moisture and result in foundation movement. Preferably have a plumber connect the overflow pipe to a legal point of discharge such as a storm water pipe nearby.
Keeping your foundation dry
If water is the enemy of your foundation, then the aim is to keep your foundation as dry as possible. Landscaping can play a large role in safely diverting moisture away from the foundation of your home. Correctly sloped paths (which run away from your foundation) ensure that the moisture doesn’t get trapped beneath the surface.
Discharging overflow from hot water pipes
An even more effective alternative would be to connect the overflow from the hot water pipes to a legal point of discharge. This ensures that no water is able to seep from your pipes and into your soil, instead diverting it elsewhere.
If you’re concerned about water seepage coming from a hot water service, talk to the team at Techniblock. As Melbourne’s authoritative voice on foundation repair, they’re able to inspect your home and advise on the best solution for handling water seepage – whether this means diverting hot water overflow, improving landscaping or taking another route of action.
Contact Techniblock today
Look no further than the team at Techniblock when correcting your home’s foundation issues. Since 1989, Techniblock have been repairing foundations across Victoria, restoring homes to their original state and making their foundations as strong as ever. To arrange an inspection and quote, contact the specialists at Techniblock today.