BASEMENT WATER: 10 CAUSES

different ways water enters a basement graphic

10 COMMON CAUSES OF WATER IN YOUR BASEMENT

Are you dealing with water in your basement? You might be surprised to learn how common it is for homeowners like yourself to suffer from poor drainage or other issues that can lead to a wet basement. In fact, wet basements are one of the most commonly reported problems for homeowners.

So what’s causing all this unwanted water in your basement? Here we’ll cover ten possible causes and provide some tips on prevention as well as solutions for current affected areas.

1. LEAKS OVER THE FOOTING

Water in your basement can be a frustrating and potentially damaging issue to address. One common culprit is leaks over the footing. Footings serve as the essential foundation support and are constructed with reinforced concrete. Yet, when cracks or gaps develop in footings, water can seep through and enter your basement, leading to unwanted flooding and moisture.

Identifying this issue in a timely manner and seeking professional help can prevent further damage and ensure the long-term health of your home's foundation.

2. LEAKS UNDER THE FOOTING

Leaky basements are a common problem faced by many homeowners. The causes can vary from natural forces such as high water tables to artificial issues like damaged pipes. However, one of the most challenging causes to tackle is leaks under the footing.

When the ground beneath your foundation shifts, it can create gaps or cracks that allow water to seep in. This can happen due to factors like settling ground or periods of freezing and thawing. As a result, it is crucial to address this issue as soon as possible with the help of a professional. They can assess the damage and provide appropriate solutions to prevent further occurrence of water in your basement.

3. FLOOR CRACKS

If you're experiencing dampness or puddling on your basement floor, it could be due to a variety of reasons, one of which is floor cracks. These can occur due to a variety of causes, such as settling of the house, temperature changes, or even poor construction practices.

Regardless of why they form, floor cracks can be a major source of water infiltration into your basement. It's important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your basement stays dry. A professional contractor can assess the situation and provide a solution that will work best for your home.

4. WINDOWS AND WINDOW WELLS

If your windows are improperly installed or sealed, they may allow water to seep through and make its way into your basement. Similarly, if your window wells are not properly drained, they can fill up with water and allow it to enter your home through the windows.

This is why it is important to inspect your windows and window wells regularly and ensure that they are properly installed and sealed. If you notice any signs of water intrusion, be sure to address the issue right away to prevent further damage to your home.

water seeping into the corner of a basement

5. LEAKING PIPES

Basements are a crucial part of a home's utility corridor, providing essential space for heating ducts, gas lines, and water pipes. Moreover, modern basements are also home to several appliances that utilize water, such as washing machines, utility sinks, and bathrooms. However, water leakage from these pipes can easily turn into a nightmare for homeowners.

While a broken pipe can turn your basement into an instant swimming pool, even a small leak can cause perpetual dampness, leading to mold and mildew build-up. It's crucial to keep an eye out for leaking pipes and repair them promptly, saving yourself from any further damage.

6. SILL PLATE LEAKS

Water in your basement can be caused by a variety of reasons, including sill plate leaks. This is an often overlooked yet potentially serious issue as the sill plate anchors your house to the foundation. It is the bottom horizontal member of a wall to which vertical pieces are attached. Due to gaps between building materials, water can easily seep through and drip into your basement.

Properly sealing these gaps and maintaining your sill plate can prevent costly water damage in your home. If you suspect a sill plate leak, it’s important to address the issue promptly with the help of a professional to avoid further damage.

7. WALL CRACKS AND MORTAR JOINTS

One common issue to keep an eye out for is wall cracks and mortar joints. These tiny spaces can serve as entry points for water to make its way inside. Cracks in your walls can be caused by a variety of factors, including pressure from the soil surrounding your home and pesky tree roots that can wreak havoc on your basement walls.

It's important to identify the reason for the cracks and address them promptly to keep your basement dry and free from any water damage.

8. FAILED OR UNDERSIZED SUMP PUMPS

Sump pumps are often relied on as the key defense against water accumulation in basements. However, when these pumps fail, they can lead to significant damage. Electrically powered and equipped with a battery backup, sump pumps might prove ineffective following extended power outages or if the battery runs dry.

A common issue with sump pumps that many homeowners face is having one undersized for the volume of water in the basement. When this occurs, the pump quickly becomes overwhelmed, causing water to rise and create a hazardous situation. It is important for those with basements to take note of these potential causes of water accumulation to prevent future damage.

9. DAMP AIR FROM HUMIDITY

One of the most frequent causes of water in your basement is humidity. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, and in the summertime, air humidity tends to rise. This increase in moisture can cause a general feeling of dampness in the basement, which can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful.

Basements are usually warmer than the rest of the house because they are underground and the ground retains warmth. This means that the ground temperature is often warmer than the temperature outside. If left unaddressed, damp air from humidity can lead to water damage, mold growth, and other problems, making it crucial to address this common cause of water in the basement.

10. WALK-UP BASEMENT LEAKS

Walk-up basements, while convenient for exterior access to your home's lower level, can also be a source of water infiltration. The stairs leading to the basement can act as a conduit for water to flow downwards into the basement. Whether it's due to improperly installed waterproofing or foundation damage, leaks can occur around the stairwell area.

It's important to regularly inspect the area around the stairs and ensure any potential leaks are addressed promptly to avoid further damage to your basement. Don't let walk-up basement leaks be the cause of water damage in your home. Act fast to address any issues before they worsen.

Wet Basement Solutions

If you're dealing with a wet basement, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this frustrating and potentially damaging issue. The good news is that there are solutions available to help you dry out and protect your basement.

At My Foundation Repairs, we've seen it all when it comes to wet basements, and we know how to tackle the problem. Whether you're dealing with a leaky foundation, poor drainage, or any other source of moisture, our team of experts has the expertise to implement effective solutions. Don't let a wet basement cause damage to your home or stress to your life. Contact us today to learn more.

No matter how water is finding its way in, the experts at My Foundation Repairs have solutions to help dry and protect your basement.