Causes of Basement Water Problems

Why are basement water problems happening?

  • Illustration of how water enters your homeClogged Gutters – The gutter system is the most important and effective way to keep your home dry.  Keep the gutters free of leaves and debris to ensure water flow.
  • Improper Grading – The soil grading around the perimeter of home needs to have a slope or fall away from the foundation.  Areas not sloped properly need fill dirt to drain effectively.
  • Downspout Discharge – If downspouts don’t effectively discharge water away from home (6-10 feet), they could be adding to the problem.  A “recycling effect” can take place where downspout discharge runs toward the home and into your footing drain.
  • Hydrostatic Pressure Build-Up – Hydrostatic pressure on a basement will cause the water to find the path of least resistance into your basement causing flooding.
  • Clogged or No Footing Drains – Having a working French drain piping system around the perimeter of the home is essential.  Footing drains is your home’s way of controlling hydrostatic pressure.  As always, proper installation techniques are the key to the lifespan of the system.
  • Cracks in Walls and Floors – Unfortunately, concrete will eventually crack and water will always find it.  Cracks in walls and floors will allow water, which is under hydrostatic pressure, to enter.
  • Plumbing Leaks – Interior and exterior plumbing leaks are obviously a major contributor to water damage to a structure.  Exterior leaks could be putting undo hydrostatic pressure on your basement.

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