4 Common Causes of Basement Leaks and How to Fix Them
Your basement is a handy extension of your home, as you can convert it to any type of space you wish. Whether a laundry room, an office, an entertainment area, or simply a place to relax, your basement can perform all sorts of functions that improve your quality of life and home’s value. However, you’ll need to maintain your basement regularly to make sure it’s well-ventilated and dry, as water damage can introduce a whole host of problems.
Unfortunately, wet basements occur frequently, particularly during damp weather. The moisture may seep through your floor and walls, traveling through holes and gaps to reach your basement. Even if it doesn’t rain particularly hard in your area, leaky pipes or incorrectly installed drainage systems can cause moisture to remain in your basement, leading to mold, mildew, or even wood decay.
Here are four common causes of basement leaks and what you need to do to fix them:
- Hydrostatic Pressure
When your water table experiences an increase in pressure, it results in hydrostatic pressure. Water will then rise through the soil, causing pressure to mount under your foundation, which will find its way into your basement through tiny cracks and gaps. You’ll end up with a wet basement, requiring you to eliminate the pressure under your foundation.
Luckily, you can contact wet basement repair companies near you to solve the problem. A seasoned contractor will evaluate your drainage system and suggest the best ones to install to relieve the pressure problem. - Lateral Earth Pressure
Like hydrostatic pressure, lateral earth pressure occurs when the soil around your basement soaks up water and starts expanding. It then puts pressure on your basement walls, causing them to crack, allowing water to seep through and penetrate your house.
If you can see the cracks from the inside and easily reach them, have a contractor inject expandable polyurethane. It will fill the cracks and seal them, preventing soil from spilling into your walls. However, if the gaps are reachable only from the outside, you’ll need to hire a professional to dig to access the crack and fill the gaps with sodium bentonite clay. - Blocked Window Wells
Your basement’s window wells may also be a source of a leaking problem, especially if they’re clogged. Over time, they fill up with water and end up pouring into your basement unless you clean it regularly. Fortunately, you can install a drain that brings the water elsewhere, like a drain tile or a well. However, if your window wells are clogged, hiring a professional to clean them out will prevent them from contributing further to a wet basement. You’ll also want to install a cover to protect it from leaves and other items that can clog the drain and exacerbate the issue. - Improper Landscaping
Improperly graded landscaping also contributes to a wet basement, as it leads to stagnant water sitting right outside your home. When left unattended, it makes its way to your basement, soaking the walls and floors and potentially causing water damage. Luckily, you can easily solve this problem by working with a professional company to install gutter extensions or French drains to direct water away from your home.
Conclusion
Basements are susceptible to water damage due to their location, which means you’ll need to take extra care in maintaining the space and keeping it clean and dry. By understanding the common causes of these leaks and how to fix them, you can prevent expensive and hazardous problems that hinder you from enjoying your basement.
Advanced Basement Waterproofing specializes in complete
basement waterproofing, sealing, mold removal, mold remediation, and French drain installations to keep your basement safe and dry. We service
Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.
If you have moisture entering your basement, contact us to schedule a
free basement waterproofing quote today!
