The 4 Most Common Causes of Basement Leaks
- Compromised Walls. Basement walls are prone to contraction and expansion through temperature change, foundational shifts, and exterior water influence.
- Weak Window Wells. Window wells are designed to keep water and other damaging debris away from your basement windows. ...
- Home Exterior Issues. ...
- Lateral and Hydrostatic Pressure. ...
How to fix a basement leak from the inside?
Steps Download Article
- Inspect and identify source of leak (ie crack in the wall, leaking window, etc). Look carefully at organic surfaces such as wood, drywall, and carpets in a finished basement.
- Dig down 6 feet (1.8 m) to the foundation all around outside of the house. ...
- Pressure wash foundation and let it dry. ...
- Patch the cracks. ...
- Apply waterproofing paint sealer. ...
What causes a basement to leak?
These classic weak spots often leave small spaces open that can become leaks:
- Cove joints (where basement walls meet the floor)
- Mortar joints (which bind foundation blocks together)
- The tops of foundation walls
- The areas where pipes enter and exit a basement wall
Why is the basement leaking from the floor?
Why Do Basements Leak Where The Wall Meets The Floor?
- No interior or exterior waterproofing. If your home is older, you likely have little to on waterproofing on your basement exterior walls. ...
- Damaged basement waterproofing. If your basement does have interior or exterior waterproofing on the walls but you have leaks where the wall meets the floor, the waterproofing may be ...
- No sump pump. ...
How do I stop water from coming into my basement?
Basement Waterproofing Tips. 1) Check your gutters. 2) Install window well covers. 3) Ensure proper draining of your window wells. 4) Check the seams of your basement windows. 5) Apply a concrete sealer. 6) Install a drainage membrane. 7) Bring in the sump pump.
Can you fix a leaky basement from the inside?
Most basement leak repairs, regardless of whether they are performed on brick, cement block, or concrete foundations, can be performed from the inside or the outside of the home. If you have a poured concrete foundation, both interior and exterior waterproofing repairs can be effective in preventing a wet basement.
What to do if your basement is leaking?
The best permanent fix for chronic basement leaks is to install drainage tubing below the basement floor that's connected to a sump basket and pump. You can install a system like this yourself, but breaking out the concrete floor, burying the tubing, and patching the floor is a lot of backbreaking work.
How do I find out where my basement is leaking from?
2:015:16How To Find A Water Leak In Your Basement After Heavy RainYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're gonna do is obviously start at the lowest point and then just kind of work our way upMoreSo what we're gonna do is obviously start at the lowest point and then just kind of work our way up until we get to this area right. Here.
Is it normal for a basement to leak?
A leaking basement is a very common occurrence in many homes.
How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?
6 Genius Tips to Help You Find Out Where That Leak Is Coming FromCheck for Wall and Floor Abnormalities. Luckily certain clues may indicate the probable source of your leak. ... Monitor Your Water Meter. ... Inspect the Yard. ... Check Faucets. ... Try the Food Coloring Trick. ... Check the Toilet Handle. ... What to Do When You Find a Leak.
Why is my basement leaking when it rains?
Drainage issues around a home's foundation, including poor grading, overflowing gutters, short downspouts, or clogged window wells can all cause water to pool near the foundation. Foundation cracks and porous concrete, combined with hydrostatic pressure contribute to basement leaks.
Can water come up through concrete basement floor?
YES, water around your foundation can come up through the concrete floor and can leave any material on its way soggy and damaged.
Is a little water in basement OK?
A wet basement, although definitely not a problem to be ignored, is generally not something that will destroy a home. Infiltration of water on its own won't necessarily damage a foundation, although it is sometimes a sign that such damage already exists.
Are foundation leaks common?
Slab leaks are relatively common, especially in places like California where earthquakes often shake up home foundations.
How do I stop my basement from flooding in heavy rain?
Tips To Prevent Basement Floods:Consult a professional for repairs and waterproofing.Inspect your lateral sewer lines for root intrusion and blockages.Snake your piping annually.Check basement walls for any cracks or weak spots.Seal basement window wells, vents, and exterior openings.More items...
Is a little water in basement OK?
A wet basement, although definitely not a problem to be ignored, is generally not something that will destroy a home. Infiltration of water on its own won't necessarily damage a foundation, although it is sometimes a sign that such damage already exists.
Can I waterproof my basement myself?
DO apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior basement walls. If your foil test showed that water is soaking through your basement walls and leaving them wet, seal the interior of the walls with a high-quality waterproof paint, such as DRYLOK White Extreme Waterproofer (available from Home Depot).
What causes a wet basement?
Showers and toilets are also common culprits. The washing machine, dishwasher, and, of course, the water heater can all spring a leak and cause a wet basement. Interior leaks are usually the easiest water problems to solve. A DIYer can often take care of the repairs.
Why does water come up through my basement floor?
Cracks in the concrete floor are a common cause of water coming up through a basement floor. The most prevalent causes of cracks in a concrete floor are: Settlement. Shrinkage. Frost heave. While you can seal both wide and hairline concrete cracks with a sealant, it’s only a temporary fix.
What to do when water leaks in basement?
1. The Inside Job. The first thing many homeowners do when they notice water in the basement is panic. What they should do is find the water source. The water leaking in your basement may be an inside job. Check all the common places you use water in the house.
What happens when you put loose dirt under a foundation?
If your builder used loose dirt to level the ground under your foundation, it can settle. When soil underneath the foundation settles, the foundation often shrinks slightly. Cracks appear and along with them, excessive moisture. Repairing foundation cracks is a serious business.
What type of cracks allow water to enter the basement?
Let’s look at one of the types of cracks that can allow water into your basement—the foundation crack
What type of pressure is in basement?
Two types of pressure impact your basement: hydrostatic and lateral. We won’t subject you to a long boring physics lesson but let’s look at the two for a second.
What happens to the soil after a foundation is set?
However, after the foundation is set, the area around it is often filled in with loose soil. It doesn’t happen immediately, but over time, the soil compresses and creates a downward sloping grade. Water naturally follows the slope and drains toward the house. From there it seeps in any cracks it can find.
Interior Leaks
When you notice a leak in your basement, your first step should be to find out where it’s coming from. Is the leak happening under the kitchen or bathroom? The culprit may be an interior leak.
Cracked Foundation
Cracks in the foundation of your home can introduce water into the basement. If this is the case, call a professional to determine if the cause of the cracking is from structural issues or hydrostatic pressure. Missouri Basement will inspect your home and provide professional wall and foundation repair, as well as waterproofing.
Clogged Gutters
Yes, clogged gutters can cause water to leak into your basement! The purpose of gutters is to divert water coming off of your roof and away from your home’s foundation. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you regularly inspect your gutters for debris and damage.
Dysfunctional Window Wells
Window wells are a common source for leaky basements and like gutters, play a big role in diverting rainwater away from your foundation. When these get clogged with leaves and debris, it can cause water to build up and leak into your basement. Like your gutters, keep these clean and maintained.
Ineffective Drain Tile And Sump Pump
If your basement drains and sump pump isn’t working correctly, water cannot exit your basement. Your sump pump, a device installed at the lowest point in the home , keeps your basement dry by removing water collected in the sump pit and depositing it in a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond.
What causes a basement to leak?
What causes a plumbing leak? Examples are broken seals, clogging in the pipes which may lead to bursting, corrosion, damaged pipe joints, excessive water pressure which may cause strain on the pipes, loose water connectors, and extreme weather changes such as freezing which may cause pipe bursts.
Why is my basement leaking?
I f your basement walls are made of cinder blocks, cracks in the blocks may be the cause of your leaking basement. These cracks may develop because of the freeze-thaw cycle, pressure from other structures, pressure from heavy vehicles, or vibrations from heavy machinery operating nearby. If there is a flood in your area, these cracked cinder blocks let water into your basement.
How Do You Find the Source of a Leak?
Go through your plumbing system – Since your plumbing system may be the cause of the leaks, inspect it thoroughly from the point it enters your basement to the point where it leaves. As you examine this system, check the joints to see if there is any leakage.
What are the problems with basements?
A leaky foundation 2. Cracked cinderblicks 3. Cracked poured wall slabs 4. Leaky main water line 5. Leaky plumbing 6. Leaky faucets (sink bin or bathroom sink) 7. Leaky basement windows 8. Basement toilet 9. Leaky concrete floor 10. Malfunctioning sump pump 11. Bonus - Problems with your sewer drain
What is efflorescence in basement?
Check for efflorescence – Efflorescence is a white powder produced when water interacts with bricks or concrete. If you find this powder on your basement walls and the area around it is wet, that’s where the leaks are coming through. As you check for efflorescence, also check for any cracks around the walls.
What happens if a sewer pipe breaks in a basement?
For instance, if the sewer pipe bursts or breaks inside the basement, it won’t be able to drain the wastes out. The sewage will be deposited on the basement’s floor. Also, leaking joints can allow water and sewage to escape.
Why does my water line leak?
Leaks in this line may be caused by a lousy first-time installation, underground freezing and thawing, soil erosion which may put excessive pressure on the line, natural wear and tear, and damage from rodents. Remember that your main supply carries a lot of water. If leaks in this supply are the problem, have them repaired before they cause significant water damage.
Where do basement leaks come from?
Basement leaks can come from nearly any point in the walls or floors, including through cracks, around pipes, and through entryway points from the outdoors . Below is a list of the seven most common sources of basement leaks, as well as the solutions we offer to solve them:
How does water leak into a basement?
The most common way that water leaks into a basement is through the basement wall-floor joint. This is the point where the basement walls meet the floor, which is poured separately from the walls for most basements.
What does a grated opening do to a sump pump?
The grated opening will intercept the water before it enters your basement, directing it to your sump pump. The water is kept out of your home, protecting everything inside.
How long does it take to install an interior drain system?
Interior drain systems are about half the price of exterior methods, and they install in about a day. The system is easily accessible for service, and it installs with no need to disrupt your landscaping. These systems have been used in tens of thousands of basements by Basement Systems contractors over the past 20 years, and we find them to be a lasting, highly effective way to waterproof a basement.
Why does water rise up from basement windows?
There are cases where Basement Systems dealers have seen water rise up to the windows, due to broken washing machine hoses. To help prevent this disaster, we provide a long-lasting, durable washer hoses that include a 20-year warranty.
Why do basement windows flood?
Basement Window Flooding. Basement windows often flood as the windows themselves corrode and water pools outside. If your basement window wells are clogged and filling with snow, ice, or water, this will make the situation much worse.
What is the source of a wet basement?
The key to any serious problem is to eliminate it at its source. In the case of a wet basement, the source of the problem is the point where water enters your home.
What causes water to fill up in basement?
Hydrostatic pressure will build up around the foundation and force the water in at joints and cracks. As the water fills up in the backfill higher and higher, it puts more and more pressure on those imperfect joints in your foundation. Therefore, hydrostatic pressure creates two types of problems in your basement.
What keeps basement floors dry?
For a little while, there were two things keeping your basement dry: the damp proof coating and the footing drain. The coating deteriorates over time, and the footing drain is now clogging or completely clogged.
Can hydrostatic pressure cause cracks in basement?
Initially, you may only notice symptoms of hydrostatic pressure, such as cracks and leaks, in certain areas of your basement. However, hydrostatic pressure is not isolated to just one corner, because the water fills up in the backfill all the way around your foundation.
Is a foundation water tight?
Your foundation is not water-tight. The footing, the walls and the floor were all poured at three separate times. So, you have a porous structure with imperfect joints and cracks sitting in a hole in the ground that fills up with water when it rains.
