Dealing with water seeping into your basement can be both frustrating and concerning. Before you call a basement waterproofing company, take some time to understand why and how this is happening is The first step to prevention. In this article, we’ll take a look at the common reasons behind basement water seepage, so you can address it promptly and find practical solutions to keep your basement dry.
Basement Water Seeping: A Common Issue
Basement water seepage is a widespread problem that you will probably face as a homeowner of an older home. Ignoring any water leaks or accumulation in your basement will eventually lead to long-term damage. Persistent moisture can weaken the foundation, encourage mold and mildew growth, and really just degrade the overall infrastructure of your home. Additionally, it can affect indoor air quality and lead to health problems. Addressing water seepage promptly is essential to prevent these issues from escalating.
What Causes Water to Come Up From the Basement Floor?
Hydrostatic Pressure
One of the most common reasons for water seeping up through your basement floor is hydrostatic pressure. This refers to the pressure exerted by standing or moving water on a surface. When it comes to your basement, hydrostatic pressure builds up from the groundwater surrounding your home’s foundation.
Hydrostatic pressure is the force that water exerts due to its weight. When the soil around your basement becomes saturated with water, the pressure against your basement walls and floor increases. This pressure forces water through any cracks or porous areas in the concrete, leading to water seepage. Essentially, the water finds the path of least resistance, and if there are weaknesses in your basement’s waterproofing, water will make its way inside.
What Causes Increased Hydrostatic Pressure
Heavy Rainfall
Prolonged or heavy rainfall can saturate the soil quickly and really increase the groundwater level around your foundation. As the water accumulates, the pressure against your basement walls and floor rises, leading to potential seepage.
Melting Snow
Similar to heavy rain, melting snow can cause a rapid increase in groundwater. When snow melts, it can saturate the ground, particularly if the soil is still frozen a few inches below the surface, preventing proper drainage.
High Water Table
The water table is the level below which the ground is saturated with water. In areas with a naturally high water table, the soil around your basement is more likely to be saturated, especially during the wet seasons. This consistent saturation increases the hydrostatic pressure against your basement.
Poor Landscape Grading
Another common cause of water seeping into your basement is poor landscape grading. This occurs when the ground around your home’s foundation slopes towards the house rather than away from it. Proper grading is so important for effective drainage and just preventing water from accumulating around your foundation.
Impact of Improper Grading on Basement Water Issues
When the landscape around your home slopes towards the foundation, rainwater and melting snow can easily flow directly to your basement walls. This accumulation of water increases the hydrostatic pressure against your basement walls and floor, forcing water through any cracks or porous areas. Over time, this can lead to significant water seepage and potential damage to your home’s foundation.
Improper grading can also lead to soil erosion around the foundation, which just makes the overall problem worse. As the soil erodes, it creates pathways for water to seep into your basement, making it even harder to keep your basement dry.
How to Check and Improve Grading Around the Foundation
Ensuring proper grading around your home is one of the best ways to manage water flow and prevent basement seepage. Here’s how you can check and improve the grading around your foundation:
1. Evaluate the Slope: Start by walking around your home’s exterior and observe the slope of the ground. The ground should slope away from your foundation at a gradient of at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet. This helps ensure that water flows away from your home rather than pooling around the foundation.
2. Measure the Slope: Use a level and a measuring tape to measure the slope. Place the level on the ground near the foundation and extend the measuring tape 10 feet away. The end of the tape should be 6 inches lower than the start. If it isn’t, you need to improve the grading.
3. Add Soil: Add soil to the area around your foundation to create a proper grade. Use clean fill dirt to build up the area, ensuring that it slopes away from the house. Compact the soil to prevent settling and erosion.
4. Create a Swale: In areas where the grading alone isn’t enough, you might need to create a swale—a shallow ditch that directs water away from your home. A swale can help manage water flow during heavy rains and prevent water from pooling near your foundation.
5. Check for Settling: Over time, soil can settle, and the grading might need to be adjusted. Regularly inspect the grading around your home, especially after heavy rains or significant snowmelt, and add soil as needed to maintain the proper slope.
6. Use Downspout Extensions: Make sure that your downspouts direct water at least 10 feet away from your foundation. Downspout extensions can help move water further away, reducing the risk of it seeping back towards your basement.
Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks are a significant concern for any homeowner as they can create pathways for water to seep into the basement. These cracks can form due to various factors, including natural settling, soil pressure, and temperature fluctuations.
Common Types of Foundation Cracks
1. Vertical Cracks:
Vertical cracks run straight up and down or at a slight diagonal (within 30 degrees of vertical). These cracks are often caused by the natural settling of the house.
While vertical cracks are common and not always a serious structural concern, they can still allow water to seep into the basement, especially during heavy rains or periods of high groundwater.
2. Horizontal Cracks:
Horizontal cracks run parallel to the ground and are typically more serious than vertical cracks. They often occur due to pressure from the soil outside the foundation.
Horizontal foundation cracks indicate significant structural issues and are more likely to lead to water seepage. These cracks can widen over time, allowing more water to enter the basement and potentially compromising the stability of the foundation.
3. Stair-Step Cracks:
Stair-step cracks follow the mortar joints in concrete block foundations, creating a cracked pattern that resembles a staircase.
They are often caused by differential settling or shifting of the foundation. They can be serious if they widen over time, providing an entry point for unwanted moisture.
How Cracks Allow Water to Seep Into the Basement
Foundation cracks, regardless of their type, can serve as conduits for water to enter your basement. Here’s how this process works:
Water Pathways
When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated, whether from rain, melting snow, or a high water table, the water exerts pressure on your basement walls. Cracks in the foundation provide a path of least resistance for this water to follow, allowing it to seep into your basement.
Hydrostatic Pressure
As discussed earlier, hydrostatic pressure plays a significant role in water seepage. The pressure from the groundwater forces water through the smallest cracks and gaps in your foundation. Over time, even hairline cracks can allow significant amounts of water to enter your basement.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
In colder climates, the freeze-thaw cycle can exacerbate foundation cracks. Water that enters the cracks can freeze, expand, and even widen the cracks. When the ice melts, more water can enter, continuing the cycle and worsening the problem.
Addressing Foundation Cracks
To prevent water from seeping into your basement through foundation cracks, consider the following solutions:
Epoxy Injection
For minor cracks, epoxy injection can be an effective solution. This method involves injecting a liquid epoxy resin into the crack, which hardens and seals the crack from the inside out, preventing water from entering.
Exterior Waterproofing
Applying a waterproof coating to the exterior of your foundation can help block water from penetrating the walls. This is often combined with installing a drainage system to divert water away from the foundation.
Foundation Repair
For more serious cracks, especially horizontal ones, professional foundation repair may be necessary. This can involve reinforcing the foundation with steel or carbon fiber straps, or even underpinning the foundation to stabilize it. For more information on how to repair foundation cracks, check out our previous blog about professional solutions
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts: Common Sources of Basement Water
One of the most preventable causes of unwanted water is improper maintenance of gutters and downspouts. When they are clear and functioning properly, these systems will easily direct water away from your home’s foundation and prevent unwanted basement flooding.
Gutters and downspouts play such an important role in managing rainwater and protecting your home from water damage. When these systems become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can’t efficiently direct water away from your home. Instead, the water overflows from the gutters, cascades down the walls, and accumulates around the foundation. This pooling of water is what causes hydrostatic pressure and leads to seepage into your basement.
How to Ensure Water is Directed Away From the Foundation
1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your gutters at least twice a year. Ideally once in the spring and and once in the fall, to remove any unwanted debris so that water can flow freely through the system. In areas with a lot of trees, you might need to clean them more frequently, especially during the fall months.
2. Install Gutter Guards: Gutter guards can help prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutters and causing clogs while still allowing water to flow through.
3. Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your gutters and downspouts for damage such as cracks, rust, or loose fittings. Repair any damage promptly to maintain their efficiency.
4. Ensure Proper Slope: Gutters should be slightly sloped towards the downspouts to ensure proper drainage. If the slope is incorrect, water can pool and overflow down the side of your home. Adjust the hangers or brackets as needed to maintain the correct angle.
5. Extend Downspouts: Downspouts should extend at least 10 feet away from your foundation to ensure that water is effectively diverted. Downspout extensions or splash blocks can help guide the water further away from your home.
6. Check Drainage: Ensure that the area where the downspouts discharge is properly graded. The ground should slope away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling near the base of your home.
Backwater Valve Problems
A backwater valve, also known as a backflow prevention valve, is a device installed in the sewer line of a home. Its primary function is to prevent sewage and stormwater from flowing back into the house during periods of heavy rain or when the municipal sewer system is overloaded. The valve allows water to flow out of your home but closes to stop it from flowing back in, thus protecting your basement from potential flooding and even sewage backups.
Backwater valves are typically installed in the basement floor, where the main sewer line exits the house. They are especially important in areas prone to flooding or with older sewer systems that might be more susceptible to backups.
Common Issues for Malfunctioning Backwater Valves
Blockages and Debris:
Over time, backwater valves can become clogged with debris, grease, and other waste materials. This can prevent the valve from closing properly, allowing water to back up into the basement.
Regularly inspect and clean your backwater valve to ensure it is free from blockages. This may involve removing the valve cover and clearing any debris manually. It’s also a good idea to schedule professional inspections to ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance.
Valve Failure:
Mechanical failure of the valve components, such as the flap or gate, can prevent the valve from functioning correctly. This can be due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage from debris.
If you notice that your backwater valve is not working as it should replace any damaged or worn parts promptly. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire valve to ensure proper functionality.
Improper Installation:
If a backwater valve is not installed correctly, it may not seal properly, which can lead to water backup issues. Common installation problems include incorrect placement or orientation of the valve.
Ensure that your backwater valve is installed by a qualified professional who follows local building codes and manufacturer instructions. If you suspect improper installation, have the valve inspected and, if necessary, reinstalled correctly.
Frozen Valves:
In colder climates, backwater valves can freeze, especially if they are installed in unheated areas. A frozen valve cannot function properly and may lead to water backing up into the basement.
Insulate the area around the backwater valve to prevent freezing. Ensure that the basement is adequately heated during cold weather to keep the valve and other plumbing components from freezing.
Preventive Measures to Stop Water From Coming Up
Effective prevention is key to keeping your basement dry and avoiding the complications that come with water seepage. Waterproofing your basement, both from the inside and outside, is a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue. Here’s how you can implement various waterproofing methods to protect your basement.
Waterproofing the Basement
Interior Waterproofing Methods
Interior waterproofing focuses on keeping water from entering your basement space by sealing and managing water within the basement itself. Consider getting your waterproofing dome by a local basement waterproofing company. Here are some common methods you might notice:
1. Sealants and Waterproof Paints:
– Applying a high-quality sealant to basement walls and floors can create a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from seeping through. Sealants are typically used on concrete surfaces to block small leaks and cracks. They are relatively easy to apply and can provide an immediate layer of protection.
– Waterproof paints and coatings can be applied to basement walls and floors to further enhance moisture resistance. These paints contain special compounds that repel water, helping to prevent dampness and minor seepage. They are ideal for basements with minor water issues and can be a part of regular maintenance.
2. Interior Drainage Systems:
– Installing an interior French drain system along the perimeter of your basement floor can effectively manage water that enters the basement. How French Drains work is simple. They collect water and direct it to a sump pump, which then expels it away from your home.
– Ensuring you have a reliable sump pump system is crucial. A sump pump collects water from interior drainage systems and pumps it out of the basement. Consider a battery backup sump pump to provide protection during power outages.
Exterior Waterproofing Methods
Exterior waterproofing is more extensive and focuses on stopping water from penetrating your basement walls from the outside. Here are some effective exterior waterproofing methods:
1. Excavation and Membrane Installation:
– This method involves digging around the exterior foundation walls to expose the basement walls. The soil is removed to allow for a thorough inspection and waterproofing treatment.
– Once excavated, a waterproof membrane is applied to the exterior walls. These membranes are made from materials such as asphalt-modified polyurethane or rubber, creating a durable barrier that prevents water from penetrating the foundation walls. The membrane is often paired with a drainage board to guide water down to a drainage system.
2. Exterior Drainage Systems:
– Weeping tiles are perforated pipes installed at the base of the foundation walls. They collect and divert groundwater away from the foundation, preventing water from building up and seeping into the basement.
– Ensuring proper grading around your home is essential. The ground should slope away from the foundation to direct water away. Additionally, installing downspout extensions to carry rainwater away from the foundation can help reduce water buildup.
3. Crack Repairs:
– For cracks in the foundation walls, epoxy injections can be used to seal the cracks from the inside. This method involves injecting a liquid epoxy into the cracks, which hardens to form a waterproof seal.
– Larger cracks on the exterior foundation walls can be sealed using hydraulic cement or exterior-grade sealants. These materials expand as they cure, filling the cracks and preventing water infiltration.
Now Your Basement is Ready to Stay Dry
Basement water seepage is a common but manageable issue for many homeowners. By taking the right steps, you can effectively manage and prevent basement water intrusion, ensuring a dry and healthy living space. Implementing the tips and techniques discussed will help protect your basement and let you safely use it how you want to.