Learn the top causes of water in your basement in this guide by experts
Table of Contents
ToggleMoisture or the presence of water in the basement is a common issue. There are several entry points through which water can find its way into your basement. Whether it seeps in through foundation walls or the floor, water in the basement is always bad news. It is not only harmful to health but also poses structural damage to your house. It can stain the walls and lead to the growth of molds. Even a little moisture can become a major issue if not fixed on time. Here is why you have water in your basement.
Cracks In Walls And Floors
- If you discover water in your basement, look for signs of cracks in the basement walls or floor. Cracks allow water to seep into your home. This can cause water damage leading to costly repairs. Examine the walls and floor for cracks. Water can enter the basement through the smallest crack.
Gaps between the basement walls and floor also serve as the entry points of water. Patch the cracks right away with a sealant to prevent serious damages. However, extensive cracks indicate serious issues and should be repaired by a professional crack repairer.
Failing Windows
- After you have fixed and repaired the cracks in the basement see if the windows in your basement are giving access to water. Water can enter the basement through an old or rusty window. Inspect the windows carefully for signs or water of moisture. Additionally, check if there are cracks or holes in the window frames.
A rotten window seal could be a source of water entry. If the basement windows are broken or failed they should be replaced to stop the water from entering your basement.
Interior Water Leak
- When pinning down the causes of water in the basement, check if the water is leaking from inside the basement. There can be numerous sources of inside water leaks namely, washing machine, sink, shower, toilet, or a broken pipe.
If the water or moisture in the basement is present on the walls below the bathroom or a kitchen, an interior water leak is a potential cause. Fortunately, the interior leak is the easiest to fix. Just repair the cause of the leak or have a plumber do it for you.
Ineffective Grading
Poor grading can cause the rain and groundwater to find their way into the basement. The surface of the ground around the house should be sloped away from the house. If the ground is sloped towards the house, the draining will take place in the wrong direction. Water will collect against the foundation and in time makes its way inside the basement. The improperly compacted ground gives rise to this problem.
Over time the dirt settles which changes the slope causing the water to flow towards the house. The best way to avoid this is to build compacted dirt or ground around the foundation. Create a slope of about one inch per foot that directs the water away from the house.
Condensation
- When warm air comes across the cold basement walls and floor, condensation takes place. Warm, moist air is cooled by the walls thereby creating moisture. If condensation is the cause of moisture in your basement, it is nothing to worry about. It’s easier and inexpensive to resolve this problem. Make sure the exhaust of the dryer is not clogged and is working properly.
Install an exhaust fan, especially if there is a bathroom or kitchen in the basement. If the steam from the hot shower or cooking is not allowed to escape, it can lead to condensation.
If water is leaking in your basement, professionals from Crack-X Repair Company can fix it for you. Give us a call at 877-727-2259 and have your basement waterproofed. We are operating in Maine and New Hampshire.