MORE LOCATIONSLearn the reasons of water seepage through basement floor and some strategies to keep your basement dry
A wet basement is a serious problem that is commonly faced by many homeowners. Even a little moisture can become a major issue if not fixed on time. A wet basement poses threats to your home, health, and property. Here is a roundup of tips to keep your basement dry.
Faulty Drainage System
- Improper drainage is the major reason behind wet basement floors. If your house does not have a weeping tile, the water in the soil can gather up and create pressure on the basement wall and floor. This water will find a way to get in unless your basement has been adequately waterproofed.
Weeping Tile
- The drain tile or weeping tile is a pipe that is installed underground to gather up water in the soil around the house. This water is then directed to a different area away from the house. Most of the time this pipe redirects water to the sewer system, sump pit, or into the yard.
The purpose of the drain tile is to turn the water elsewhere so that it won’t seep into your basement. If your home doesn’t have weeping tile you may be in trouble.
Clogged Gutters
- If your gutters and downspouts are blocked, they may not lead the water away from your home. This results in the buildup of more hydrostatic pressure in the soil surrounding the house. Or water may directly seep into your basement floor, thereby causing damage. The issue of water seepage through your basement is likely to occur every time it rains or when the snow melts.
During heavy rainfalls, you need to keep an eye on your basement. Take necessary measures if rainwater is not being directed away on its own. Spot the areas that are pulling water down towards your basement and fill them.
Poor 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 also gives rise to this problem. 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.
Cracks In The Basement Floor
- If you discover water in your basement, look for signs of cracks in the basement floor. Cracks allow water to seep into your home. This can cause water damage leading to costly repairs. Thoroughly examine the basement floor to spot any cracks.
Water can enter the basement even though the smallest crack. Patch the cracks right away with a sealant to prevent serious damage. However, extensive cracks indicate serious issues and should be repaired by a professional crack repairer.
Leaking Appliances And Pipes
When pinning down the causes of water seepage through the basement floor, check if the water is leaking from inside the basement. There can be numerous sources of interior 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.
If water is leaking in your basement, professionals from Crack-X Repair Company can fix it for you. If you require basement waterproofing services then give us a call at 877-727-2259. Crack-X is a basement waterproofing and civil structures repair company operating in Maine and New Hampshire.