What Causes Water Seepage In The Basement And How To Stop It?

Learn the secrets of a dry and healthy basement, what causes water seepage, and how to eliminate it

Water seepage in the basement is a common occurrence that affects homeowners. While it may seem minor, it can lead to structural damage and costly repairs over time. We have highlighted the causes of water seepage in the basement to help you prevent it from causing damage.

Causes Of Water Seepage In The Basement

Several factors can cause water seepage in the basement. Here are some of the common sources of water:

Cracks In Walls And Floors

• Cracks allow water to seep into your home; therefore, if you discover water in your basement, look for signs of cracks in the basement walls or floor. Water can enter the basement through the smallest cracks, so examine the walls and floor for cracks.

Patch the cracks right away with a sealant to waterproof your basement. However, extensive cracks indicate serious issues and should be repaired by a professional crack repairer.

Interior Water Leaks

• Interior water leaks can be caused by many sources, 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.

Poor Grading

• Poor grading can cause rain and groundwater to enter the basement. The ground’s surface around the house should be sloped away from the house. If the ground is sloped towards the house, the draining will occur in the wrong direction. Water will collect against the foundation and, in time, makes its way inside the basement.

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.

Effective Methods To Prevent Water Seepage

• When water seeps into your basement, it’s crucial to take appropriate measures to address the issue. Consider the following measures to mitigate the problem effectively:

Grading And Slope Adjustment

• If improper grading or sloping is the cause of water accumulation near your foundation, adjust the slope of the surrounding ground. This can be done by installing drainage tiles to redirect water away from your foundation or adding soil to areas that slope toward it.

Downspouts

• Keep your gutters and downspouts clean for optimal functioning. Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can cause the rainwater to overflow and pool around the foundation, leading to seepage.

Install French Drains

• A French drain consists of a trench filled with gravel or rock that redirects water away from a foundation. French drains are especially effective when dealing with a lot of groundwater.

Apply Crack Injection

• If cracks in the foundation are causing water seepage, use crack injection to fill them. This helps prevent water from seeping through. Crack injections usually involve injecting an epoxy or polyurethane resin into the crack to seal it.

Interior Drainage Systems

• Installing interior drainage systems along the perimeter of your basement is an effective measure to collect and redirect water. They can be installed beneath the floor or along the walls to ensure efficient water management.

Sump Pump Installation

• A Sump pump efficiently pumps water out of your basement and away from your home. Consider installing it when dealing with significant groundwater issues.

If water leaks in your basement, professionals from Crack-X Repair Company can waterproof your basement. Give us a call at 877-727-2259 to opt for our basement waterproofing services. We are operating in Maine and New Hampshire.