6 Reasons There’s Water in Your Basement

1. Floor Cracks

A common cause for wet basements is water rising up through the basement floor through cracks.

Usually, floor cracks arise because of hydrostatic pressure (when water collect’s underground and puts pressure on the basement structure).

Functional gutters, foundation repair solutions, and a proper interior drainage system effectively repair and prevent floor cracks by diverting groundwater away from the home.

2. Plumbing Floods

Plumbing failure is a common reason for house floods. This kind of damage tends to arise during winter months. If pipes become frozen, the clog and burst. However, pip clogs can really strike at any time, so be aware of your water system. To prevent plumbing floods, install a sump pump or alarm system to stay on top of these basement problems.

3. Wall Cracks

Cracks are common issue with poured concrete walls. As the concrete cures its volume shrinks, which can cause cracking over time.

A great fix for wall cracks is a wall anchor or carbon fiber reinforcement. These systems provide crucial support to your basement walls, directly counteracting external soil pressure.

By doing this, they prevent walls from bowing or cracking, common issues that can create pathways for water intrusion.

4. Water Heater Flood

Water heater issues are one of the most common reason for household flooding. When they rupture or burst, several gallons of water can pour out into your home very quickly.

Over time, sediment from the water accumulates in the tank. This sediment build-up can result in rusting and corrosion, eventually eating through the bottom of the water heater. As a result, water can leak out and gradually flood your basement if not detected in time.

Also, the pressure relief valve, which is designed to let off excess pressure, could malfunction, causing an explosion or a severe leak. Another possible issue is faulty installation or a faulty unit, which can result in slow leaks that might not be immediately noticeable.

5. Sump Pump Failure

A sump pump’s sole purpose is to pump out any water from outside your house before it even enters your basement. If sump pump failure occurs, your basement is in danger of flooding.

Common reasons for sump pump failure include power outage, mechanical issues, or improper installation. We offer backup systems and alarms to make sure there is a plan B in place if your sump pump fails.

6. The Clay Bowl Effect

Imagine the construction of your home. The contractors began by digging a hole in the ground, one a little larger than the space your home needed, to make room for your foundation. The foundation was built inside this space, and the concrete floor was poured.

After your home’s foundation was built, some of the excavated soil was used to fill in the gap around the outer edge of your foundation. This ‘backfill’ soil became loose and fluffed from the excavation while the untouched ‘virgin’ soil now surrounding it may have been settling for hundreds of years.

This looser soil allows more water to drain next to basement walls, causing pressure and structural damage over time. This is what we call the “clay bowl effect”.