Water Leak in Your Basement? Here’s How to Fix it Permanently

Basement water leaks are an extremely common problem in many Iowa homes. No matter what type of basement you have or how well your home was built, almost any basement can be susceptible to water leaks over time due to natural circumstances. This also applies to crawl spaces, which are equally prone to leaking since they are essentially a shorter version of a basement.

If your crawl space is wet or you are experiencing a basement water leak, it is important to know the main source of the water leak and what is causing water to seep through.

Why Is My Basement Leaking?

leaking water in cracked foundationHydraulic Pressure – The most common cause of basement leaks is pressure created by water in the soil surrounding your foundation. This can be caused by high water tables or excess moisture from heavy rains, drainage leaks, or melted snow. When the water table rises underneath your foundation, it creates hydro-static pressure against your foundation and will force water through your basement floor. Lateral pressure can also occur if the soil surrounding your home expands and creates pressure against your foundation walls. This pressure can create foundation cracks that allow water to seep through.

Window Well Leaks – Another common cause of basement water leaks is overflowing window wells. Window wells can accumulate water after a heavy rain if your exterior drainage isn’t properly working. If your window well was poorly installed, it may allow water to pass through. Sometimes, the water pressure can be strong enough to push the window in.

4 Common Sources of Basement Water Leaks

Concrete Walls and Floors – If you have a poured concrete foundation, your basement might be traced with porous spots that can allow water seepage to pass through over time. Certain masonry that is porous by nature such as concrete bricks or blocks will allow water leaks as well as standing water in large cavities.

Mortar Joints – Since water always finds the path of least resistance, weaker points in your foundation wall such as mortar joints and cove joints can easily crack and create a passage way for water to come through.

Basement Floor Cracks – Cracks can form in your basement floor due to hydro-static pressure pushing upward on your basement floor when the water table rises.

Top of Foundation Wall – Many homes have landscaping or decks and patios that are sloped toward the foundation. This allows rain water to run toward the house, and it can enter through the small gap between the top of a foundation and the sill plate of your home.

How to Fix Basement Water Leaks Once and for All

If you want to repair seepage and cracks in your floor, the hydro-static pressure needs to be relieved by having another place for the ground water to go. This can be accomplished by installing an interior drainage system, which is a drain pipe installed beneath the slab around the perimeter of the footing. This drain pipe removes rising ground water and sends it to the sump pit, which is then pumped out of your home by the sump pump drain. This system is popular among homeowners in the Midwest because it requires minimal disruption and is very low maintenance.

Exterior drainage systems redirect water away from your home before it even reaches the foundation. Paired with proper gutter systems and downspouts, the exterior waterproofing system will work efficiently to keep surface water from seeping into your basement. Exterior waterproofing cannot prevent underground water underneath your foundation from seeping in, so that is why it is important to have an interior drainage system installed as well.

Let WCI Basement Repair come and inspect your Iowa basement to see which waterproofing methods would work best for your needs and budget. We are the number one Basement Waterproofing company in Iowa with a fantastic reputation and countless satisfied customers. Take a look at our testimonials to see what our clients have to say about us! We can solve your basement water damage problems and leave your home safe and dry for years to come.

 

Category: Basement Waterproofing