Having water in your basement is one of the most annoying things because it means losing space, and it could also pose a health risk to you and your family. Unfortunately, however, basement flooding is common in many homes, and it could be from different sources.
Causes of Water in Your Basement
1. A leaky roof
Even though this is a common cause of water in basement, it is not an obvious one for many. If you see water in the basement after heavy rains, but there are no clear causes, you should look at the roof in your attic next time it rains.
That makes it easier to see the leaks and the wet areas where water seeps through. The water runs along the roof frame and trusses to the basement. While you will only see the water in the basement, it might damage your wood walls as it goes to the basement.
2. Cracks in the house exterior walls
Cracks on your house’s exterior walls can direct water from outside into the basement. Therefore, you must inspect the walls and repair any cracks, no matter how small they are.
If you leave them unrepaired, water will seep through and make them even more prominent, increasing damage to the walls and your basement.
You should also look at the seals or caulking around your windows and doors. The seal helps lock away outside air and moisture, but water will sip through them if they are damaged, and gravity will direct it to the basement.
3. Plumbing issues in the house
When we think of a plumbing issue, we look for leaking pipes or taps. While that could be a water source in your basement, you also need to look at your kitchen and bathroom. Examine the floor surrounding the toilet, shower, tub, and below the kitchen sinks.
Leaks from these sources are hard to spot, but you will notice that the flooring is lifting if there are any. You also need to look at your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.
4. Damaged gutters and downspout
Gutters and downspouts are supposed to direct rainwater away from your house. However, if they are damaged or clogged, they will drain all the water near your foundation, which will sip through to your basement.
Luckily, these issues are easy to spot, and you can fix them yourself. If you fix the gutter and visible part of the downspout pipe but still experience basement flooding, you should call a professional to inspect the part of the pipe that is under the ground.
5. Clogged footer tiles and main storm pipe
Footer tiles are usually around the home’s perimeter, and they help direct groundwater away from your home’s foundation. The main storm pipe also helps direct rainwater from the house.
If the footer tiles are clogged or damaged, the groundwater will gather around the basement’s exterior floors and eventually leak through. Also, if the main storm pipe is clogged, the water will not drain as planned and will instead gather around the foundation.
For more efficiency, consider connecting your footer tiles to a sump pump to help pump the water away from your house.
If you have experienced basement flooding and want a high-quality and long-lasting solution, you need to consult with experts like ’58 Foundations. They have the best waterproofing solutions, all tailored to your needs.
