If each time it starts to rain, your thoughts immediately turn towards the basement in a worried frenzy, it could be time to put your mind at ease and address it. Having a wet basement can put you in a precarious situation each time that rain comes tumbling down, potentially resulting in mold and even weaken structural integrity throughout your home. Don’t wait for those moments to occur. If you’re unsure what may be causing your leaky basement, here are a few factors for you to consider.
Grading Soil
One of the most common causes for a leaky basement is the grading of soil surrounding your home. The soil surrounding the foundation of your house should be levelled in such a way that it can direct extra rain and moisture away from it. Unfortunately, for many older homes, improper grading practises in the past have lead to many of the issues people face today with flooding.
Window Wells
Window wells are also designed to prevent basement flooding by directing rainwater away from your basement walls. However, if they become damaged in any way, it could result in a big mess inside those walls and onto your basement floor.
Downspouts
If you haven’t had your drainpipes or downspouts cleaned out in a while, chances are they could be causing your wet basement. When they become excessively clogged with debris, they allow water to pool and collect in areas closer to your foundation rather than away from it.
Foundation Cracks
If you live in an older home and have been noticing some growing cracks in and around your foundation, these could be your problem. Sometimes, due to the external pressure or settlement, moisture can penetrate through these cracks causing leaks. Often it can be the smallest factors that cause the biggest headaches, so keep an eye out for any deep-set cracks.
Sump Pit
If your sump pit or drain tile gets clogged or damaged, it can cause the runoff water it’s supposed to collect, to seep through into your basement instead. Always pay attention to the status of your pump and ensure it’s functioning properly.
Dealing with a wet basement is something we all want to avoid. That’s why it’s imperative to keep an eye on any internal and external signs throughout your home. For moments when flooding does occur, give your local wet basement repair experts at The Crack Doctor a call to assess the damage and determine the best solution for your situation.
