Common Causes of Basement Leaks

As a homeowner, the last thing you want is a pesky water leak damaging your basement and possibly your foundation. A wet basement can quickly lead to more serious problems for your home. Moisture in the basement can promote mold and mildew growth, which can cause health problems for you and your family. It can also damage your furniture and other personal belongings, forcing you to spend more money to replace them. Here are some common causes of basement leaks.

Problems with the Foundation

One of the biggest causes of basement leakage is a faulty foundation. Cracks in the foundation can allow water to seep into your basement. As water builds up in the soil around your home, hydrostatic pressure constantly presses against the foundation. Over time, this pressure leads to cracking foundations or exacerbates existing cracks. You must catch these problems early before they lead to more significant issues.  At first, foundation cracks are often able to be filled. However, if left unchecked, these cracks may eventually require extensive repair to your foundation to prevent more water leakage or even a complete foundation failure. 

Improperly Sealed Basements

Make sure the tiles and foundation in your basement must be sealed during the construction process. If your basement is not sealed properly, moisture can seep through the walls from the surrounding ground over time. If you notice your basement floods only after rainstorms, it may need to be resealed to stop more water from coming in.

Clogged Gutters

You may not think the state of your gutters has any effect on your basement, but you would be wrong! Your gutters are a vital part of your home’s rain management system. They direct water from the roof to the downspouts and away from the foundation. However, they can quickly become clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris, and because they are not at eye level, it is easy to forget about them. When your gutters are clogged, they cannot guide water away from your home. If left alone, they can overflow during rainstorms and cause waterfalls that can increase the risk of flooding. Be sure to clean your gutters regularly and consider installing covers over the tops to prevent debris from getting inside.

Sewer System Backup

Sometimes, the sewer system can become overwhelmed with wastewater or storm water, causing water to back up into your home through toilets, sinks, or floor drains. You can install backwater valves to stop the backflows from the sewer line. It is also important to make sure that your sump pump is working correctly. You should inspect, clean, and test it regularly to reduce the chance of a malfunction happening and prevent basement flooding.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality!

When it comes to finding the best solution for your crawl space encapsulation and waterproofing needs, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420.  To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.