6 Possible Causes of Water In Your Basement

Nobody wants to come home from a long, hard day at work only to find out that they need a canoe to get from one side of the basement to the other. Even if the water is puddled in a corner rather than pooled ankle-deep throughout the whole room, dealing with a wet basement can be difficult and infuriating. And unfortunately, a flooded basement does more than just threaten stored possessions and expensive basement appliances. Consistent exposure to water can cause your home’s foundation to become seriously water damaged — which compromises its structural integrity.

 Throughout our many years performing basement waterproofing in Cleveland, we’ve seen just about every possible reason a basement can flood. Are any of these six common issues causing your wet basement? Read on to find out.

Leaky Windows, Doors, & More

Do you seem to end up with wet basement walls and floors every time it rains? If heavy rains seem to cause all of your basement problems, you might have leaky windows, doors, or other inadequately sealed spots where water can enter your home. You might be able to solve this issue yourself by adding additional weatherstripping around the leaky areas or installing tighter-fitting windows or doors.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Weighing in at around 60 pounds per cubic foot, water is a force to be reckoned with. When the soil surrounding the foundation of your home becomes saturated with water, all of that extra weight presses against your basement’s floors and walls. If there are any cracks in the foundation of your floor or walls, the water will end up seeping right through even the tiniest spaces.

Inadequate Drainage

Even the most perfectly waterproofed basement can’t stand up to the effects of Mother Nature and the water table. If your foundation walls are under constant hydrostatic pressure, your best course of action is to have a drainage system installed. We can set up a drain that connects to a sump pump, create a combination of indoor and outdoor drainage, or work on another solution that best suits your property.

Water Line Problems

Loose water lines are a hidden yet common cause of wet basements everywhere. Do you see ominous puddles spreading out from underneath your washing machine, hot water heater, or basement sink? First, shut off all water-using appliances and wait a few hours. Then, check your water meter. If you see the numbers still going up, you’re likely dealing with a water leak.

Malfunctioning Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump but still wind up with a wet basement, your sump pump might not be doing its job. There are three main possibilities:

Your Sump Pump Is Off/In Standby Mode

This problem is exactly what it sounds like. Your sump pump can’t operate if it isn’t set up properly and turned on. Double check your unit to be sure you won’t get swamped by the next storm.

Your Sump Pump Is Malfunctioning

If your sump pump kicks on but still doesn’t prevent that unfortunate flood, it may be malfunctioning. Follow any relevant troubleshooting tips in your unit’s manual. If these don’t work (or you can’t figure out where to start), we can always help you with sump pump repair.

Your Sump Pump Is Inadequately Sized

Your sump pump can’t function properly to prevent water damage if it’s not the right size for your basement. Ensure you have a unit with a large enough capacity to handle your basement. If your current unit isn’t doing the job, you may need to have technicians install a second one or switch it out for a different model.

Improper Waterproofing

Have you had your basement floor or walls waterproofed in the past? If your property has already undergone basement waterproofing yet you’re still dealing with basement leaks, there are two basic possibilities. Either the job wasn’t done correctly the first time, or your home needs significant foundational repair.

 Our experts will determine if the water is coming from the floor level or from aboveground (see also: Why are my basement walls wet?), then take action to fix the problem long-term, so you no longer have to lose sleep worrying about basement flooding.

Banish Water From Your Basement!

Stop mopping up those puddles or running those giant fans in your basement every time it rains. From foundation remediation to sewer patch repair to the waterproofing process itself, Adelio’s Contracting is equipped to handle any and all residential and commercial waterproofing jobs. Contact us today and experience true peace of mind next time those dark gray clouds roll in!