Moisture always goes down to the lowest point. The basement, being under the ground, is the first line of defense. Every basement can get water seepage, especially if it wasn’t built properly. If the builders didn’t handle things right, you might notice water coming up through the floor.
The problem is that water can damage the foundations of your home over time, which can make the house impossible to repair.
Why is water coming up through the basement floor?
Pipe leakage
The water pipes in your home are located behind the walls. If there’s a leak, the water will eventually flow down the wall and into the basement. Sometimes, you won’t see the leak on the walls, but only when the water accumulates in the basement.
Drainage problems
When a water drain gets blocked or collapses, the water needs to go somewhere. Eventually, it finds its way through the basement floor and walls. In this case, you need to have the drains cleaned or repaired.
Groundwater
The most common cause of water in the basement is groundwater. When groundwater collects around the soil near your house, it pushes against the floor and walls due to the pressure. Eventually, the water enters the basement through small cracks in the walls or floor. Since the basement is made of concrete, which is porous, water can seep through.
How to prevent water seeping through the basement floor:
Unless you’re an expert with the right equipment, there isn’t much you can do to fix water leakage. Additionally, there may be multiple reasons behind the issue of water coming through the basement floor. So, it’s best to consult a waterproofing professional to identify and fix the problem.
Install gutter extensions
Some houses have downspouts that dump water too close to the house. This directs rainwater into the ground around the basement. Adding gutter extensions made of metal or plastic can help divert the water farther away from the house, preventing water buildup near the basement. However, gutter extensions can be a tripping hazard, so an underground drain pipe is a better solution.
Installing a drain pipe underground can handle larger quantities of water. While you can install above-ground extensions yourself, it’s best to hire professionals for the more permanent drain pipe solution.
Fill gaps
Look for wet spots on your walls, especially where your plumbing pipes are located. These wet spots indicate plumbing problems. The best approach is to seal the openings with polyurethane caulk or hydraulic cement. This can be done on your own, and it’s not too difficult or expensive.
For a more permanent solution, consider waterproofing your basement walls to prevent water from finding alternative ways into your basement.
Repair footing drains
If the wall leakage is low on your walls or where the wall meets the floor, the issue is likely due to hydrostatic pressure pushing water from the ground into the basement floor. Check if there are footing drains installed under your home.
These drains are designed to redirect groundwater away from the foundation. If you have footing drains and still have water in your basement, they might be clogged and need cleaning.
Install a curtain drain
Instead of footing drains, you can install a curtain drain to divert groundwater away from your house. Curtain drains are also known as exterior weeping tiles or French drains. This involves digging a trench around your home’s perimeter, placing drains, and covering them with gravel and soil. It’s a complex and costly process, so it’s recommended to hire experts.
Install interior weeping tiles
Interior weeping tiles work similarly to French drains but are installed around the entire basement surface. This involves cutting the basement floor using a circular saw and following the same process as with French drains. It’s a labor-intensive and expensive task, so it’s best to hire professionals.
Restore the crown
Every house is built on a sloping soil called a “crown” that goes down around 6 inches for the first 10 feet. However, over time, the foundation settles. Hiring a water damage repair professionals to restore the crown soil can help prevent water from coming through the basement floor.