The 5 Major Ways that Water Enters Your Basement

Water entering your basement after heavy rains, snow melt, or flooding can be extremely frustrating. Without effective solutions, this excess moisture can cause structural damage and foundation instability.

Identifying the source of the basement water and addressing the issue with comprehensive waterproofing solutions provides long-term relief. This page lists the top five ways water enters basements so you can fix problems before damage occurs.

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Top 5 Basement Water Causes

Water seepage in basement areas is cause for concern, but effective solutions exist to address these issues and prevent further damage. The first step in repair is identifying the source of the basement water. Here are the top five ways water infiltrates this space:

1. Foundation Cracks

Foundation wall cracks and floor cracks can cause basement leaks when it rains and water seepage.

Cracks can widen due to freeze-thaw cycles and worsen water infiltration.
Poor construction practices and soil movement can cause foundation cracks.
DIY epoxy or other applications provide a temporary fix and do not address the underlying cause of damage.

Contact a basement professional for a free inspection to determine the best repair option for your property.

2. Poor Drainage Systems

Inefficient drainage systems, such as clogged gutters and downspouts or improper landscape or yard grading, cause water to flow toward the foundation instead of away from it, increasing the risk of basement water infiltration. Inadequate interior drainage systems also cause excess basement water.

Water pooling near the foundation can weaken the structural integrity of basement walls.
Install French drains or regrade the yard slope away from the house to improve drainage.
Clean gutters and inspect downspouts to help prevent clogs.

3. Improperly Sealed Windows

Improper sealing around basement windows and doors can allow rainwater entry during storms or flooding. This causes leaking basement windows and seepage.

Cracked, aging, or damaged window seals can deteriorate, reducing their effectiveness against water entry.
Install window well covers and ensure proper window well drainage to minimize water pooling near basement windows.
Waterproof caulking and weatherstripping improve sealing around basement windows and doors.

4. Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure from saturated soil after heavy rainfall can force water into the basement through cracks or porous concrete.

Hydrostatic pressure can cause bowing basement walls, which may require structural reinforcements like wall anchors.
Proper exterior waterproofing membranes can help reduce hydrostatic pressure effects.
Install a sump pump or interior drainage system to manage water and relieve pressure.

5. Faulty or Missing Sump Pump

Malfunctioning sump pumps do not remove excess basement water after heavy rainfall, leading to accumulation and damage.

Regular sump pump maintenance ensures reliability during heavy rains.
Backup systems, such as battery-powered sump pumps, can prevent water accumulation during power outages.
A faulty or missing sump pump in flood-prone areas significantly increases basement flooding risks, making installation critical.

Basement water results from various causes, including high water tables or undetected plumbing and pipe leaks. Professional basement inspections identify these issues early, preventing further damage and protecting your home and family’s health.

How to Prevent Water in Basement Spaces

Comprehensive waterproofing solutions prevent water in basement spaces and provide long-term results. Professionals install various methods to protect this area from water seepage and accumulation. These methods include:

Interior Drainage Systems: Interior drain systems are installed along the basement perimeter to collect water seepage and direct it toward the sump pump for removal.
Sump Pumps: These pump water out and away from the basement foundation.

Vapor Barriers: Robust, 20-mil vapor barriers protect basement walls from moisture and water seepage.
Dehumidifiers: These systems remove moisture from the air, eliminating high humidity levels.

The basement waterproofing methods installed depend on the severity of damage and the water issues. Professionals must remove mold growth before installing waterproofing components. JES Foundation Repair tailors solutions based on your home’s unique needs.

Can You Waterproof a Basement By Yourself?

Homeowners can take proactive steps to keep their basements safe and dry. However, some basement waterproofing solutions should be left to the professionals. Here’s how to know what to do and what not to do:

Professional Basement Waterproofing

Persistent basement water issues should be addressed by a professional. Contact a basement waterproofing expert for a free inspection if you notice frequent water accumulation, structural damage, mold growth, foundation cracks, or leaks.

DIY Basement Waterproofing

We do not recommend DIY basement waterproofing solutions because they are often ineffective and don’t solve the underlying cause of the problem. Homeowners can, however, ensure proper yard and landscape grading and perform general inspections for pipe and plumbing leaks, cracks, and mold growth.

Overall, professional basement waterproofing solutions provide long-term results, ensuring your home remains safe, dry, and healthy.

Basement Water? JES Foundation Repair Can Help!

If you’ve discovered basement water, leaks, or other issues, addressing them promptly is critical to preventing further damage. JES Foundation Repair provides professional basement waterproofing solutions tailored to your needs and budget.

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Basement Waterproofing FAQs

How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?

As mentioned, some waterproofing solutions are temporary, whereas others can last longer if they’re more comprehensive. The type of waterproofing that involves interior drainage installed by a reliable contractor is a more permanent solution. Comparatively, sealant waterproofing lasts between one and two years, depending on the type of sealant you used.

Can I prevent water in my basement by improving my landscape design?

Yes, ensuring the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation can help prevent water buildup. It’s essential to keep gutters clean and ensure downspouts direct water at least five to ten feet away from the foundation. Proper landscaping can significantly reduce the risk of water intrusion.

What are the Top Basement Waterproofing Solutions?

JES Foundation Repair offers a wide number of drainage systems that can be installed within your basement for efficient moisture and water control. Arguably one of the most important drainage systems are sump pumps: basins that can intake large amounts of water found in and around your home and redirect this water elsewhere so that you do not experience leaks or floods. The SafeDri™ ProPlus 330 is the most basic model, and the SafeDri™ UltraPro Triple Sump Pump System has an additional pump for heavy duty jobs. Homeowners also have the option of the SafeDri™ ProPlus with Battery Backup System, which includes a battery backup that kicks into gear in the event of a power failure.

If you notice that water is entering your basement from any doorway openings, the BasementGutter™ Grated Drain Pipe is the solution for you. It is installed directly into the floor at any entryway, therefore capturing any water that may enter your basement through them. The holes of the grate are also small enough to block larger pieces of debris from entering, and even then, the drain pipe is easy to clean. Another option is the BasementGutter™ Interior Drain System, which lines the perimeter of your basement that is both resistant to being clogged and non-invasive to your space.

JES Foundation Repair also offers a basement dehumidifier that can remove 4 times the amount of water from the air than the commercial brands. It is also highly efficient since it drains on its own and can be adjusted to remove as much or as little moisture as you deem necessary.

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

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