Top Causes of Basement Leaks

At some point or another, most homes will encounter basement leaks. To ensure the health of your home, proper maintenance of your basement is essential. Neglecting basement concerns can lead to potential impacts on your home, requiring costly repairs. Certain causes hold a higher likelihood of resulting in leaks in the basement than others.

Below are common reasons for basement flooding and acquire tips for preventing similar issues in your own space.

Causes of Basement Leaks

Low-Quality or Ineffective Grading

Your home’s foundation should slope away from the building rather than toward it if it was built correctly, as seen by the way the dirt beneath it was graded. But often, because of inadequate or poor land grading, homes in Ontario, Toronto, and the surrounding areas require basement repair.

If water starts to flow in the wrong direction—towards your house—it will build up against the foundation of your home, which will cause leaks in the basement. Fortunately, it’s possible to have a dry basement in Ontario, Toronto.

If improper grading is the root of your basement leak, a Crackmasters waterproofer contractor can identify it and offer a suitable, effective basement waterproofing solution.

Ground Pressure Around Your Foundation

The pressure that water exerts in the soil around the foundation in one of two ways is the most frequent reason for basement leaks.

Lateral Pressure

One of the main reasons for leaky basements is lateral pressure, the force produced by water traveling in a horizontal direction and formed by the soil around your home. How does lateral Pressure work? Well, loose soil can expand as it collects liquid from rain, snow, frost, or even resting dew around your property. The soil can periodically expand and push up against the walls and foundation of your basement. The basement’s structural integrity is at significant risk due to the lateral pressure that starts here because it can lead to cracks that inevitably let in further leaks from the outside.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Water exists in the ground everywhere, even if its appearance isn’t always evident. It exists below the surface, even in arid regions, albeit at a notably lower level. The term “water table” designates the depth at which this groundwater is present and is variable across different locations. One factor influencing the water table’s elevation is its proximity to water bodies. During periods of sustained or heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the soil near the surface absorbs water. Once the upper soil layer becomes saturated, excess stormwater contributes to raising the water table. The upward movement of the water table beneath a foundation generates hydrostatic pressure, potentially compelling water into the basement and causing leaks under certain circumstances.

Defective Window Wells

The goal of a window well is to prevent dirt and pressure created by rainwater in the soil from coming into direct touch with foundation fractures, which are frequently the most vulnerable areas. Window wells that are rusty, broken, or have holes or cracks can quickly cause basements to leak. Replacing an old window well or strengthening these locations with sealant can avert future basement leaks.

Patch or Existing Sealing Work

Wet basements tend to be more prevalent in older homes. If you’ve recently taken up residence in a house that’s been standing for over a decade, it’s advisable to inspect the basement for patched sections. While patchwork might provide a temporary solution to basement leaks, the fundamental problem of water pressure affecting that area remains, rendering the potential for another leak in the same spot quite probable.

It’s judicious to respond proactively in this scenario and have the area evaluated. The expense incurred from water damage resulting from a leak could surpass the cost of preventive maintenance.

Give us a call, and we’ll come out and assess your basement for free if you live in Ontario, Toronto, or the nearby areas and have a leak in the basement. Always take extra precautions to avoid problems.

Cracks in the Foundation Wall

Your foundation wall likely has a crack if water is seeping into your basement. It’s not unusual for your home’s foundation to have cracks, but they may be why your Toronto City home’s basement is flooded. Occasionally, the water in your basement may result from cracks.

Hydrostatic pressure refers to water accumulating along your basement foundation, exerting force against your foundation walls. The continuous pressure from water can cause concrete to become increasingly stressed and result in the formation of cracks.

Condensation

Condensation in the basement often arises when warm, humid air encounters the cooler walls and floor of your home’s basement. This can sometimes lead to basement leaks if the condensation makes the area excessively damp.

The “sweating” sensation on furniture, pipes, walls, or ceilings indicates condensation. Two effective ways to manage this issue include ensuring proper ventilation, especially if you have a dryer in the basement, and using a dehumidifier to regulate the air moisture.

Dysfunctional Downspouts and Gutters

The gutters and downspouts, which, when it rains, carry all the water away from the foundation, are other essential elements of every building. Nevertheless, gutters and downspouts are absent or malfunctioning. In that instance, you risk directing water toward the base of your property, where it could enter your basement and cause excessive moisture inside your house.

Insufficient Sump Pump

A sump pump that isn’t frequently cleaned and maintained can become a significant contributor to basement leaks. For optimal performance and to prevent potential leakage, it’s crucial to invest in a quality sump pump, clean it routinely, and adhere to the manufacturer’s annual maintenance guidelines.

This equipment is essential for any basement, as it manages the collection and drainage of groundwater beneath your home. This is crucial because if the ground becomes saturated and water pressure builds up, it can penetrate your basement’s floor and walls, leading to further moisture issues.

How to Prevent Basement Leaks

The onset of basement leaks can be distressing for homeowners. Fortunately, several strategies can effectively prevent water from seeping into your basement, as described below:

Waterproof Interior Basement Walls

One primary source of basement moisture issues is condensation on walls. To combat this, you can apply a sealant on your basement walls. Products such as concrete coatings, silicate-based concrete sealers, waterproofing paint, or plastic sheets/panels can be used to waterproof your walls. Additionally, waterproofing the exterior walls is an excellent strategy to address leaks and seal any foundational gaps.

Get a Sump Pump Installed

One primary source of basement leaks is condensation on walls. To combat this, you can apply a sealant on your basement walls. Products such as concrete coatings, silicate-based concrete sealers, waterproofing paint, or plastic sheets/panels can be used to waterproof your walls. Additionally, waterproofing the exterior walls is an excellent strategy to address leaks and seal any foundational gaps.

Get Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean

Your home’s gutters play a crucial role in preventing leaks in the basement. By regularly maintaining and cleaning your gutters and downspouts—at least twice a year—you can significantly reduce the risk of basement leaks. Ensure that downspouts effectively channel water away from your foundation, adding extensions if necessary. Also, routinely check your gutters for damage and ensure they are securely attached.

Fix the Footing Drains

If you notice water entering your basement along the base of the walls or at the junction where walls meet the floor, this could be due to hydrostatic pressure. It’s essential to examine the footing drains and underground pipes designed to divert water from the foundation during your home’s construction.

If you suspect that your drains are clogged, open the cleanout and use a garden hose to flush out obstructions. If this method doesn’t solve the issue of basement leaks, consult a Crackmasters expert for assistance.

Help with Preventing Basement Leaks

At Crackmasters, we take pride in our ability to stop water seepage in your home and fix the harm brought on by leaks. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think it’s time to add another layer of protection to your home against basement flooding or if you require some critical repairs to the damage brought on by a previous basement flood.

Crackmasters is your go-to source for basement waterproofing services for people living in the Greater Toronto Area, providing foundation crack repair, basement waterproofing, and basement crack repair.