Because of being out of sight of homeowners and lack of constant use, water can collect in basements. The collection can remain unnoticed for so long and cause significant damage, which would require a basement waterproofing service.
Familiarizing yourself with the water issues in basements can help homeowners with vital preventative information. In addition, such information comes in handy in troubleshooting problems and preventing imminent major issues.
Hydrostatic pressure, blocked drains, raised water tables, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks, poor grading, mishaps in gutter installation, and failure or poor sump pump installation can all be the reasons behind water-related problems in basements.
For your consideration and an in-depth understanding, this article delves deeper into these causes.
Water damage in the basement
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is exerted by water in the ground adjacent to the basement. This happens during a heavy downpour when the adjacent ground becomes saturated with water. Since water always has a habit of finding its own path, it will move to the lower-level sections. Unfortunately, this area happens to be the basement. While there is not much to do about this issue, all that is left is to install underground drainage lines in the lawn. These can harness all the run-off water and redirect it far from the basement.
Blocked Drains
Ideally, basements are meant to add extra living space if need be. This therefore means that they have slightly less, if not the same drainage lines as the main house. In the same way, drain blockage returns waste to the main house, and drain clogging in basements, too, returns drain waste and causes to water-related problems around the area.
Foundation Cracks
No matter how well we try to direct surrounding groundwater far from the foundation, we can never lose all the water entirely. Some bits of water will always reign in the adjacent ground. This goes on to insist on the urgent need to repair cracks on foundations immediately when you see one. Cracks on foundations are usually caused by substandard construction works, ground movement, settling, and vibrations from nearby deep excavation and seismic activities.
Raised Water Table
Beneath the bedrock of any given location in the world, there is the level at which water reaches, usually known as the water table. Based on the topographical variations and the depth of the bedrock, some areas have higher water tables than others. This explains the difference in drilling depths when trying to harvest groundwater. That being said, a raised water table can channel some of the runoff water toward the basement, making it seep through porous foundation walls. You can combat this problem by applying the foundation wall with water-resistant materials like epoxy.
Mishaps during the Installation of Gutters and Downspouts
Having mentioned that the ground will always have some bits of its own water, the last thing you should do is to increase the water, further, especially where that level is higher. With that in mind, be sure to clear the gutters of any debris, as this can block water from escaping through the installed downspouts. As you remove the debris, remember to check for worn-out gutters and inspect for proper installation of downspouts. With the wrong installation of the gutter systems, roof water would be directed to the basement where it would then cause water problems.
Plumbing Leaks
Water-related problems in basements sometimes arise in the nearby rooms in the house. Loose plumbing fittings and fixtures can cause water leaks. That water escapes through the house floor and ends up in the underlying basement. To combat this problem, tighten the loose plumbing fittings and fixtures using a wrench.
Poor Grading
Yard grading often tends to be overlooked during house construction. Instead of flat or in the direction of the house, the yard should slope away from it. Sloping it in the direction of the house can direct runoff water toward the basement thereby causing water problems.
Improperly Installed Pump Sump
The pumps are primarily tasked with the sucking of basement water and discarding it into the yard. Mishaps in the installation or malfunctions that can cause water-related issues. Without the technical know-how to repair these, consider contracting a professional to handle the repairs and proper installation.
Besides reducing visual appeal and possible diseases caused by mold, water-related basement problems often lead to significant structural damages that may dent the strength of the house. It is therefore critical that you conduct regular checks in the area, determine the causes and have them repaired before the situation goes out of hand.
