What Causes Water in the Basement and How To Prevent It?

Water in the basement caused by a hot water tank leak

Unfortunately, water in the basement is a widespread problem. From seeping in through foundation walls to coming up through the floor, there are several ways for water to enter your basement. We look at the four signs of water in the basement and explain how water leaks into your basement. Plus, we cover how to keep water out of the basement and stop basement leaks.

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What Are the Signs of Water in the Basement?

The biggest sign of a problem is standing water in the basement. However, several other signs indicate you have a water problem. You should check for water every few months, especially after heavy rains or quick winter thaws.

  • Efflorescence – Do your basement walls sparkle? This sparkly white powder is called efflorescence. It occurs when water seeps through your foundation walls and dries.
  • Musty Odors – Does your basement smell? Odors, especially after it rains, are another sign of basement leaks.
  • Mold – Do you have mold? Mold will grow on flooring or walls once they get wet. If you see mold, you have water too.
  • Stains – Are your floors, walls, or ceilings stained or discolored? Dark spots or yellowish-brown stains are common signs of water in your basement.

causes of water in the basement - poor drainage in basement window wells

What Causes Water in the Basement?

There are several reasons you have water in your basement. It’s the lowest point in any home, making it easy for water to collect there. Also, water pipes and sewage lines usually run through your basement walls or floor. Likewise, water can seep through foundation walls or the floor.

Cracked Basement Walls or Floor

Cracks in your basement walls or floor are one of the biggest problems. Even minor cracks will let water seep through your basement walls. Water can also come through the gap between the foundation walls and the floor.

Broken or Leaky Pipes

Since most water and drain pipes come in through foundation walls in the basement, a burst or leak can cause significant damage. Although less likely, your water and drain pipes can also leak.

Poor Drainage Around Your Home

Water should always drain away from your home to keep your basement dry. However, blocked gutters and even your landscaping will cause water to pool around your foundation. Cracks or worn-out waterproofing will then let water into your basement.

Open Floor Drains

Open floor drains are another common cause of water in the basement. If sewer lines are clogged, they can back up into your home. Although floor drains are most common in older homes, some newer homes also have them.

Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps stop water from coming into your basement by channeling it into a basin and then pumping it out. However, a problem with the pump or severe rainstorms can cause basement leaks and flooding.

Water Heater Failure

Most hot water tanks hold 30 to 50 gallons and last three to twelve years. Whether it rusts out from old age or the valve malfunctions, your water heater can cause significant damage.

causes of water in the basement - clogged gutters and downspouts

How to Keep Water Out of the Basement

There are several ways to stop water from coming into your basement. You can do most of these repairs on your own. However, you may need help waterproofing or installing a new drainage system.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts channel away all the water from your foundation. However, clogged gutters increase the chance of water in your basement.

Clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to prevent clogs. Make sure that downspouts direct water away from your foundation and add extensions if necessary. Also, check that your gutters are in good condition and firmly in place.

2. Check Your Landscaping

Another way to keep water out of your basement is by checking the landscaping around your foundation. The soil around your home should always slope away from your foundation for at least three feet. If the ground is level or slopes toward your home, add more dirt to help the water flow away.

Allow at least six inches of space between your foundation and your landscaping. Plant bushes at least two feet and trees at least three feet from your foundation to stop basement water leaks.

3. Repair Cracks and Gaps

One of the best ways to stop water from coming into your basement is by fixing cracks and gaps as soon as possible. Hydraulic cement is the best for patching cracks in your foundation or floor. You can apply it even if there is water in the crack. While polyurethane caulk is an alternative for plugging foundation cracks, the seal is not as strong.

For the best results, use a chisel or an angle grinder with a masonry blade to carve a v-shape into the crack. Then apply an even layer of hydraulic cement to the crack with a trowel. Make sure you press it firmly into the gap to create a good seal.

4. Fix Your Drain Tile

If water is already leaking into your basement, you may need to fix your drain tile. A damaged drain tile is usually the issue if the water is coming up through the floor.

While you can flush or snake your drain tile in some cases, repairs are often needed. Since you’ll need to dig up part of your foundation, we suggest you hire a basement waterproofing company.

5. Install a Drainage System

Another way to stop basement leaks is by installing a drainage system. Although several options exist, installing a sump pump is usually the most cost-effective solution.

A curtain stain is another option. Similar to your drain tile, a curtain drain is installed around your foundation at ground level and keeps surface water from leaking into your basement.

Again, you need to dig up your foundation to make these repairs. For this reason, you should hire a waterproofing contractor.

6. Waterproof the Walls

Waterproofing the walls is another way to stop basement leaks. You can waterproof either the inside or the outside of your basement walls.

You can paint the inside of your foundation walls with a waterproofing product. However, hiring a waterproofing company is a more effective solution. Since they waterproof the outside of your basement, it offers superior protection.

If you are going to waterproof your basement yourself, you need to clean the walls first. Start by stripping any paint, then use a wire brush to remove loose material and debris. You should patch any cracks as well.

When applying the waterproofing material, brush in all directions and work it into the foundation wall. Avoid spreading the waterproofing too thin, or it will not stop basement leaks.

Waterproofing the inside of your foundation walls will keep water out of your basement. However, interior products still allow water into your foundation and can weaken it over time.

7. Check Your Plumbing

Most of the dangers of water in your basement come from outside your house. However, water and drain pipes in your home could also cause an issue. One of the easiest ways to stop basement leaks is to regularly check your sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets.

Tighten loose water lines and replace old or damaged parts right away. Another way to prevent water or sewage in your basement is to snake your sewers every few years. Most water departments provide free snaking services.

Also, only pour water and liquids down the drain. Avoid putting anything larger than a pea down your kitchen sink, even if you have a garbage disposal. You should never pour fats, oils, starches, or coffee grounds down the drain. They can clog your sewers and lead to a backup.

In the bathroom, only flush toilet paper and regular waste. Avoid using so-called flushable wipes, as they don’t break down the same way as toilet paper. Also, use a hair catcher in the shower.

Who Do You Call To Remove Water in the Basement?

Do you have a flooded basement? Are your walls and carpeting wet after a severe storm? You need a water damage restoration company to get rid of the water and dry your home fast.

If you have basement damage after a leak or flood, call 1-888-443-3110 to talk with one of our local restoration experts. We offer 24-hour emergency service and fast, free quotes.

About The Author

2 thoughts on “What Causes Water in the Basement and How To Prevent It?”

  1. My wife and I keep finding water in our basement so thanks for sharing this. I like your point about installing a sump pump to create a channel along the foundation. We’ll look into installing one of these so we don’t risk having a flooded basement.

  2. People should know that a coating on the surface of foundation walls will not offer protection. For concrete, they need to apply a penetrating concrete sealer which seals the cells in the concrete to create the barrier. If this is not done first, a coating will eventually start perling and falling off of the walls. Not only will a penetrating concrete sealer protect from condensation inside the basement, but it will minimize radon and pests, and increase the temperature of the space a bit.

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