I found water in my basement, but where is it coming from?
Few things are worse for a homeowner than finding water in your basement. Basement moisture can lead to many costly and time-consuming repairs if not immediately treated. Overtime, wet basements can lead to severe foundation damage or hazardous mold. But where is the moisture coming from?
There are a number of difference reasons that water may be finding a way into your home. Water will always find the path of least resistance. Fortunately, identifying where the water is coming from and acting quickly can help you understand how best to keep your basement dry.
Here are the ways that water may be getting into your basement:
When water accumulates around your foundation for a long period of time, it creates pressure. That pressure can become so strong that it can push on the wall and cause cracks to form. New or existing cracks is an easy avenue for water to pour in to your home. If you are seeing cracks in your basement walls, call a waterproofing contractor immediately to save time and money on repairs.
Gutters and downspouts are designed to direct rainwater away from the foundation of your home. If they are installed improperly, or clogged by dirt and debris, water will not drain correctly. Doing annual checks to your gutters and downspouts could protect your home from the next big storm.
If rain and groundwater can not drain away from your home properly, it could be making its way into your basement. Especially if the landscape is sloped toward your home, water will accumulate at the foundation and seep inside. Soils have varying amounts of moisture they can hold. Oversaturated soil may additionally be the cause of the incoming water.
The moisture in your basement may not be coming from the outside. Check home appliances like dish washers, washing machines, or showers to see if they are the cause of the leak. You may need to call a plumber for those types of repairs, but it is often an easy fix.
When warm outside air comes in contact with your cool basement, it creates condensation and high humidity. Dampness on the walls is a sign that your humidity may be too high in your basement. This issue is usually easy and less expensive to solve than a basement leak, but it still needs taken care of. Too high humidity can foster mold growth over time.
Knowing the cause of your basement’s moisture is important to knowing how the problem can be solved. Taking care of any of these issues as soon as you notice them is only a benefit to you. The repair will never be cheaper than it is right now, and you don’t want to put your home or your family at risk. Contact Baker’s Waterproofing today for a free inspection.
