Everyone has water seeping into their basement at some point in time, so we do not want you to be too concerned if you happen to see water in yours. That water doesn’t mean that your house is going to collapse or that you are doomed for a lifetime of water damage.
Here are the potential causes of your pesky basement leaks:
Hydrostatic Pressure
This pressure can rise as the water level increases under your foundation. The hydrostatic pressure will then force that water into your basement via a crack or the joints of the floor wall. This will normally happen when you have heavy rains or an abundance of snow. Therefore, if you are only getting water in your basement during those scenarios, this is most likely the issue.
Soil Conditions
The type of soil around your home can affect how much water enters your basement, but any type of soil should drain properly during normal weather conditions. Sandy soil does drain quicker than clay soil though, so it is possible to see water more often if you have clay. The reason for this is that the clay soil absorbs water and expands, pushing up on your foundation. That will cause your foundation to crack and as soon as the clay shrinks down in size, water can enter those cracks.
Window Wells
Your window wells can collect water during heavy rain or snowstorms, and while it should drain, it won’t if your drain is clogged or missing. Other causes include a separated window well liner, a window that was installed improperly, or pressure that causes the window to cave in.
Repair Basement Leaks
These are the main causes of basement leaks, but there are some man-made causes as well. Those include the grading towards the foundation, footing drains, downspouts, and improper backfilling of the foundation.
Basement Remodeling in Newington
The good news is that all these issues can be fixed, or changes can be made to ensure that water does not continue to seep into your basement. That way you won’t have to worry about continuously finding standing water when you go downstairs to enjoy your basement space. Call us at 860-667-8105 if you’re in the Newington area and would like to discuss waterproofing and remodeling your basement.
