Do you notice that water leaks in basement when it rains or after a snow melt? If you find puddles of water on your basement floor after a rain or snow thaw, you are not alone. Many homes experience wet basement problems. The first step to fixing your basement water problems for good is to understand what causes water leaks in the basement when it rains.
Water is always present in the ground. When it rains or snows, more water is absorbed into the ground. Once the soil is saturated and can no longer hold any more water, hydrostatic pressure can push moisture and water through the basement walls and floor.
Why Water Leaks in Basement When it Rains:
One of the most common ways water can get into your basement is through cracks in your foundation walls or floor. Water can also get in through the joints where the poured concrete floor meets the wall and through the mortar joints of the foundation walls. Typically, these joints will begin to crumble if they are letting water into your basement.
So how do you know if your wet basement is caused by rain? Here are some signs:
• Standing puddles near your house after a hard rain.
• Doors and windows that swell with moisture.
• Buckling or leaning basement walls.
• Basement leaks water when it rains heavily.
Basement water damage can cause:
• Mold growth. It only takes 1 to 2 days for mold to invade your basement, damaging walls, floors and furniture. Mold does not only cause rot and damage to surfaces, but can also lead to health problems, including allergies and asthma.
• Damaged wiring and appliances. Water that seeps into your basement can damage electrical appliances, including your washer, dryer, water heater and furnace. Electrical problems can also cause life-threatening accidents.
Fixing basement leaks
The best way to keep your basement dry is by installing an interior drainage system that minimizes hydrostatic pressure. By installing a basement drainage system along the joint where the floor meets the wall, you can divert water to a sump pump and out of the home using before it makes its way onto the basement floor.
Basement systems from Rapid Response Basement Solutions use traditional French drains with a unique clog-free design, so the next time it rains, you won’t have to worry about a wet basement! Call (518) 227-0058 today for a FREE quote.