3 Surprising Reasons for Water in Your Basement

A wet basement can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem for homeowners. Several factors can contribute to a wet basement, and some of the most common include foundation cracks, leaking basement windows, poor drainage, and extreme weather events that overwhelm drainage systems.

However, there are some reasons that aren’t as obvious but still end up putting water where it shouldn’t be— in your basement. Water damage, mold, insects, and all the problems that come with them can be very expensive to fix. It’s best to address the problems early, when first noticed, and to realize that heavy rains are not the only reason you might find water in your basement.

Roof Leaks

Believe it or not, leaks in your roof can let in moisture that can make its way all the way down to your basement.

When a roof leaks, water can run down the interior walls of the house. It not only makes its way to your basement, it can be dangerous when it runs past electrical work.

If the downspouts and gutters are not functioning correctly or are clogged, they may not effectively redirect the water away from the foundation. As a result, the water can accumulate around the base of the house and seep into the basement through cracks or porous materials in the foundation.

Water Table Fluctuations

In Pennsylvania, water table isn’t static— it’s in constant flux thanks to rain, snow, and flash flooding, including where specifically your home is located and what type of soil and sediment are below your home.

If you have a particularly rainy season or a winter with a great deal of snow, the water table can rise right up to your home. This generates hydrostatic pressure on your foundation, pushing water in through any available opening. In fact, when the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water, it exerts pressure on the concrete or block walls and the basement floor. If the pressure becomes excessive, it can lead to cracks in the foundation.

Cracks in Your Exterior Walls

Even if you’re not getting a lot of rain, what little you get can still make its way into the basement through cracked mortar in your exterior walls. Generally, even hairline cracks as small as 1/16th of an inch (approximately 1.5 millimeters) can allow water to penetrate and cause moisture-related issues in the basement.

Those cracks form tiny rivers that slowly make their way into your home, funneling the water right where you don’t want it. You end up with small puddles on the floor or maybe some damp areas on your interior walls.

Over time even a little moisture can cause mold, odor and mustiness, damage to belongings, foundation deterioration, and more. Worst of all, your home loses value when potential buyers learn of a wet basement.

No matter the cause, at D-Bug Waterproofing, we can address all your wet basement problems with the highest level of professionalism and reliability. We can even start with an inspection that helps determine the reason for your wet basement.

Ready to Waterproof Your Basement? We Can Help

If you’re ready to waterproof your basement and put a stop to mold and property damage before it starts, call D-Bug Waterproofing at 855-381-1528 or contact us today.