Water damage is never fun for a homeowner. Roof leaks, flooding and pipe burst are all possible causes of water damage in a home. But did you know that your basement is most susceptible to water damage? Since your basement is situated underground, it has the presence of moisture around it. This could lead to water seeping through the basement, which will require water damage restoration.

Water leakage in the basement can prove detrimental to your home, so you shouldn’t take this matter lightly. If you spot water seeping through your basement, you should act fast. But first, you probably want to know what does this means and where is this water coming from?

Cause of Water Seepage through the Basement

One of the sure-shot signs that water is seeping through your basement is a puddle of water sitting randomly in the basement. Once you see this, you should then go on to assessing the possible reasons behind it. Here are some of the common causes of water seepage through the basement.

1.    Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are a common reason why you might find water in your basement. However, this is a grave concern and should not go ignored. Clogged gutters can result in a wet basement when your basement isn’t waterproof. This happens when the downspouts fail to lead water away from the house. This ends up in pressure buildup in the soil around your house. The lingering moisture is then likely to seep through your basement’s porous floor and walls.

2.    Absence of Weeping Tile

Homeowners can benefit from the installation of a weeping tile in their home. What happens is, over time, hydrostatic pressure builds up around the house. This pressure will cause water to seep through the floor, which is most often the basement since it is located underground. This is the result when a weeping tile isn’t present or not working properly. A weeping tile effectively carries water away from the house, preventing water leaks in the basement. Keep your basement clean and dry with a weeping tile!

3.    Poor Grading

Poor grading can also lead to water leaks in the basement. For effective drainage, your house should have proper grading. This means that the house should be at a high point on the location, and the yard should be sloping downhill, which will enable it to carry water away from the house. While you may have achieved this when the house was first built, the ground can change over time. Poor grading can then cause water to accumulate. As a result, water might seep through the basement floor.

4.    Cracks in the Foundation

When wet soil accumulates around the house, the moisture will seep to the lowest point. When the water in this soil rises, it exerts pressure against the floors and walls. The basement is naturally most affected. If there are cracks in the foundation, water easily penetrates these fissures, leading to flooding in the basement.

5.    Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks are usually the root cause of water damage in homes. Clogged water lines will cause water leaks, which will then seep through your basement. Over time, water pipes suffer wear and tear, which also makes them susceptible to a leak or burst. This is why you should have your drainage system checked to avoid the occurrence of any such incident.

How to Stop Water Seeping Through the Basement?

Now that you know what it means when water appears in your basement, you should know how to deal with it. If left untreated, water damage wreaks significant havoc. Water damage can pose the risk of electrocution in the basement. It also causes mold growth, which can destroy organic possessions in the basement and also release harmful toxins. Then you will need to contact mold removal services.

Here are a few ways to prevent water from flooding your basement.

1.    Enhance your Drainage System

You can allow your downspouts to work more effectively in carrying water away from your home by adding gutter extensions. However, for a long-term solution, you will need to install a proper drainage system. For this to be effective, you can try out different solutions like adding a weeping tile to sweep the water away from the house. Alternatively, you can also try an internal drainage system that runs through the length of where the floor meets the wall.

2.    Reshape the Grade

Over time, the shape of your grade may be altered. You can add landscape features like a ditch to ensure water is carried away from the house from a safe distance. This helps to redirect the waterway before it even reaches the house and incurs the risk of seeping through to the basement.

3.    Waterproof the Basement

To secure your basement from flooding and the following odor, you can waterproof your basement. This way, in spite of external factors, your basement will not suffer any water damage.

Home Restoration after Water Damage

If you spot water in your basement, you should never ignore it. Water damage can be extensive. You should try preventative measures to stop water from seeping through your basement. However, in the event that seepage does occur, get your home restored to its original condition with 911 Restoration of Western Maryland. From reliable water removal to mold removal, they will take care of your basement in the best possible way.