Stepping down from the basement stairs onto soggy carpeting or finding puddles of water on the basement floor is an experience that most homeowners hope they will never face. Should it happen, homeowners should first rule out problems like leaky pipes, an overflowing toilet, or a faulty washing machine.
If there is no evidence that the water originated from leaking fixtures, pipes, or appliances, homeowners must begin to consider that their basement may be experiencing a water infiltration issue that could be serious. Water infiltration into a residential basement occurs when moisture seeps through the walls from an external source to the interior of the home. Homeowners who suspect that their wet basement is due to this type of water infiltration can use the following information to help understand possible causes and find the right solution.
First, rule out gutter and downspout issues
Homeowners who find themselves suddenly faced with a wet basement should first rule out any temporary problems with gutters and downspouts. If a section of guttering has begun to leak or has become clogged, rainwater and melting snow may be cascading down and settling into the soil near the foundation where it will pool and begin to seep through.
Problems with downspouts can be a cause of water infiltration inside the home. Some homes are equipped with downspout extenders that roll out during rain showers to move water away from the home. If the downspout fails to roll out or has begun to leak from age or deterioration, it will no longer be able to protect the foundation by preventing water from pooling near the foundation walls.
Next, inspect basement walls for damage and deterioration
Finding water inside the basement can also be the result of damage or deterioration to the concrete basement or foundation walls. As concrete ages, basement and foundation walls can begin to degrade and become more porous. This increased porosity makes it easier for moisture to begin seeping through. Additionally, normal settling of the home can cause cracks to form in concrete basement and foundation walls, creating even more potential for water infiltration to occur.
Finally, have an inspection
The best way to solve the problem and ensure that no further leaks will occur is for homeowners to have their basement and foundation walls examined by a reputable exterior waterproofing company. If evidence of water infiltration is found, exterior waterproofing contractors can remove the soil in the area of the foundation walls and apply sealants capable of creating a watertight barrier to keep basements and crawlspaces dry.