Reed's Plumbing & Excavating

Causes Of Basement Water Leaks

5 Common Reasons For Basement Water Leaks

Basement water leaks – something no homeowner ever wants to see. Water leaks can range from a small trickle to a near flooding situation, but, regardless of size, water leaks and their cause must be dealt with promptly.

 

All foundational basements are constructed to balance the forces of the construction material, the surrounding soil, and groundwater. Whenever this balance is disrupted, groundwater may begin to seep into the basement foundation.

Common Causes Of Basement Water Leaks

There are several possible causes of basement water leaks. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Hydrostatic Pressure: All soil surrounding a basement contains water. This water exerts pressure against the foundation and is called hydrostatic pressure. The level of water in the soil is referred to as the water table. The distance from a large body of water such as the Great Lakes also affects the height of the water table. As the water table rises in an area, due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt, additional hydrostatic pressure is exerted on a foundation, forcing water into a basement or causing opportunistic leaking.
  • Window Wells: Window Wells can be another source of water leaks in a basement, especially during a heavy rainstorm. If the drain in the window well is not functioning properly due to clogging, the rainwater will build up in the well, and can even cause the window to collapse. Keeping window well drains open will prevent this from happening.
  • Lateral Pressure: When the soil around a foundation absorbs too much water, it can expand and create a sideways or lateral pressure against the foundation, causing seepage or cracks in the foundation. This may also occur when gutters do not drain rainwater properly and overflow, causing the ground next to the building to become saturated. Water leaks of this nature can be prevented by keeping the gutters clean.
  • Foundation Construction Issues: When a foundation is constructed, the concrete floor must be of a suitable thickness for the region so that the hydrostatic pressure of the groundwater does not press against the foundation causing cracking. Cove joints and mortar joints are susceptible to cracking during the settling of the foundation. Poured concrete walls, which crack during settling, are easily repaired with expanding polyurethane products.
  • Interior Plumbing Issues: Sometimes the plumbing in a structure just wears out, causing leaks and must be replaced by a qualified plumber. A leaky water heater is not only messy but dangerous, too. Basement sinks and washing machines in homes should be monitored for leaky valves and repaired promptly.

Are You Experiencing A Water Leak In Your Basement? Contact Reed's Plumbing Today!

Looking for reliable plumbers in Springfield, Missouri? Reed’s Plumbing and Excavating Services is ready to help you solve your basement water leak issues. Our excavating services can repair any groundwater pressure issues you may be experiencing. At Reed’s Plumbing, our 24-hour plumbing service in Springfield, MO area can solve all of your plumbing needs! Contact us today at (417) 831-6122.