Why is my basement floor wet? Well, there are two main reasons: water leakage and water seepage. While both involve water movement, the process differs in how the water enters the space. Leakage occurs when water flows through an opening, such as a crack in the foundation or a broken pipe, which are common causes of basement leaks. Seepage on the other hand, happens when water moves through porous materials. For instance, if water is coming up through the floor of your basement, it is likely due to seepage. If you’re trying to determine whether your basement is wet because of water leakage or water seepage, look for the following:
- Signs of basement water leaks: One of the most effective ways to identify a leak is by examining concrete walls or the spaces between blocks for cracks and checking for moisture on the wall or floor beneath them. Basement windows are another common source of leaks, so it’s important to inspect the area for any signs of water intrusion.
- Signs of water seepage in basement: Seepage is often identified by efflorescence or white, chalky stains on basement walls or floors. As water evaporates, salt deposits are left behind by moisture, leaving a mark.
Both basement leaks and seepage can lead to musty odors, mold growth, damage to furniture and stored belongings, and other forms of water damage. Some signs, like standing water or a damp smell, are easy to detect, while others, such as hidden mold or rotting behind drywall in finished basements, can be more difficult to notice. Whether water in your basement is because of leakage or seepage, taking action to prevent further damage is crucial for protecting your home.
Do you have water coming up from your basement floor?
It is no secret, moisture collects in the ground and with your basement being located underground it is surrounded by moisture at all times. This makes your basement susceptible to water seepage. If your house was built in the last 50 years, chances are that the builder put a significant effort into your basement waterproofing, which ensures that your home will remain dry permanently. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Here are 5 reasons why water is coming up from the basement floor:
1. Drain issue
Drain lines connect various water fixtures in your home to a main drainpipe, which directs waste and wastewater out through your foundation. This system either leads to the city’s wastewater system or, if your home is not connected to one, a septic tank. When drain lines become clogged, water and wastewater can back up through the drains, potentially flooding your house.
Cracks in the drain line may also allow water seeping up through the basement floor. Furthermore, if the main drain pipe beneath your house collapses, waste can accumulate in the surrounding soil and eventually surface through the basement or crawlspace floor.
2. Leaking Pipes
If you notice water in the basement floor, start by checking appliances that supply water such as the dishwasher, refrigerator, hot water heater, washing machine, and freezer for leaks. Then, inspect the pipes in the basement for any visible signs of water.
Since the main water line typically enters the home underground, a break in this line can cause water to seep into the surrounding soil and eventually rise through the basement floor. Additionally, excessive condensation on pipes can sometimes be mistaken for a leak. You can prevent this issue by insulating water pipes to help minimize condensation.
3. Ground Water
Rainwater is absorbed into the ground, when there are high levels of rain or when the snow melts the ground becomes saturated with water. This water is under a tremendous amount of pressure and can find its way into your home through the basement floor or walls. The most probable explanation for why water is coming up from your basement floor is groundwater. Water seeps its way through the soil surrounding your house and pushes up against your basement floor and walls where the hydrostatic pressure is rather great. At times of high water saturation (water table) in the ground, the water will find its way into your home through the easiest access point. This can include cracks in your floor, cracks in the wall, and yes even through the floor. Your basement floor is made of concrete, and concrete is porous allowing water to soak through it.
There is not much you can do about water flowing through the ground and pushing up against your basement floor and walls. If you believe this is the reason why water is coming up from your basement floor, Do not delay call your local waterproofing specialist right away. Water in your basement can not only cause damage to the foundation of your home but to your health as well. Bonus Tip: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and water is flowing freely through them. Rainwater collected from your roof drains very close to your basement walls, if this water is not draining properly it can overflow and collect around your basement walls. Having clean gutters and downspouts may not eliminate your water seepage issues, but it will reduce the amount of water being absorbed by the ground around your house.
3. Ground Water
Rainwater is absorbed into the ground, when there are high levels of rain or when the snow melts the ground becomes saturated with water. This water is under a tremendous amount of pressure and can find its way into your home through the basement floor or walls. The most probable explanation for why water is coming up from your basement floor is groundwater. Water seeps its way through the soil surrounding your house and pushes up against your basement floor and walls where the hydrostatic pressure is rather great. At times of high water saturation (water table) in the ground, the water will find its way into your home through the easiest access point. This can include cracks in your floor, cracks in the wall, and yes even through the floor. Your basement floor is made of concrete, and concrete is porous allowing water to soak through it.
There is not much you can do about water flowing through the ground and pushing up against your basement floor and walls. If you believe this is the reason why water is coming up from your basement floor, Do not delay call your local waterproofing specialist right away. Water in your basement can not only cause damage to the foundation of your home but to your health as well. Bonus Tip: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and water is flowing freely through them. Rainwater collected from your roof drains very close to your basement walls, if this water is not draining properly it can overflow and collect around your basement walls. Having clean gutters and downspouts may not eliminate your water seepage issues, but it will reduce the amount of water being absorbed by the ground around your house.
4. Cracked Foundation
Your home’s exterior was designed to prevent water from seeping inside your house and flooding the basement. However, if cracks develop in the concrete foundation, whether in the walls or floor, external pressure can push water from the surrounding soil through these openings and into your home.
If foundation cracks are the source of water in your basement, seepage is most likely to occur during heavy rainfall or when melting snow saturates the ground.
5. Clogged Gutters
The gutter system plays a crucial role in preventing water seepage and basement flooding by directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation. When functioning properly, gutters collect water from the roof and channel it through downspouts, preventing excess moisture from soaking into the soil around your house. However, if the gutters become clogged, water cannot flow freely. Instead, it spills over the edges, accumulating near the foundation.
Since concrete is naturally porous, excessive hydrostatic pressure from water-filled soil can force moisture through the foundation and into your home, even in the absence of visible cracks.
How to Stop Water Leaking
There are precautionary measures you can take to prevent water seeping through your basement floor, or at least manage the issue until a licensed plumber can provide a long-term solution.
- For backed-up drains, use a drain snake or auger to break up the clog. However, if the drain line has collapsed, stop using the wastewater system and contact an Aquamaster plumber immediately to install new pipes. Continuing to use a compromised drain system can lead to serious damage.
- For leaking pipes or appliances, identify the source of the leak and shut off the water supply to the affected fixture or appliance. If the leak is coming from a pipe, turn off your home’s main water supply line. Replacing worn-out washers can fix some appliance leaks, while soldering or compression fittings can repair leaking pipes. It’s best to contact a plumber of ours for professional help with this one.
- For cracks in the foundation, seal them with hydraulic cement for a strong, water-resistant repair. Polyurethane caulk is another option, though it is less effective. Small, newly formed cracks can often be controlled with these methods, but if your foundation has multiple, larger holes, consult a foundation repair specialist for a more permanent fix.
- For clogged gutters, establishing a routine cleaning schedule can be very helpful to ensure this issue does not occur. It’s especially important to inspect and clean gutters after heavy storms, as debris from nearby trees such as leaves and branches can accumulate and block proper drainage and water flow.
- If poor drainage is causing water to pool around the base of your house, improving the slope of your yard can help direct water away from the foundation. Renting a backhoe or similar equipment can make the process easier, and while regrading takes time, proper execution can significantly reduce your chances of basement flooding.
How to Prevent Water Coming Up from Basement Floor
You can prevent water coming up through your basement floor by controlling soil moisture around your house. There are three main ways to manage how much moisture saturates your soil.
- Clean and extend your gutters: Since excessive moisture near your walls and floors can lead to seepage, gutters are designed to direct water away from your foundation, preventing water from entering your basement. You can stop water buildup by extending your gutters at least 20 feet away from your home. Regularly cleaning your gutters is important too as clogged gutters can overflow and allow water to accumulate near your foundation.
- Add a French drain to your yard: This underground pipe collects and redirects excess water from your yard, preventing puddles and water buildup.
- Grading (sloping) your property away from your home: Take this preventative measure to steer water away from draining towards the basement. If rainwater is pooling near your foundation, it can lead to excessive moisture in the soil, increasing the risk of seepage. While regrading can be a DIY project, consulting an Aqumaster professional will ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
About Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing
Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing is your full-service plumbing and basement waterproofing company assisting the Greater Toronto Area residents. We offer services such as drain cleaning, basement waterproofing, basement underpinning and more.
