Causes

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Dealing with water inside of your basement is something that should never happen, but unfortunately is fairly common in homes without waterproofing measures. You may have come across pooling water where the wall meets the floor, a musty and foul smell permeating the area, or noticed efflorescence forming on your concrete walls. If any of this is the case, your home may be suffering from basement water damage. Here we discuss some of the common causes of basement water and the issues they can cause if left untreated. 

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Causes of Basement Water Problems  

Having water inside your basement isn’t a pleasant experience, and there could be several reasons why your basement and the rest of your home are experiencing these problems. One of the biggest reasons that lead to these issues is the soil on which your home was built. 

Hydrostatic Pressure  

After heavy rain or snow melts, the soil around your home becomes saturated with water. This is especially true for homes in North Dakota as most of the state’s soil is clay loam. This soil is known for its poor drainage capabilities and its tendency to swell when wet and shrink when dry.  

 
When the soil surrounding your home’s basement becomes too saturated this leads to what is known as hydrostatic pressure. The pressure of the water in the soil begins to push its way towards your foundation or basement walls and can cause cracks within the concrete. In worst cases, if cracks have already formed, this can cause full-on floods in your basement.  

Basement Wall Cracks 

As mentioned, hydrostatic pressure is one of the number one causes of basement wall cracks. But cracks in your concrete walls can also be due to shifting soil around your home. When soil settlement happens, this means that the soil is shrinking due to dehydration, and when subsidence occurs, it refers to the sinking of your home within the soil. 

Both things can cause immense amounts of pressure to be put on your concrete walls and lead to them cracking over time. This also allows water to come into your basement in tandem with hydrostatic pressure. 

Plumbing Flood 

Like most appliances in your home, your plumbing needs routine maintenance to ensure that there is no corrosion or leaks to be found. For most people, their home’s plumbing systems are located in either the basement or the crawl space which can turn disastrous if a leak happens. Plumbing failures are one of the most destructive floods in any home due to their ability to cause great damage in a short amount of time. 

It is imperative to always have annual inspections of your home’s plumbing to guarantee everything is in proper working order and that you don’t have to deal with a plumbing flood.  

What Issues These Problems Cause 

Like most problems, if moisture-related issues within your basement go unrepaired, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in solutions down the road. Water in your basement can also lead to extreme structural defects and even health problems.  

Mold and Mildew Growth 

Known as one of the most toxic, but commonly found things in humid places is mold. Mold and mildew can spread at a rapid rate if the environment is right. All that it needs to thrive is humidity (the right temperatures) and organic matter (wood). Both are usually found within your basement, especially if water is involved. 

Mold can also spread spores throughout the air in your home because of the stack effect. This phenomenon happens when the cool air in your basement warms up and rises through your home and out your roof. When the stack effect is in play, any toxins such as dirt, dust, or mold are carried along in the air causing allergies and asthma for anyone residing there.  

Home Structural Concerns 

Unfortunately, basement water damage doesn’t just end in the basement. The damage that the water causes can also lead to structural defects throughout your home. This could be anything from uneven and sloping floors, jammed windows and doors, and in worst cases, bowing walls. Since most homes are constructed from wood and concrete, both materials are easily affected by water. 

Foundation Damage  

One of the most important structures in your home is your foundation. Your foundation is reliant on keeping your home sturdy and upright, and your floors even and durable. When water infiltrates your basement, chances are you’re dealing with foundation damage as well.  

 
It is imperative that whatever your foundation is experiencing should be addressed right away as it is likely to be the root of water coming in.  

Get Expert Help From The Professionals At Innovative Basement Authority 

If you’ve had enough with dealing with water in your basement and are noticing signs of damage throughout your house, it’s time to get your basement waterproofed. This process can be done by installing vapor barriers on your walls and floors, interior drainage systems, and sump pumps. 

In tandem, these solutions are proven and ensured to effectively keep your basement dry and healthy for years to come. If you’re ready to talk to an expert, call us for a free inspection at Innovative Basement Authority. A member of our team would be happy to help and advise you on what’s going on in your home.  

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