Water Coming Up Through Basement Floor After Heavy Rain? Here's What to Do

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

For most of us, a day at home hearing the sound of rainfall outside is pleasant and soothing - but not for all of us. 

For some homeowners, the sound of rain is the last sound they hear before finding a flooded basement - which is far less pleasant.

One day you went down to the basement to store some items or do the laundry and something wasn’t right. Maybe it was because you found puddles on the floor, or maybe it was because there was a smell of mildew. When the other possibilities were ruled out (such as leaky pipes), you discovered that the basement leaks when it rains.

Aside from ruining possessions you want to safely store, water in the basement after heavy rain can cause significant problems - from minor electrical damage to harmful mold, and significant structural damage. 

Main Cause of Basement Leaks

The first step in addressing a basement leak issue before it worsens is to determine the cause by considering the subterranean factors. Typically water in the basement after heavy rain is due to leaks caused by subsurface issues or window well problems. 

• Problem: Hydrostatic Pressure

When rainwater oversaturates the soil, the pressure builds up as the water has nowhere to go - this is also known as the buildup of hydrostatic pressure. This pressure will force moisture and excess water through the basement walls and floor.

• Indicators of Hydrostatic Pressure:
• Salt deposits (efflorescence) visible on basement walls or floor.
• Foul odor or signs of mold.
• Humidity.
• Bowing or cracked walls.
• Water seems to be entering in through multiple places.
• Home is on a slope or hillside with regular rainfall or spring snowmelt. 
• Signs of soil saturation - this could be pools of standing water or when a hole is dug in the ground, the trapped water is released and fills the hole.
• Neighbors encountered the same problem.

• Problem: Foundation Damage From Soil Expansion

Soil expansion places lateral pressure against the foundation. This occurs when unpacked soil around the foundation exceeds its limit of water absorption and makes the earth swell. This can damage the foundation and thus create leaks in the basement. 

• Indicators of Swelling from Soil Expansion:
• Visible cracks in the stucco, drywall, basement walls or the foundation.
• Floors that slope or are “spongy.”
• Doors and windows get stuck when opening/closing.
• Doors gap at the top, bottom or side.
• Roof droops.

• Problem: Window Wells

Basement windows fail to keep rainwater out due to problems with the window well. It could be that the installation is faulty. A window well fills with rainwater allowing water to pass through the window and flow down walls.

• Indicators of Window Well Leaks:
• Streams or trickling of water during rainfall.
• Signs of water damage on the walls (like stains).
• Mold forming by the window.
• Puddles on the floor directly below the window.

Once you’ve determined how rainwater is getting into the basement, a solution to the intrusion can be planned out.

How to Fix Basement Floor Leaks

You can’t stop the rain from ever falling again, but you can figure out a way to stop water from coming up through the basement floor after heavy rain or prevent water from getting trapped.

We’ll go over the common solutions.

• Install a sump pump: This is installed at the lowest part of the basement within a sump pit to ensure the removal of any intruding water. The sump pump keeps your basement dry by flushing water out through the basement floor.
• Install weep holes or an interior tile drain system: Another way to prevent water from collecting is to set up basement drainage. This is done by drilling weep holes in the block foundation or installing a drain system around the edges (which can be expensive). This feature catches water and routes it to the drain tile. The water runs to the sump basin where all liquid is discharged with an electric pump.
• Keep gutters clear or add gutter extensions: Clogged gutters can create an overflow when it rains causing water to accumulate around the foundation. Keeping the gutters clear of leaves and debris or installing leaf guards prevents clogs from happening. Gutter extensions will route water away from the house to keep rainwater from saturating the nearby soil.
• Improve grading: Problems occur when too much rain penetrates the soil. Directing water away from the home or pitching soil away from the foundation prevents an oversaturated ground from becoming a problem in the first place.
• Repair window wells: Prevent window well clogs by properly installing a fitted window well cover. Sufficient coverage keeps out leaves and debris that causes the clogging that leads to water intrusion issues.

Making these improvements prevents further damage. Should you see signs of mold, SERVPRO of Richardson will help you remove it with mold remediation.

What To Do if Your Basement Floods

Some rain is one thing, but flooding is a whole other matter. Here are some safety guidelines to consider if you find yourself with a flooded basement.

• Avoid entering rooms with sagging ceilings
• Don’t touch or use electrical items that are plugged in.
• Keep electrical appliances away from floodwater.
• Keep children and pets away from flooded areas. Do not allow them to play in the water.
• Call your homeowner’s insurance company.
• Contact SERVPRO of Richardson for water damage restoration.

Water Damage to Foundation 

The benefit of discovering rainwater issues in your basement is when it makes you aware of potential foundation issues with your home. Inspect your foundation for cracks or signs of shifting. Look for signs of water damage inside and outside the home.

Awareness of these issues now allows you to take proactive measures to avoid further structural issues, the spread of unhealthy mold growth, and electrical damage.

The Best Way to Fix the Issue is to Prevent It

Water is a vital resource, but when it shows up where it doesn’t belong, it causes problems. Preventative measures can save you the hassle of water damage to your home.

Water Leak Prevention Checklist

• Check lateral sewer lines for blockage or root intrusion.
• Protect the structure of your home by directing water away from the perimeter and create a buffer by grading the earth away from the house.
• Have an extension of downspouts at least five feet away from the foundation.
• Inspect basement walls for weaknesses or cracks.
• Seal off trouble spots like window wells and openings.
• Snake your pipes once a year.
• Consult a professional for repairs and waterproofing.

SERVPRO of Richardson has seen first-hand what damage flood water can do to structures. We’re here to help you with leaky basement issues and provide storm damage recovery. 

We’ll come out to assess water damage and help you suss out possible home foundation issues. We also work with your homeowner’s insurance company to help you recover from water damage. Call us anytime at (972) 690-1414 or complete our convenient online form!