8 Potential Causes of a Wet Basement

causes of water leaks in basement
June 8, 2021

Finding moisture in any area of the home is never something that a homeowner wants to find. Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think. Fortunately, finding a ‘basement waterproofing company near me’ and calling in an expert will help you locate the cause of your wet basement and find a solution so you can keep the integrity of your home.

A wet basement can be caused by a few different factors, which can help determine the best solution for finally having a dry basement in your home. Here are 5 potential causes of a wet basement foundation in home.

Gutters & Downspouts

When it rains, it’s important that the directional infrastructure on your home is working properly. This means that your gutters may be jammed or broken, or your downspouts are missing, properly placed or lacking the proper extenders.

This may be the cause of your basement leak if you notice a wet basement when it rains heavily.

Grading of Your Home

The way that your home’s foundation was initially and how the home has settled over time can affect how dry your basement is in your home.

A commonly overlooked aspect of your home’s potential wet basement problem is the grading of your home. This means that ideally soil is pitched away from your house so that water drains toward your yard and not your foundation and basement, causing a leak.

Window Wells

While the wells around a basement window are typically made to direct rainwater away from the window, if there is a flaw in the window well installation or damage to the structure itself, it can have the reverse effect. The result? A basement leak leads to you looking for a basement waterproofer contractor.

Structural Cracks

This is not good news, but it’s a fact: a basement leak can be the result of structural cracks in the foundation of your home. This can be a result of basement or foundation settlement or simply external pressure. While this is a larger repair, there are ways to resolve the issue of your wet basement and finally have a waterproof foundation in your home.

Sump Pit or Drain Tile

A home’s sump pit collects runoff water that is fairly natural in a home and happens from time to time, but this drain can become clogged, broken, or damaged, leading to a basement leak. In such cases, a basement waterproofer contractor can repair or resolve aspects of your cause and get the sump pit working at full capacity once again.

Cracks in Your Foundation

One of the big and sometimes unexpected ways that water can seep into the home is through foundation cracks. Foundation cracks provide ample room for the water to come through and wreak havoc in your basement. We’ve got you covered whether it’s just a moisture problem that dominoes into mold issues or a full-blown flooded basement. Many people don’t know that when you have foundation issues, you may also have waterproofing issues.

This is why you should never repair a basement crack or apply a waterproofing solution without finding the source of the problem. Sealing a crack or adding encapsulation does nothing without finding out what’s causing the issue and resolving that as well.

Drainage and Grading Issues in Your Yard

Another big reason that you might see water in your basement could be due to drainage and grading issues in your yard. If the grade of your soil tilts towards your home, you are inviting water to seep down into your foundation. Similarly, when you constantly see big puddles in your yard that don’t go away for a day or two after rain, you have a drainage problem.

KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair can help with both of these issues and get your home back on track to being moisture-free. We provide interior and exterior drainage to make sure that you are protected and don’t end up with a flooded basement.

Soil Movement and Settlement

Foundation Settlement Issues caused by soil movement are another reason you may see water in your basement. When soil changes from dry to wet or wet to dry, there is shrinkage and expansion. If your foundation is not properly stabilized, this can affect it. The foundation or main floor walls could crack, the slab could crack, or any number of things could happen. This includes your home foundation failing due to soil movement and settlement.

Basement Waterproofing: What You Need to Know

Many homes have basements. Whether you use yours for storage of bulky items or extra living space, your basement is susceptible to a unique set of problems, particularly from water damage. Basement waterproofing is extremely important to the health of your home as even a small amount of water can, over time, lead to extensive foundation damage and the need for a serious repair.

Signs That You Need Basement Waterproofing

Take a look around your basement. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

  • Moisture or water on the floors
  • Any leaking pipes, no matter how small
  • A musty, wet odor
  • Mildew or moss growth
  • Cracks in the walls
  • Cracks in the basement floor
  • Water leaking into the basement through windows or doors

Basement Waterproofing Techniques

Some basement waterproofing is simple. You may just need to re-grade your yard to divert water away from basement windows or install new rain gutters that drain water away from the foundation. However, other basement waterproofing is more complicated, requiring the installation of pumps, lifting of sinking floors, or increasing ventilation. In any case, KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair is well equipped to diagnose and repair any existing basement problems.

KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair specialize in basement waterproofing. We’ll come and take a look at your basement, diagnose the problem, and make the needed repair. Sometimes we install sump pumps, which take water from beneath the slab and pump it somewhere that is unable to damage your home. Other times we use Grate Drain products to remove water and ensure a dry, healthy basement. And in any case, if there is existing damage, we can make the repairs.

If you’ve noticed any signs of foundation damage or have seen any of the above symptoms of the need to waterproof your basement, contact KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair. We’d love to provide you with a solution.

For more valuable articles like this one to keep your home dry, visit our Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing Your Kansas City Home.

Basement Waterproofing Near Me

Many homeowners have looked for the answer to this very question. We’re here to help! Keep your home dry, safe, and comfortable with the help of a basement waterproofing contractor. Take the first step to a dry basement by calling KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair at 816- 839- 6840 to schedule your free consultation.

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Satisfied Customer Reviews

Gary and his team did a great job and were very respectful of our home. Very happy to have used KC Waterproofing
After having a poor experience with a different company, we made sure we got multiple quotes for our ongoing basement flooding and foundation concerns.Matt L came out to give us our quotes and evaluate our issues which included ongoing basement flooding through our windows as well as improper grading. He was very professional and kind, explained everything that was simple to understand but thorough.We got the side of our house re-graded by Gerry and his team. They were efficient, thorough, and professional. They helped us look at other potential repairs based on our concerns!Our windows were replaced by Dean who did an excellent job! They look amazing. The job site got cleaned flawlessly you wouldn’t even know he was there. The windows are a huge upgrade.We received quotes from 4 companies, however KC Waterproofing was by far the best company to work with start to finish. The coordinated the job so multiple crews came on the same day, which really helped me. They were the only ones that provided solutions at different cost levels, provided a quote on time and reviewed it with us, easy to schedule and communicate with, as well as overall professional. Their pricing was very reasonable and competitive with all other bids. I would definitely recommend them! I’m bummed I didn’t take before photos.
Mario was timely, professional, and efficient. I will continue to utilize and recommend this business based on the excellent service he provided.
Mario was very helpful on his visit to my home. I was concerned about one of the anchors that was installed this summer. He assured me that all was intact and doing like it is supposed to be doing. Thank you Mario!
The team was professional and efficient. They took steps to protect my carpet and cleaned up after themselves.
(2024 Job) I hired KC Waterproofing for another project after they did such a great job the first time. We had piers added to our foundation in the interior and exterior of the house. Ryan and his crew did a great job, were always on time, and cleaned up very well after themselves. I will only use this company for anything foundation related, no one else.(2022 Job) Don and Dontay & his crew were absolutely fantastic. The finished result looked great and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to have their basement waterproofed.
Mario explained what possibly caused the crack to reappear and made the required repairs He was super knowledgeable and profesional.
Our experience with Mario was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and communicated well. Our pump issue was resolved and the basement was left clean . We would definitely recommend him.
Mario came out and did a great job on the crack in our foundation. Scheduling was convenient, ample notifications on appointment and arrival times. He explained everything he was going to do and then everything he did. Hopefully we don't need any further work but if we do, we'll be giving KCW&FR a call.
Whenever it rains really hard our basement would be filled with water. So i had 3 quotes put in for basement repairs and got the best price for what i needed done from KC waterproofing over the other competitors. Had Gary, Kenny and Jeese come out and they fixed the problem and were very nice! I would recommend
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