Top Causes of Basement Leaks

A basement leak may seem like a small matter at first, but if left unaddressed, it can soon develop into a more serious problem, potentially resulting in a host of issues that affect the entire home. For example, basement leaks can lead to everything from unpleasant odors and mold growth to costly water damage to the home’s structure. Fortunately, there are basement waterproofing contractors that specialize in identifying the cause of leaks. The top causes of leaks that contractors find are:

Plumbing Leak

Repairs for basement leaks can range from simple to cost prohibitive. On the simpler end,  is leaky plumbing. Check all the common places you use water in the house. If you see water on the ceiling or walls underneath your bathroom or kitchen, you have an interior leak. Perhaps you have a cracked pipe, or a leaking shower, toilet, water heater, or washing machine. Whatever the cause, repairing your plumbing leak may fix your basement water problem.

Poor or Ineffective Grading

If your home was built correctly, land under your home was first graded to ensure that the ground slopes away from your home, not towards it. But if the ground is not proplerly graded, water may drain in the wrong direction—toward your home. Water that then collects can make its way into your basement if your basement is not waterproofed. A reputable basement waterproofing contractor will be able to determine if ineffective grading is the cause of your basement leak and provide an appropriate solution.

Foundation Cracks

Cracks in a home’s foundation aren’t uncommon and may be the result of natural process called settling. Also, your basement is under different types of pressure—hydrostatic pressure from the water found underground, and lateral pressure from the dirt surrounding your foundation. Either of these types of pressure can exert undue force on the foundation, causing it to develop cracks. Occasionally, foundation cracks can be a source of moisture seepage in a basement. Unfortunately, even a hairline crack in the foundation can lead to moisture problems. If your foundation has developed large cracks, it may be time to call an experienced basement waterproofer to assess your foundation and basement and devise an appropriate repair solution.

Missing or Damaged Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts play critical roles in protecting a home from water damage, but do your downspouts carry water far enough away from your house? In other words, if your gutters and downspouts aren’t working properly, or if they’re nonexistent, water may flow toward your home and foundation, where it can seep into your basement and cause moisture issues.

If you’ve noticed moisture, leaks, or cracks in your basement, turn to Pure Service Pro. Our trained and experienced technicians provide expert inspections and professional basement waterproofing services to ensure the safety and integrity of your basement and home. Our custom solutions include interior and exterior systems that we proudly back with a lifetime transferable warranty. For more information, or to schedule a consultation for basement waterproofing service, contact us today.