Help! Water Leaking Into Basement After Heavy Rain

The rainy season is on its way, and you can’t have a repeat of what happened last year. The damp smells that lingered, the long hours of mopping up water, and the possessions that had to be discarded lead to exhaustion and was ultimately expensive.

This blog will give you some ideas about how to fix water leaking into your basement after heavy rain. We’ll give you some DIY suggestions that can help, describe professional solutions, and answer some questions that you may already have. 

Key Takeaways

• Inspect gutters, downspouts, and yard slope right after heavy rain to spot the source of water pooling.
• Seal any visible foundation cracks and check for hidden leaks inside the basement.
• Install a sump pump and interior or exterior weeping tiles to move groundwater safely away from the house.
• Apply interior or exterior waterproofing membranes to create a lasting barrier against seepage.
• Act promptly on even small damp spots to avoid mould growth, pest problems, and structural damage.

What Causes a Leaky Basement?

The first step in fixing a leaking basement is identifying the cause. While the heavy rain may have revealed the leak, it likely isn’t the only source of the problem.

Here are some potential causes behind your leaky basement:

• Hydrostatic Pressure: Water pooling around your home causes soil to become dense, leading to hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. This can cause cracks in the foundation, resulting in leaks.
• Clay Bowl Effect: When homes are built, excavation creates a bowl-shaped space for the foundation. The soil placed back around the foundation is looser and absorbs more water. That water can then enter your basement through cracks or porous concrete.
• Plumbing Problems: Water coming up from basement floor drains after heavy rain signals a problem with the sewer system. A sump pump system, rather than a combined sewer system can help prevent this problem.
• Clogged Perimeter Drain: Perimeter drains redirect water to prevent water infiltration in your basement. If the drain becomes clogged, water collects in the plumbing and can seep into your basement.

Water Seepage vs. Water Leaking

Water seepage is when water enters through porous materials such as concrete floors. Water leaks occur when water escapes through an opening, such as crack or gaps. Here are some the signs of water seepage and water leaks:

What to Do when Water Is Coming up From the Ground After Heavy Rain

When water is pooling on the ground around your home, that can be concerning. That water outside can become water seepage in your basement after rain, so it is important to deal with that problem before it becomes worse. 

Find the Source

it would be best to do this immediately after the rain stops unless you enjoy being out in the rain. Obviously, even the slightest flicker of lightning means you stay inside and wait for the storm to pass. Things to look for include:

a) Check the exterior – make sure that the gutters are clear and free of debris. The downspouts should be dropping rainwater at least a couple of meters away from the foundation. An extension may be required. 

b) Check ground slope – use a long bubble level a couple of meters away from the home check that the ground slopes away from your home. If it doesn’t, you can possibly add compact earth to create a slope that will gently ease water away.

c) Visual inspection – like an iceberg, the foundation of your home will be mostly under the surface of the earth, but you may wish to take a good look for cracks or fissures in the foundation that can be seen. Check around the window wells as well. 

d) Check the interior – if there is water in the basement, fix a small sheet of plastic wrap to the wall. Later, if there is dampness on the wall side, then water is oozing in. Dampness on the other side would indicate condensation is an interior problem. Check your plumbing and enter the attic looking for leaks that may be infiltrating deep into your home. 

Seal Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks can be visible on the interior and exterior of the foundation. You may be able to fix minor cracks with an interior sealant. However, large foundation cracks should be inspected and repaired by a professional. If left untreated, they can weaken the structural integrity of your home.

Clean Window Wells

Basement window wells can collect leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris. If this is the case for your window wells, it may be playing a part in your leaking basement. Clean the area and ensure a clear path for water to flow freely.

If your search is inconclusive, or if you would like to have your findings verified, call in professional plumbers to explain how to fix water leaking into basement after heavy rain. 

Get Permanent Solutions to Stop Water Coming up Through Basement Floor After Heavy Rain

You have done exterior and interior inspections and are concerned about the dampness in your basement. You now need the expertise and skills that professionals can offer that will take care of your difficulty. How will they fix water seepage in your basement after heavy rain? They can offer long term solutions that can address the problem like the following: 

Install a Sump Pump

To take care of water saturation under your home, a sump pit is dug in the basement floor and a sump pump is installed. A sump pump kicks in when the sump pit begins to fill with water coming up from the ground after heavy rain. A discharge pipe from the pump forces the water out of your basement far away from your foundation keeping your basement dry.

Install Weeping Tiles

Along with a sump pump, weeping tiles, a pipe pierced with holes and installed on the interior, collect water that has somehow found its way into your home. That pipe sends that water to the sump pit, which is ejected by the pump. Weeping tiles installed the home’s foundation’s exterior are the most effective as they redirect the water coming up from the ground after heavy rain.

Seal all Foundation Cracks

When existing cracks in your foundation are filled, water has a more difficult time making its way inside.

a) Interior – sealing the interior of the foundation entails using an sealants, like epoxy, to fill the cracks. Then a waterproof paint coats the walls to create a water barrier. More effectively, a waterproof membrane is applied to the walls for stronger protection. 

b) Exterior waterproofing – much more effective but more expensive, exterior foundation waterproofing is more labour intensive and best done by the experts. The earth is removed from the outside of the foundation and the foundation is cleaned. A waterproof membrane is applied to the walls, and a drainage system is placed around the perimeter to help redirect water away from the home. The dirt is returned and sloped to help keep water from accumulating on the surface. 

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a slight amount of dampness in our basement. Is that really so concerning?

That is very concerning. Dampness could lead to mould growth and pests and insects working their way in. At best, the reason could be excess humidity or leaky plumbing, and that should be addressed promptly. At worst, the dampness could be forewarning you of bigger problems like fissures or cracks in the foundation or water coming up through the basement floor after heavy rain. Start an investigation immediately. 

What are some signs of water seepage in a basement?

Signs of water seepage in your basement include mould growth and the smell of dampness or mustiness. Water stains could appear on boxes stored on the floor or on the walls. There could be evidence of peeling paint and decaying wood. You may see cracks and fractures in the walls, and one of the worst signs is pooling water on the floor.  

If I don’t deal with a damp basement right away, what’s the worst that could happen? 

The worst thing that could happen would be structural failure. Dampness in the basement is a possible indication of water seeping into the basement after heavy rain. That water could be from overly saturated soil under your home. That creates water pressure against the foundation which could lead to, in the worst case scenario, severe structural damage. Deal with dampness in your basement quickly.