Understanding the Causes of Water Leakage in Your Basement After Heavy Rainfall
Water leaks in your home’s basement can cause a lot of worry and questions after heavy rainfall. It may cause damage to personal belongings, Damage the foundation and stability of the home, and also can contribute to mold growth.
If your home is having water leaks and flooding in your basement after the heavy Iowa rainfall, it is very important to understand what the cause is and what solutions can be done to prevent future leakage in the basement. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common reasons for water leaks in basements after heavy rain.
Foundation May be Poorly Constructed or Damaged
The foundation is the base of your home and the entire stability for the rest of your home. It is very important to ensure that your home’s foundation is constructed correctly and capable of withstanding the elements, including heavy rainfall, and expanding soil in the freezing winters in Iowa. If your foundation is not constructed properly, it can allow water to leak through the walls and into the basement. Also, if the foundation has cracks, holes, or any other damage, that can also provide an entry point for water.
To determine if the foundation is the cause of the water leakage, you should inspect the walls and floors of the basement for cracks or other signs of damage. You may also notice that the water seeps in through the seams between the walls and the floor. If you see any damage, it's essential to have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional basement waterproofing company. Most basement repair companies offer free estimates. Also, if hiring a contractor make sure to do your homework and check reviews, BBB ratings, references, and reputation. It is also recommended to get at least 3 bids.
Gutters and Downspouts clogged and not working correctly
Your gutters and downspouts are designed to direct water away from the house. If they are not working correctly, water can accumulate around the foundation and seep into the basement. Gutters can become clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, and downspouts can become damaged or disconnected from the gutter system, leading to water accumulation.
To prevent water from accumulating around the foundation, it is very important to make sure that gutters and downspouts are working correctly. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year and inspect downspouts to make sure that they are attached correctly and direct water away from the house.
Improper Grading around your home
Grading refers to the slope of the land surrounding the house. If the slope is not appropriately graded, water can accumulate around the foundation and seep into the basement. The ideal slope is to have the land slope away from the house, so water runs away from the foundation.
To determine if grading is the cause of the water leakage, inspect the surrounding land after heavy rainfall. If there are pools of water around the foundation or the land slopes towards the house, it may be necessary to regrade the area. Re-grading can be a complex and expensive process and should be done by a professional basement contractor.
Cracks in the Basement Foundation Walls
Cracks in the basement foundation walls can allow water to seep into the basement during heavy rainfall. If the cracks are significant, they can compromise the structural integrity of the walls and pose a safety hazard to your home’s stability and foundation.
To determine if cracks in the foundation walls are the cause of the water leakage, inspect the walls after heavy rainfall. If you see water coming through the cracks or notice that the cracks have grown over time, it is essential to have them repaired by a professional contractor before there is a bigger, more costly problem.
Clogged Floor Drains
Floor drains are designed to collect water and direct it away from the basement. If the floor drains become clogged, water can accumulate in the basement, leading to water leakage. To prevent floor drains from becoming clogged, it is essential to keep them clean and free of debris. You should also inspect the drains regularly to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Sump Pump Failure or clogged
Sump pumps are designed to pump water out of the basement and direct it away from the house. If the sump pump fails or is not functioning correctly, water can accumulate in the basement and lead to water leakage.
To prevent sump pump failure, it is essential to have it inspected regularly by a professional contractor. You should also ensure that the pump is installed by a professional contractor. If your sump pump does fail, take a look at our blog about Troubleshooting Guide: What To Do When Your SumpPump Stops Working.
Call the Basement waterproofing Professionals
When it comes to Basement waterproofing repairs, it is important to find a qualified and reputable contractor who can accurately assess the damage and provide quality repairs. Be sure to ask for references, BBB ratings and read reviews online to make sure that the contractor you choose has a good track record of successful projects.