Water in Basement After it Rains?

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Spring rains in Massachusetts bring flooded basements!

In the Northshore of Massachusetts...When it rains, it pours! Especially if you have water or moisture problems at home. Learning how to deal with nasty, smelly leaked water in your basement is one of the best ways to protect your home and prevent costly damage in the future.

WATER IN BASEMENT CAUSES

Basement water leaks are an alarming problem. In fact, the American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that 60% of homeowners in the country have basement water problems. Even newly constructed homes are still prone to leaks and there’s a good chance that you will have to deal with it eventually.

You might wonder though – what causes water problems in the basement?

Flood. Needless to say, basements are prone to flooding since they are the lowest part of a house. If you live in a flood-prone area, one of the best things you can do to protect your property is to apply some flood control methods, such as raising your home on stilts, installing foundation vents or a sump pump, applying coatings and sealants on your basement walls, and installing check valves on your pipes.

Water Seepage. Water can seep through cracks in your walls as well as other porous materials. There are two types of wall cracks – horizontal and vertical. The former is more serious as it is caused by pressure against the walls. If you see stains on your basement walls or floors whenever it rains, it’s an indication of water seepage.

Window Well. Windows allow light and air into your basement. However, during heavy rains, water can collect within the window wells.

WATER LEAKAGE IN BASEMENT AFTER HEAVY RAIN

Do you always notice water coming in the basement after heavy rains? You’re not alone. Many Massachusetts homeowners experience the same.

Rain is definitely a major cause of water leaking into basements. Even if it doesn’t rain, water is always present on the ground. But when it rains or snows heavily, more water is absorbed into the ground. Once the soil is saturated and can no longer hold any more water, the water table (level below ground that is saturated by water) causes hydrostatic pressure under your home’s foundation. The excess water goes to your basement.

Meanwhile, the water absorbed by the soil that surrounds your foundation causes lateral pressure. Both hydrostatic and lateral pressure push moisture and water leaks into basement walls and floors.

Water in the basement after heavy rain is a serious problem. If not addressed early, it can lead to serious damage that could cost you thousands of dollars.

FOUNDATION DAMAGE SIGNS

Learning how to check the foundation of the house for water damage is essential. Of course, the first step is to check for signs of leaks, such as water damage textures in your basement along with moisture problems in other parts of your home.

WATER SEEPAGE IN BASEMENT AFTER RAIN

So how do you know if issues of water in the foundation is caused by rain and not something else? Check out the following signs:

• If there are standing puddles close to your house whenever it rains hard
• If doors and windows become swollen with moisture
• If your basement walls are buckling or leaning.
• If your basement leaks water when it rains hard.

WATER DAMAGE TO BASEMENT

Water damage is a problem that every homeowner dreads. Water damaged basements, in particular, do not only undermine the value of homes but also compromise the health and safety of families who live there.

Below are the ways water damage in basement harm your home and your family:

• Mold growth. While mold has an important role in nature (breaking down dead things), it’s the last thing you want to have in your home. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to invade your basement, damaging various surfaces like walls, floors, and furniture. 

• Damaged wiring and appliances. Water that seeps through cracks on the walls can damage electrical appliances in your basements, such as your washer, dryer, water heater, and furnace. Electrical problems can also cause life-threatening accidents to anyone in your family.

FOUNDATION WATER DAMAGE

Water damage to the foundation of a house occurs in various ways and may either be structural or non-structural. Structural damage happens when the presence of water is extensive and prolonged whereas non-structural damage occurs when water seeps through tiny cracks in the foundation. Water leakage in basement walls is an example of this.

Apart from rain, sources of water leaks include roof spillage, surface runoff, improper exterior foundation drains, and clogged gutters and downspouts. 

HOW TO STOP WATER FROM LEAKING INTO BASEMENT

Many homeowners are clueless about how to stop water in basements. But it’s easier than what it seems. Some steps include adding gutter extensions, installing plug gaps around plumbing pipes, repairing footing drains, and sealing cracks in walls and floors.

HOW TO GET RID OF MOISTURE IN THE BASEMENT

It’s always best to call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Salem/Peabody/Marblehead especially if there is already some serious damage.  You can reach our office at 978.744.4545