How to Stop Water From Seeping Through Basement Wall: The Ultimate Guide

When heavy rains come, many homeowners face the threat of flooding and water seeping into their basements. However, this water creates damages that are frustrating and costly when ignored. So, if you're wondering how to stop water from seeping through your basement wall, this informative guide discusses the cause and treatment methods. 

Don't hesitate to seek professional water cleanup services and water damage restoration in Tucson, AZ, from Smart Steam Pro to ensure a safe, comfortable, and leak-free home.

How Does Water Seep into The Basement?

Water seeps into the basement through numerous outlets. The more obvious sources are through windows and entrances to the home. However, other less obvious sources include cracks in your basement floor, walls, and foundation. 

In addition to these familiar sources, some other reasons for water seepage include potential cracks in the sewer, weak spots in plumbing joints, deteriorating concrete, and poor water drainage.

What Are the Dangers of Excess Water?

Unfortunately, excess water can wreak havoc on your home. Standing water can damage your home's wood, concrete, and other porous materials. When these essential components experience damage, they can cause decay, leaving your home's structural integrity in question. This water seepage may also cause problems with your foundation, making basement walls bow and floors slant.

Another dangerous side effect of excess humidity, moisture, and water in basements is mold and mildew growth. The spread of mold can harm your family's respiratory health, negatively affecting the most vulnerable people in your home.

When there's too much water, you also risk creating an environment where pests thrive. Some pests that thrive in wet environments include termites, ants, carpet beetles, and earwigs. All of these pests may spread disease and cause property damage. 

Finding the Source of the Water

To fully treat any water leaks, you have to find the source. Most of the time, there's only one source that's the cause of seeping water. The most common sources of water leaks in the basement are:

• Cracks in basement wall (especially prevalent in basements with a concrete wall)
• Flooding near the base foundation of your home due to blocked gutters or poorly draining downspouts
• Sewer line issues
• Burst pipes 

Typical Indoor Fixes to Stop Water Leaks

The good news is no matter where the leak is, there are numerous interventions to take to stop water from seeping through your basement wall. Please continue reading to explore some common fixes professionals use to prevent water leaks in their tracks. 

Fill Any Cracks 

One method used to fix water leaks is filling any cracks. Typically, professionals fill these cracks with epoxy. This epoxy seals the break with a waterproof layer, preventing water from entering your basement. 

Install a Sump Pump

Another option is to install a sump pump. The sump pump helps pump water out of your basement rather than letting it accumulate on the basement floor. 

Usually, this is a pit below the basement floor that detects if water levels are too high. If they are, it pumps the water outside.

Drain Tile

A drain tile is another common intervention that collects built-up water, letting it drain out of one communal area. Usually, professionals place these tiles along the base of your wall and floor where water may accumulate. 

Try a Barrier

The final option is something called a vapor barrier. This barrier made from polyethylene is damp-proof and prevents water from moving quickly through the material.

Outdoor Fixes to Stop Water Seepage

If the cause of your water leaks is due to something outdoors, then there are plenty of precautions you can take to avoid suffering from a wet basement.

Check Your Gutters

Your gutters are the first spot to inspect outdoors if you're experiencing flooding in the basement. If you have clogged gutters, when heavy rains occur, the water won't drain appropriately. When this happens, the water usually runs straight down toward the base of your home, causing flooding in your basement.

Grade Your Yard

Another outdoor intervention is to grade your yard. Grading your yard, especially the area right around your foundation, is a smart way to lessen the odds of water damage. When you grade the soil, you ensure that the angle flows away from your foundation rather than towards it.

One way to tell if your home has poor soil grading is by pouring water near the base of your home. A good grade allows the water to flow away from your home rather than sitting near the ground. Most professional landscapers or water restoration companies can complete yard grading services for a quick and long-lasting fix.

Add Downspout Extensions

The final fix that helps homeowners keep flooding away is installing downspout extensions. These downspouts extend far away from your home.

This way, when your gutters drain water from heavy rains, the excess stays away from the foundation. Downspout extensions are an affordable way to keep water from pooling near your home's foundation. 

Leave Basement Water Control to Professionals 

Water damage isn't something to ignore or leave to amateurs. On the contrary, doing so may lead to structural damages and long-term consequences. Instead, let a professionally trained and experienced team of water damage specialists handle your basement flooding. 

The Steam Smart Pro team has years of experience detecting potential water seepage issues. Plus, they know how to find the source of your water damage, detect leaks, and prevent mold growth. In addition, their expert team will help you learn what causes basement flooding and provide optimal treatment to prevent hazardous conditions caused by wet basements. 

And when you prioritize keeping your home dry and preventing flooding, your home remains safe and comfortable. The Steam Smart Pro team proudly serves Tucson, AZ, and surrounding areas with quality water removal services, water damage restorations, and more. 

Take control of your basement today to prevent dangerous flooding and basement leaks. Call Steam Smart Pro at (520) 397-3770 in Tucson, AZ, to learn how to stop water from seeping through your basement walls.

Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.