Water Seepage

The best way to prevent significant water damage resulting from seepage into your home is to call a professional as soon as you notice any signs of water in the wall. Addressing the issue right away will save you the hassle and cost of significant repairs. Keep your eyes out for any of the following signs:

• Unpleasant Odors: Does your basement have a musty smell or feel more humid than usual? This is likely a sign that moisture has found a way into your home through the basement walls.
• Damage to Basement Walls: The best way to catch the problem early is to look towards the walls. The signs may seem insignificant, but the damage is being done as the water passes through.  Damp spots or discoloration of the uniformly gray walls, cracking, especially in the mortar joints between blocks, bricks, and stones, a white powder called “efflorescence”, and obviously mold are all signs that water has penetrated the foundation.
• Rust on Appliances: Metal only rusts when there is moisture present. If the appliances in your basement begin to show signs of rust, you must have a moisture issue.
• Visible Moisture: The most common sign of water seepage is visible moisture, like trails of water on basement walls or a pool of water on the floor. This problem will require the attention of a professional right away.

There is no single cause for water seepage. A variety of factors can contribute to water seeping into your home, and the only way to fix the problem is to accurately identify the cause. The team at Everdry Waterproofing is here to help you diagnose the cause of your water seepage, provide solutions to fix it, and prevent it from happening again. Any of the following could cause your water seepage problem:

• Window Wells: If your basement has windows, you’re at risk for water seepage. Window wells placed in the ground can collect water during storms, allowing it to get inside your home.
• Drain Pipe System: When working properly, a drain pipe collects water, and a sump pump pushes it away from your home. These pipes can become clogged, preventing this process, which results in water in your basement.
• Landscaping: Landscaping that isn’t graded correctly will cause rainwater to pool around your home. This standing water will eventually find its way in through basement walls.
• Lateral Pressure: As soil absorbs rainwater and eventually freezes come winter, it expands, putting pressure on the outside of your basement walls. This can eventually cause your walls to crack and water to seep in.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: During heavy storms, the groundwater level rises, flowing upward. This upward flow creates pressure under your foundation and can force water through cracks in your basement floor.

The prevention of water seepage begins with routine home maintenance and vigilance. Keep your gutters clean and free of debris so water doesn’t collect.  Make sure the downspouts extend far enough away from your home to prevent pooling around the foundation. You should also check your sump pump to ensure it’s working and even consider installing a backup system. Finally, make sure the landscaping around your home is graded to promote water flow away from the home’s foundation instead of toward it.