Is It Normal To Have Little Water In the Basement?

Unfortunately, water can easily enter your basement, which is prevalent in a moat basement. There are also various ways that water can enter your homes, such as through foundation walls and the floor.

One typical sign of a problem is water in the basement. However, other signs, such as mold, ice buildup, and frequent water leaks, can also be seen. It is essential to check your basement regularly for water, especially after heavy rains or winter thaws.

In this article, we’ll talk about the causes of water in a basement and how to prevent water from entering your home. Also, we’ll talk about how to stop basement leaks and the best way to deal with them.

Causes Of Water In Your Basement

Since basements are typically the lowest level of the house, they can be magnets for unwanted water. Due to how little resistance basements have, water will usually take its path through them. Having basement flooding warning signs is necessary to keep your home in good condition. Knowing the various causes of basement flooding and how to prevent it from happening can help you avoid costly repairs and other expenses.

Lateral Pressure

Water can percolate into the soil around your foundation. Although it can sometimes cause problems, it usually drains quickly once the weather conditions allow.

However, Since the soil was previously filled and excavated, it’s not as compact as it should be. Looser soil allows for more water absorption, which results in more soil expansion.

Soils such as sand and clay tend to drain quickly and absorb less water. On the other hand, some types of clay, such as those prone to expansion, can absorb water. Not having adequate downspouts and having a cluttered gutter system can also contribute to the buildup of water near the foundation, which can cause it to leak.

Window Well Leakage

Although ground water pressure can affect the window wells, it is not the cause of these issues. The main reason is that water can collect in the window well during heavy rains and drainage problems. As the water contains, it can cause gaps or cracks in the window.

When water gets trapped inside a window well, it can cause flooding in the basement. As the water gets outside the window, it can cause the window seals to get under pressure, which can cause seepage. This can also happen through the gaps and cracks in the window. Failure of the window seal will eventually lead to a bigger problem.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Although water is always present in the ground, it can sometimes be very deep. The water table is a different matter depending on the location. For instance, if you live in a lake, your water table will be higher than that of a desert.

The ground absorbs the water when heavy rain or melting snow hits an area. However, once the soil becomes saturated, the water table rises. This happens as hydrostatic pressure builds up under the foundation of the house. The water must find a new home to keep from rising under the foundation.

Signs of Water Leak in Your Basement

Often, a leak is just a matter of time. A pool of water on the floor can clearly indicate something is wrong with the house. However, other times, a leak can be subtle. Here are a few signs that tell you something is wrong in your basement.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a type of mineral deposit buildup found on various materials, such as concrete, clay, and brick. It can be fuzzy and white when water seeps through the surface.

As water passes through a masonry material, it contains minerals, such as salts. When the water evaporates, these minerals are left behind on the surface.

Metal Rust

Iron and steel surfaces are often treated with a reddish-brown layer of iron oxide formed by oxidation. This characteristic metal layer is usually evidence of past moisture exposure.

Mold and Mildew

Areas with a lot of moisture exposure are often areas where mold and mildew can develop. Some of these types of fungi can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues. If there’s mold in your basement, make sure to call a mold removal service to effectively resolve the problem.

Wood Rotting

Wood decay can occur if the wood’s moisture content reaches a level of 30%, which is the Fiber Saturation Point. Once the wood decays, the remaining moisture-carrying fungi will find their way to the surface. The temperature rise will allow the wood decay to penetrate the wood.

Water Seepage and Stained Floors

Water flowing through cracks in the floor can cause a buildup of water in the foundation. It can also stain the surface of the floor.

What To Do To Prevent Water Damage in Your Basement Without Costly Repairs?

Trust the water experts when it comes to water damage restoration. While you might not ask a passerby to do the work of a firefighter, you should not hire an untrained individual to remove water from your home. Doing so could result in you paying a huge price for the mistake that led to the buildup of mold and other harmful substances in your house.

We are a locally owned and operated company that provides emergency services to San Jose residents and businesses following a flood of water in the basement. Our services include water damage restoration, mold removal, and flood cleanup.

If you have a water damage emergency from your basement, call a professional to help you immediately. There are only qualified people who can properly handle the task of water damage remediation, and you should hire only those with the necessary training and experience. Doing so can save you considerable money and time and prevent you from experiencing costly repairs.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there are people who do not have the right equipment or resources to properly clean and dry the water in the basement or business. This is why, when it comes to water damage restoration, you must work with a company with the essential equipment to get the job done correctly. This can be done using industrial-strength heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers.