water dripping

The last thing you want is to find your basement flooded. However, failure to find the water source can be much more frustrating. Most of the time, the culprit is heavy rain. But, what if it hasn’t rained for a long time? It may require a bit of detective work yet it is a must to locate the cause of water in the basement for you to make the necessary adjustments and repairs before more serious damages occur or before mold starts to grow.  Below are some of the common causes of water in the basement and how to fix them.

Plumbing Issues in Other Parts of the House

Leaking pipes don’t show evidences on ceilings and walls most of the time. There are cases when the water drains to the lowest level of the house, which is often the basement. Inspect your home for signs of water damage or plumbing leaks. Start with the bathroom and kitchen and check around the shower or tub and toilet and under sinks. Make sure you also check the basemen shower, washing machine, hot water heater, and water softener because of one of these may leak water without you knowing it.

Cracks or Leaks in Seals of the House

The doors and windows in your house and the caulking and seals around them help keep out the elements and let cool or warm air in. After some time, seals crack and dry and caulking can shrink up and flake away. These gaps and cracks let in moisture and outside air, and you may need assistance with crack repair work. Gravity will pull down the moisture to your basement where it forms into puddles of unexplained origin. It is a wise idea to check the seals around windows and doors two times a year. The best times may be during fall as a part of your winter preparation and during spring before you turn on your AC for the warmer season.

Small Roof Leaks

Large leaks can obviously cause flooding. However, tiny leaks can also cause trouble once water drips from roof trusses, follows the framing, and reaches the basement. It can soak the wood as it travels down and cause damage during the process. It might also cause small puddles in your basement after heavy rains or storm. The best way to check if there are leaks in your roof is to inspect the attic during a heavy rainstorm and locate wet spots and leaks. These are often the cause of missing or loose shingles that are relatively cheap repairs.

Compacted Soil

Clay soil never lets water drain properly. It can expand during heavy rainstorms, weighs more compared to ordinary dirt, and contracts during droughts, putting more pressure on walls. There is nothing much you can do about it aside from fix cracks the moment you notice them.

Fluctuations in Water Table

The ground’s water table fluxes constantly because of snow melt and rain. These fluctuations can increase the water levels and every now and then, they rise straight into basements. Again, you cannot stop such fluctuations so a good option is to have French drains installed around your house by a Detroit, Michigan foundation contractor. If you are renting or you cannot afford this expense, you can avoid storing your items on the floor and have a sump pump in the basement.

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