Stop Basement Leaks After Heavy Rain: Simple Fixes That Work!

Terry Kobatskyi

Terry Kobatskyi

Terry is a reliable project manager with over 15 years in construction field, who has started his career of working in the trenches. Learn More About Terry Kobatskyi

Wet Basement After Rainfall?

So your area of the country has experienced some significant rainfall, and you’ve just gone down to your basement to discover that it is filling with water. How does this happen, and what do you do now? Water leaking in basement can be a frustrating moment full of stress and confusion – and for a good reason! After all, water damage can be quite expensive to fix, and it might feel pretty urgent to figure out what is happening to your home and why. Basement seepage after heavy rain is an important issue that should be addressed by a professional. Let’s take a look at how water in basement happens!

What Causes Basement Leaks After Heavy Rain?

Basement leaks during heavy rain can occur due to various factors. The primary causes include:

  • Inadequate drainage: When a home’s drainage system is insufficient or not functioning properly, water can accumulate around the foundation, leading to basement leaks.
  • Foundation cracks: Over time, the foundation of a house may develop cracks, which provide entry points for water during heavy rainfall, resulting in basement leaks.
  • Faulty gutters: Properly installed and maintained gutters are essential for directing water away from the foundation. If the gutters are clogged, damaged, or improperly installed, water can overflow and collect around the foundation, causing leaks in the basement.
  • Hydrostatic pressure: When soil becomes saturated with water, it exerts hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. This pressure can force water through any existing cracks or weak points, leading to basement leaks.
  • Insufficient or deteriorated waterproofing: If the basement was not adequately waterproofed during construction or if the waterproofing materials have deteriorated over time, heavy rain can penetrate the walls or floor and cause leaks.

By addressing these common issues, such as improving drainage, repairing foundation cracks, maintaining gutters, managing hydrostatic pressure, and ensuring proper waterproofing, homeowners can mitigate the risk of basement leaks during heavy rain.

Window Well Issue

A window well is a structural feature that surrounds a basement window and helps prevent water and debris from entering the window. However, if the window well is damaged or improperly installed, it can contribute to basement leaks during heavy rain. A damaged window well can allow water to seep into the basement through the window, leading to water damage and potentially causing mold growth. To prevent basement leaks related to window wells, it’s important to ensure that they are properly installed and maintained. This includes checking for cracks or damage and ensuring that the window well is properly sealed to prevent water from entering.

Foundation Cracks and Holes

Foundation cracks and holes can be a significant cause of basement leaks during heavy rain. Water can seep into the basement through these openings, leading to water damage, mold growth, and potentially even structural problems. If you have foundation cracks or holes in your basement, it’s important to address them as soon as possible to prevent basement leaks. This may involve repairing the foundation or installing a waterproof membrane to prevent water from seeping through.

Gutter and Downspout Issues

Gutters and downspouts are essential for directing water away from your home’s foundation and preventing basement leaks. However, if your gutters and downspouts are damaged, clogged, or improperly installed, they can contribute to basement leaks during heavy rain. For example, if your gutters are clogged, water can overflow and pool around your home’s foundation, leading to basement leaks. To prevent basement leaks related to gutter and downspout issues, it’s important to ensure that they are properly installed, regularly cleaned and maintained, and repaired or replaced as needed. This can help ensure that water is properly directed away from your home’s foundation and basement.

How Can You Stop Your Basement From Leaking After Heavy Rain?

Stopping basement leaks after heavy rain requires identifying the source of the water intrusion and taking appropriate measures to address the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stop your basement from leaking:

  • Find the Source: Look for where the water is coming in. Check for cracks, windows, and gutters.
  • Fix Cracks: If you find cracks in the walls, seal them with special cement or epoxy.
  • Clean Gutters: Clear out your gutters so water can flow freely.
  • Direct Water Away: Make sure downspouts send water at least 5-10 feet from your house.
  • Slope the Ground: The ground around your home should slope away to prevent pooling.
  • Cover Windows: Use covers to stop rain from getting in through basement windows.
  • Try Sealants: Waterproof paint or sealant on walls can help.
  • Get Expert Help: For big problems, talk to professionals who know about waterproofing and foundations.
  • Keep Up Maintenance: Regularly clean gutters and check for leaks, even after fixing the issue.

Remember that preventing basement leaks is often a combination of different strategies. It’s crucial to tackle the issue from multiple angles to ensure long-term effectiveness.

What Should You Do To Prevent Basement Leaks?

When it comes to safeguarding your home from basement leaks, proactive measures are key. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Window Well Issue: Damaged or improperly installed window wells can allow water to seep into your basement, causing water damage and potential mold growth. Regular checks and proper sealing are essential to prevent these leaks.
  2. Foundation Cracks and Holes: If your basement has cracks or holes in its foundation, rainwater can infiltrate, leading to water damage, mold growth, and even structural issues. Swiftly addressing these openings can help prevent basement leaks.
  3. Gutter and Downspout Problems: Damaged, clogged, or poorly installed gutters and downspouts can contribute to basement leaks. Ensuring correct installation, regular cleaning, and maintenance is vital to divert water away from your foundation and prevent basement leaks.

If you don’t do these things, your home could end up with big problems like water damage to its structure, health issues, and more costs. But if you act fast and do these things, you can make your home stronger and better protected from these potential problems!

Contact Aquatech Waterproofing For Fixing Basement Leaks

To be frank, water damage can be quite expensive to fix. That’s why it is important to reach out to professionals as soon as possible once you realize you have an issue like water leaks or mold growth on your hands. Aquatech Waterproofing can help. Our experts understand how to assess the foundation of your home and determine the best steps to take when it comes to waterproofing your basement. For more information about basement seepage after heavy rain and repair options, contact Aquatech Waterproofing today about our basement waterproofing Toronto services. Give us a call at 416-300-2191 and let our experienced staff help answer your questions.

When Should You Contact A Waterproofing Company To Fix Basement Leaks?

You should contact a waterproofing company to fix basement leaks when:

  • Water Every Time It Rains: If your basement gets wet whenever it rains, even a little bit, it’s time to call experts to find and fix where it’s coming from.
  • Mold or Smelly Stuff: If you see mold or things smell weird in your basement, professionals can check why and fix it.
  • Cracks in Walls: If you see cracks in the walls and water coming in, ask pros to look and fix them.
  • Water Stays Around: If water stays in your basement after rain, it’s not good. Get help to fix why.
  • Sump Pump Not Working: If the sump pump that gets rid of water isn’t working, ask experts to see what’s wrong.
  • Basement Smells Weird: If your basement smells funny, it might be wet. Ask experts to figure it out.
  • White Stuff on Walls: If there’s white stuff on walls, water might be coming in. Pros can help.
  • Basement Getting Worse: If your basement is getting wetter or worse, don’t wait. Ask pros to help.
  • Your Fixes Don’t Work: If things you tried aren’t stopping leaks, it’s time for experts to find the real problem.

Aquatech Waterproofing: No More Basement Leaks After Heavy Rain!

Don’t let basement seepage dampen your spirits. Reach out to us today for insights into heavy rain aftermath and rock-solid repair options. Ready to plunge in? Dial 416-300-2191 to connect with our seasoned crew. Let’s turn your basement into a fortress of dry tranquility! 

FAQs About Basement Leaks

It’s not great to live with a leaky basement. Water can cause damage and lead to mold, making it unhealthy and uncomfortable.
Water in the basement is pretty serious. It can damage your things, weaken the structure, and create health problems if mold grows.
You should worry when your basement gets wet often, has moldy smells, or shows cracks. These signs mean it’s time to act.
Using things like towels, mops, and dehumidifiers can help absorb water temporarily, but fixing the source of the water is the real solution.