Leaks in the basement, in the short term, might mean just a little puddle on the floor. However, over time, water getting into your home could lead to a number of serious problems, especially if you do not invest in the proper basement leaks repairs promptly. Not only can foul odors that permeate throughout your home develop, but mold can begin to grow — mold that eventually lead to your family getting sick. In serious cases, you might even need expensive concrete foundation repairs.
Note: Both interior and exterior basement waterproofing are useful for keeping the basement dry, but you should always think about why water is entering your home in the first place.
Here is a list of reasons why water would leak into your house:
- Busted Pipes
Perhaps the problem that is easiest to both find and fix, is a leaky pipe. Over time, pipes can rust and seals can wear down. When that happens, every time you shower you could be adding to the amount of water that leeks into your basement. Luckily, leaky pipes are usually a simple problem that can be repaired quickly. - Wet Weather
Heavy rainstorms or piles of snow melting quickly could cause water to pool up when the ground gets completely saturated. If a basement is not waterproofed, water could seep down not into the dirt, but into cracks and crevices of your basement. Water itself could lead to corrosion , but if it freezes, serious damage could develop. It might be harder to find exactly where the water is getting in, but quick repairs are vital for stopping problems from growing. - Sump Pump Failure
If your sump pump is not working properly, the water that doesn’t naturally drain out of your home might get backed up and flood your basement. Calling a professional for sump pump repairs, if you don’t know how to fix it yourself, is the only way to avoid the problem again in the future. - Sewer Backup
Most of the time, the basement leaks repairs you’ll need are just for the water that your kitchen sink and shower uses. Generally, the water is clean and, other than the physical damage, it isn’t all that nasty. However, when the sewers are backed up, all kinds of disgusting waste can get into your basement. This might be more rare than other problems, but is not always as easy to deal with.
Damp basements are common, and extra moisture in the air is not necessarily anything you have to worry about. However, if the floor and walls are noticeably wet, the problem might be bigger than you realize. So before issues become too serious and your home’s foundation is at risk, be sure to have a professional provide basement leaks repairs that keep your home dry and minimize damage.
