Reasons Your Basement Walls Leak

When you Have water in your home, it can be very scary and stressful. When your basement walls are leaking, your basement can be useless for storage. Because of the dampness mold and mildew that can spread. This also can affect the value of your home. Certainly, basement leaks should never be ignored. Basically there are several reasons your basement walls leak. Some more costly and challenging to repair than others. Here we will cover some of the typical reasons your basement walls leak.

Basement sump pump housed in sump pit behind grate — Basement sump pit

Are my gutters causing my basement walls to leak?

Could gutters be the reasons your basement walls leak?

First of all, the cheaper fixes. Gutters with poor drainage are the most likely culprit of leaks in basement walls. However; luckily they are often the easiest and cheapest thing to fix.

Blocked or damaged gutters will allow water to run down the wall and concentrate in one spot. As the water pools it soaks into the ground, where eventually it enters the basement through the wall. Without any other obvious causes, check the gutters first for debris blockages. Also check areas where water pours over the top of the gutter during a heavy rain.
Solution: Clean out and repair gutters if necessary. Repair cracks and seal the wall.

Downspouts for gutters must empty water away from the foundation of the house. When they release water too close to the wall, it will eventually wear down the sealant. After which it will penetrate through the walls.
Solution: Add extensions to down spouts. These are cheap and easy to install. Aim for the downspout to discharge water at least 4 feet from the wall, or more if water continues to run back towards the house.

Are sprinklers or a water spigot causing my basement wall leak?

Often overlooked, but typically an easy inexpensive problem to fix.

When your sprinkler heads. Are spraying directly against or near the wall? This will cause the water to penetrate through the wall.
Solution: Move or readjust the sprinkler head away from the wall.

Also a sprinkler head or water spigot that is leaking? may cause a leak.
Solution: Repair the fixture, valve or pipe.

Basement Leak, Water getting in Basement,

Is water settling against the house walls?

A very common issue, but often more costly, is when water settles against or near the outside wall due to poor grading. Because the slope of the land directs water to close to the house. The water then seeps into the ground against the wall. When it encounters cracks or areas without proper sealant, the water penetrates through the basement wall causing a leak.

Another possible problem, water may even come through the floor. During heavy rain, the pooled water next to the house can temporarily raise the water table. The pressure can cause seeping through the floor.

After a heavy rain, look for standing water near the area in question.
Look at the slope of the land. Does it allow water to flow away from the house?
Are there obstructions, like retaining walls or garden walls that could hold water?
Do you have drainage that runs along the walls? Many drainage pipes have perforated holes. These pipes can become damaged over time and release water near the walls.
Are there cracks in the walls? Keep in mind, water can also leak through mortar joints.

Solutions:

Consider external drainage solutions that would direct water away from the walls.
Replace old drainage that could be damaged.
Make sure the slope of the land is suitable for directing water away from the house.
Repair any cracks in the walls.
It may be necessary to reseal the outside wall as permanent barriers break down over time.

We do not recommend sealing the inside of a basement without managing the water flow on the external walls first. Over time, water seeping through cracks, and joints can cause significant structural damage. If you only seal the walls from the inside, water will continue to retain in the walls, causing further damage and mildew.

Other Resources

When you have water in your basement, but you are not sure where the water is coming from, read our post on How to find a leak in the basement. This will help you identify various ways water may be entering, including pipes, and fixtures.

Basement Inside Waterproofing Video