Common Causes of Basement Damage

Heavy rain and surface flooding can easily find its way into your basement. If your property's soil and drainage cannot handle excessive water, it's going to go somewhere—most likely inside your basement.

Your first line of defense against water leaks is exterior waterproofing solutions like gutters and downspouts. If either system is clogged, damaged, or unable to direct water away from your home, your basement will likely leak.

When soil around your foundation becomes saturated with moisture, it expands and exerts hydrostatic pressure, the constant force of water pressure on the foundation walls. If this force exceeds what the walls can withstand, it will cause cracking and inward bowing, compromising their structural integrity. Water then seeps through any available openings, including cracks and gaps around pipes or windows.

Your basement may contain plumbing pipes and appliances including washers and water heaters. If these essential items malfunction, leak, or burst, your basement could be inundated with water.

In the same vein, an outdated or failing sump pump system allows water to collect in your basement. If it lacks a proper lid, water can flood the floor, water vapor evaporates into the basement, and objects can fall into the pit and damage the pump.