Wet Basements

Common Causes of Wet Basements

Poor Roof Drainage (downspouts/gutters)

If your gutters are full of leaves and debris that leaves nowhere for rainwater to go and it will end up overflowing into your landscaping and into the ground around your foundation. This is going to lead to bowing and leaning walls due to hydrostatic pressure and you will end up needing some sort of foundation repair. If downspouts don’t lead away from your home you are in even worse trouble. This water will pool around your foundation, and this is going to leave you with a very wet basement.

Elevation and Location CarbonFiberpagepic

Obviously where you live, at what elevation, is going to play into the amount of water in the ground around your foundation. Water flows down so it will find low places. Also living around creeks and rivers is going to make you prone to high water levels and a wet basement. If you live in an area with a river or creek close it may be a good idea to have additional flood insurance.

Plumbing/Sewer Problems

If you live in an older neighborhood you may find that you have older pipes made of clay, and older trees with roots that find their way into these pipes. You may end up with not just a wet basement, but sewage in your basement as well. It is a good idea to inspect your home if you live in an area prone to this type of damage so you can watch for this to appear before it is a huge problem.

Ground Water Damage

If any of the symptoms above are things your home is prone too, it is likely you can have ground water damage as well. High levels of water in the soil cause hydrostatic pressure which is doom for your basement walls. Bowing walls tend to develop cracks and then they develop leaks and viola! You have a wet basement.

Call Atlas Piers of Atlanta if you have any concerns about the items listed above. For all wet basements needs you can count on us!