Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Table of Contents

What you should do if you notice a water infiltration in your basement

What you should do if you notice a water infiltration in your basement

Interior renovationsWhat you should do if you notice a water infiltration in your basement

Water infiltrations into your basement can be caused by a wide variety of things. These can include heavy rainfall on the building's envelope, poorly sealed windows, doors and exterior walls as well as storm sewers backing up.

Regardless of the cause, it is important to deal with water as soon as you spot it, as standing water can lead to countless surface as well as structural issues.

But, what should you do if you come across standing water in your home? It is difficult to know the proper steps to take to deal with water infiltrations in the quickest and most effective way. Luckily, Renoquotes.com is here to put you at ease by answering any questions you might have about this serious issue.

Leaky basement

Where is the water leak coming from, causing a wet basement?

water infiltration_water leaking from pipe_RenoQuotes.com

Since water travels, it is not always easy to tell where a leak in your home is coming from. Unless the leak is obvious, it may take some subtle detective work to figure out the source of the problem. This is the first thing to figure out when dealing with a water infiltration in your basement. Here are some possible reasons why water may be settling in your basement.

Poor foundational drainage

Unfortunately, even if you take the time to waterproof your basement correctly, if the water around your home’s foundation cannot effectively drain, you will have leaks or signs of water excess. Standing water will travel to weak spots in your foundation and seep into your basement.

In order for you to know if this is happening in your home, take a walk around the outside of your house, and look for signs of standing water around the foundation. It would be best to do this after rainfall or following a good watering of any plants or shrubs on your property. If you notice excessive water buildup, then the grade around the foundation of your home isn’t sufficiently sloped for water to drain.

If you do not have gutters or downspouts around your home, then there is no place for water to carry itself after a rainfall. This issue cannot be fixed by waterproofing alone, and the issue must be addressed directly.

Another reason water may collect in your basement is due to the drain tile around the perimeter of your foundation. Exterior drain tile maintenance is necessary every few years and can be overlooked as part of a home maintenance regime. Your exterior drain tile can fill with sediment, rocks and other debris, and this can cause the drainage system to fail.  

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are one method of basement waterproofing, as they work to keep water out of low lying areas of your basement. However, if this pump isn’t properly maintained this can be the source of water leaking or pooling in your basement.

Water will create a back up if dirt, sand or debris finds its way into the pump, so make sure to check it out and see if it requires assistance. Regular maintenance can prevent against serious problems that may occur due to dirt or grime buildup while keeping your basement dry. 

Rainwater

Don’t get us wrong, rainwater is good for the greenery of your property as well as your home’s foundation. However, it must be the right amount to elicit a positive effect. Otherwise, an excessive amount of rainwater can lead to water finding its way into your basement and settling there. If too much water flows into the basement of your home, the overload can lead to an influx of problems including causing the sewer to back up and find its way in your house.

There are several methods you can take to prevent these problems, and this can include properly waterproofing your basement as well as making sure your property is properly slopped for water to run away from the house. Solving this problem will greatly depend on your personal situation, so do a mini inspection of your basement to see which areas require improved waterproofing. 

Water pipe corrosion

water infiltration_corroding pipe_RenoQuotes.com

A pipe corroding could be a definite cause of standing water in your basement. This could happen in many ways, including two incompatible metals touching, shrinking of materials, the pipe connections or pin holes. If you notice blue or green patching on your pipes, this could be a definite sign of corrosion.

Also, it is important to regularly check your pipe connections to your water heater, as these are often the first to become damaged. If you find pieces of damaged pipe, they will need to be replaced. To prevent future corrosion, make sure that pipes and fastening materials are compatible, as not all metals work together. Do a little bit of research and then take a trip down to your local hardware store.

Get 3 renovation quotes for your leaky basement renovation project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your leaky basement renovation project. By submitting your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!


Last modified 2023-11-07


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Table of contents


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

5 min read

Amanda Harvey • 07 Nov 2023

Why is it important to do business with a certified contractor? | Renovation Quotes

When push comes to shove, if you’ve lived in the same home for a few years, you’ll likely need to do repairs at a point in time. Whether the renovation you take on is big or small, it’s important to think about the quickest, most efficient and least expensive way to make it happen.

8 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 26 Feb 2024

10 Garage Remodeling Ideas: Turning your Garage into a Living Space

Often, the garage's primary use is storage: it hides seasonal items, old furniture as well as the random, unnecessary things that accumulate over the years. However, this overlooked space is just as valuable as the rest of the house!

4 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Concrete Block Fire Pit

Would you say your backyard is missing a little something, or just a cozy spot to lounge with your family or friends, making memories, during summertime? Have you thought about a concrete block fire pit? If this feature is the missing piece to your happiness, you can now rest easy. In this article, we’re taking a deep dive into everything about concrete block fire pits, and how you can DIY one for your backyard.

4 min read

Amanda Harvey • 07 Nov 2023

How to Install an Air Barrier

When building a new home, air barriers are not always part of the equation. However, air barriers are crucial structures that assist in aiding with energy efficiency as well as maintaining a comfortable and cozy home environment.

3 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer • 01 Dec 2023

Price Guide 2023: Bathroom Renovation Project

Are you in the midst of a bathroom renovation project? This price guide, combing the main characteristics and costs of all the important elements, is meant to help you plan out your project and choose things that are suited to your budget:


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!