How Does Water Leak into a Flooded Basement? (Part 2)
In Oakland, Wayne & Macomb County
Whether your basement is a finished living space – or simply a place you do laundry or store tools – keeping it dry is essential. Unfortunately, with Macomb County’s high water table and large amount of annual precipitation leaking and flooded basements are a regular occurrence.
To protect your basement from water, every homeowner should know the common entry points of water into a basement. This 3 part article discusses the reasons your basement may be leaking water or prone to flooding.
Causes of Flooded Basements & Leaks:
(5.) Honeycomb Leakage
“Honeycomb” is a term used to describe air pockets in walls and foundations due to poorly mixed concrete that was originally poured. These air pockets form cavities which water can find and penetrate causing leakage and even flooding in a basement.
Fortunately, “honeycombs” can be sealed fairly easily and are one of the easiest to fix causes of basement flooding.
(6.) Sewer Pipe Leaking & Flooding
Of course, when a plumbing drain has burst or a sewer pipe has become completely clogged, the resulting basement leak will be very large and easy to identify. But in many instances, a smaller leak can be very slow and hard to pinpoint or identify. These “slow leaks” may simply show up as a ceiling stain or a stain or mold on the basement wall.
Slow sewer pipe leaks can be particularly dangerous because they can remain hidden for a while – allowing mold & bacteria to multiply until the issue becomes more noticeable.
(7.) Basement Mortar Joint Leak
When houses are constructed with basement walls of cinder block, brick, stone or wood – instead of concrete – locating a basement leak can be more challenging. This is because the walls are not solid, and instead, have mortar holding each individual block, brick or stone in place. As the mortar degrades over time, water can begin to slowly make its way through the mortar and into a basement.
Finding the actual area where water is making its entry point can be tough, because the water wends its way through the nooks and crevices between the blocks and bricks – ending up far from where it started.
(8.) Water Pipes & Conduit Leaks
When water lines, sewer pipes or other conduits are installed in a basement, a hole is drilled through the wall. The builder should have sealed those holes with a cement “water plug” on the inside and outside of the hole.
However, the water plugs only have the capability of being installed 2″ into each opening, so that leaves a big gap between the openings that can collect water.
(9.) Floor Cracks Causing Basement Flooding & Leaking
“Hydrostatic pressure” is a natural effect on your home’s foundation caused by the weight of water in the ground. Most homes are built to withstand normal hydrostatic pressure.
However, homes settle over time – and hydrostatic pressure, caused by poor drainage, clay soil, underground water or extreme weather can build up and pushes against your basement foundation. This can cause cracks, which lead to basement leaks or flooding as well as other problems.
Flooded Basement Cleanup in Wayne, Oakland & Macomb County
No matter what has caused your basement leak or flooded basement, we can clean up the water rapidly and hygienically – restoring your wet or flooded Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County basement to “like new” condition. We can also help you identify the cause of the flooding and repair any underlying problems so you do not experience another flood or leak in the future!
