A leaky basement can compromise the structural integrity of your home. That’s because foundation walls saturated with water can corrode and become weak over time. Read this guide to learn about a few common reasons water pools at the bottom of houses, so that you can curb basement flooding.

Why Do You Have a Leaky Basement?

1. Unclean Gutters

Lining the roof perimeter, gutters catch rain runoff that falls on the membrane. The water that flows into the fixtures is directed to the downspouts for disposal away from the house. When the channels are filled with mud, leaves, nests, twigs, and additional debris, there’s no room for water to filter to downspouts. Instead, the liquid cascades over gutters and settles at the property perimeter and seeps through the foundation, resulting in a leaky basement. Cleaning gutters will help the roof shed water correctly. 

2. Failing Sump Pump 

Installed at the lowest point in the basement, sump pumps are designed to push rainwater away from the foundation. The sump pump is installed in a basin that collects water and then directs it away from the property by way of a series of pipes. If you lose power during a storm, a sump pump running on house electricity could fail. That’s why equipment should run on a backup generator. The grime in dirty water that flows into the basin can also clog the float switch and other components, which means the pump won’t activate to push water out of the basement. Routinely clean equipment and make sure the pump is in an upright position, so the float switch doesn’t get pushed against the basin wall. 

3. Corroded Window Seals

To let natural light into basements, many houses have below-grade windows. If the weatherstripping is corroded, moisture can seep through the seal when it rains. The same can happen when the windows don’t have protective covers. Routinely check weatherstripping for damage and replace accordingly and put acrylic covers over windows to prevent a leaky basement.

If you’ve noticed moisture accumulation, mold, a mildew smell, and other signs of a leaky basement, contact the professionals at Reliable Crack Injection in Cincinnati, OH, for help. With a decade of experience, the team will perform leak repairs and basement waterproofing to keep your home dry during storms. See the type of work the technicians tackle online. Call (513) 368-4366 to get a free service estimate in the Hamilton County, OH, area, or Northern Kentucky and learn about their 20-year guarantee on work.