Water Issues in Basement in PA. Cause and Solutions
Water Issues in Basement in PA. Cause and Solutions
Snoo70033 on Reddit
This is hydrostatic pressure, basically the soil around the foundation wall is saturated with water. Water is pushing against the basement wall and coming through the cove joints (in poured foundation it is where the wall meet the concrete slab). Where does this water come from? well, it comes from the surface water. Water takes time to get infiltrated into the ground, and some soil (like clay soil) hold water for a relatively long period of time, they also expand when are soaked with water, causing cracks and bows on the foundation wall (other types of soil do this too, just not as prevalent as clay soil). You might see water leaks into the basement a day or two after massive rain, it is because it takes that amount of time to completely saturate the soil around the basement and water begins to find least path of resistance to come inside (which is the cove joint). This also happens with houses sitting on high water table.
To solve this issue, you simply need to move all of the rain water away from the soil around the foundation, as far away as possible. You do this by grade the soil around the foundation and build a drainage swale to bring all of the rain water as far away from your house as you possible can. Another thing that you can do right now to help is to extend the downspout at least 10ft away from the foundation. But to be safe, you should connect all your downspouts to PVC pipes and, again, bring all that roof water to a location as far way from your house as possible. Remember to clean your gutters every 3 or 6 months also, clogged gutters will dump rain water right next to your foundation. Another layer of protection is to build French drain (a lot of tutorials on YouTube on how to build this) around the perimeter of your house. French drain will redirect all rain water that infiltrated in the ground. Keeping your basement dry.
Middle-Cockroach9673 on Reddit
Yes, but the “simply move the water” isn’t always possible depending on your soil type, water table level etc. water will almost always find a way in. If you aren’t worried about having a “dry” basement, i would dig a sump pit i the lowest corner and set a permeable plastic put and pump.
It helps to work on grading and directing downspouts away from the foundation. FYI, many “basement waterproofing systems” just let water in and pump it back out.
Source: grew up in PA in flood plain areas, moved to NJ with the same clay soil and 3ft water table and had an uncle that worked for a “water proofing company”
If you can prevent water entry into the basement, you'll protect your home against one of the biggest natural threats in the Pennsylvania region. Here are some ideas for ways to waterproof your basement.
1. Install a French Drain
If you have high water level issues on your property, a French drain is an effective solution. The drainage system comprises a perforated drain system laid in the ground. The covered pipes collect surface and groundwater and drain it away from the foundation walls.
2. Reshape the Landscape
If the ground around your home slopes towards your home, there's a risk of basement water entering your home. The groundwater pushes against the wall and can seep into the basement. Pavements or sidewalks on your outdoor area can dump water next to the foundation walls.
Exterior grading is one of the most effective ways to prevent water problems in the basement. The ground around the house should slope away from the walls. The reshaped landscape ensures no water stands next to the walls and prevents water leaks during heavy rains.
3. Invest in a Sump Pump
In areas with high levels of groundwater or a high risk of floods, a sump pump comes in handy. The automatic pump comes to life whenever water levels below the basement floor start to rise.
The pump system comprises a floor drain system that collects water below the walls and dumps it into a pit. In case the water levels rise, the system automatically pumps water out of the pit and into a drain pipe. The emergency pump keeps your basement dry and protects against basement moisture problems such as mold growth and high humidity levels.
4. Invest in Wall Waterproofing
Interior and exterior basement waterproofing techniques deal permanently with water problems in the basement. Basement waterproofing systems deal with the underlying cause of water leaks to prevent future problems. The methods include the use of silicate-based concrete sealers for wall cracks, concrete wall coats, and plastic sheets and panels.
5. Work on the Gutters
Gutters play a crucial role to protect your home against water damage. The gutter system collects all the roof water, which flows down the downspout and away from the house. If the gutter system suffers damage your home is at risk of water leaks through the walls.
Clogged gutters, for instance, don't drain water efficiently. The overflow moves down the walls and stands next to the foundation wall. If there are cracks or gaps on the walls, the surface water seeps through and causes basement moisture problems.
The downspout, which is part of the roof drainage, can contribute to basement water issues. If the pipe extension isn't long enough, most of the roof water ends up next to the house. The water next to the walls can build up and compromise the foundation walls. To prevent such problems, make sure you clean the gutters regularly and check the construction of the downspout to ensure efficient drainage