Last Updated on February 9, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
After a heavy rain, it’s not unusual to find water leaking into your basement. If this happens to you, don’t panic! There are several things that you can do to fix the problem and keep your basement dry.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to deal with a water leak in your basement. We will also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks from happening.
Related: How To Waterproof Basement Walls From The Inside
How to tell where water is coming into basement after a heavy rain?
If your house has been built on top of a hill or is located in an area that receives heavy rainfall, it’s likely that water will seep into the basement through cracks and crevices. If you notice puddles forming near windowsills or around pipes running under ground level, this could be due to leaks from these areas.
Reasons Why Your Basement Leaks in Heavy Rain
There are several reasons why your basement may leak during a heavy rain. Some of the most common causes include:
Improper drainage around your home or business building.
Poor construction of your home’s foundation walls, floors and ceiling joists.
Excessive moisture in the soil around your property due to poor drainage system installation by a previous owner or contractor who did not follow proper procedures when installing it originally (i.e., digging too deep into ground without considering surface runoff). If this is the case, then there could also be other problems such as cracks in concrete slabs or leaking pipes which can lead to basement flooding during heavy rains.
Clogged gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts which allow water to pool near your home instead of flowing away from it through its drainage system (i.e., into storm drains).
If you have a water leak in your basement, it’s likely that the problem is due to clogged gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause rainwater to back up and flow into your home through cracks in the foundation, windows, or doors.
The best way to prevent a water leak in your basement is to keep gutters clean and clear of debris.
To determine if you have clogged gutters, try running a hose down each one of them for about 15 minutes. If there is any water coming out near the foundation of your home or on top of the ground around it (i.e., not into storm drains), then that means you’ve got clogged gutters or downspouts somewhere on your roof.
You can also test for this by looking for water stains inside of windows near the foundation (i.e., where there are no trees nearby). If there is a stain, then that means rainwater has gotten into your home from outside through cracks in the foundation, window sills, or doors.
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water leaks in your basement after heavy rains if they’re not cleaned regularly. You’ll need to clean them out every year or two, depending on how much debris has accumulated inside of them over time (i.e., leaves, twigs, dirt, etc.).
To clean out your gutters and downspouts yourself:
Use a ladder to get up on top of the roof. Remove any debris from the gutter using your hands or a garden shovel (i.e., leaves, twigs, acorns). Run water through them to see if it drains properly. If not, use a garden hose to clear any debris that is blocking the flow of water.
If you have a lot of debris in your gutters, it may be difficult to remove by hand or with a shovel. In this case, you can try using a gutter cleaning tool (i.e., brush or vacuum). Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when using these tools, as they can be dangerous if not used properly!
Once the gutters are clean and clear of debris, run water through them again to see if it drains properly. If not, then you’ll need to call in a professional gutter cleaning service (i.e., plumber, roofer).
You can also use a garden hose to clear any debris that is blocking the flow of water. If you have a lot of debris in your gutters, it may be difficult to remove by hand or with a shovel. In this case, you can try using a gutter cleaning tool (i.e., brush or vacuum). Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when using these tools, as they can be dangerous if not used properly!
Cracks in the foundation or walls of your basement
If you notice water leaking into your basement after a heavy rain, it’s likely that the problem is caused by cracks in the foundation or walls of your basement. These cracks can allow water to seep through and leak into your home.
There are several things you can do to fix a water leak in your basement after a heavy rain. These include:
Install a sump pump to help drain the water before it becomes too much of an issue. Replace any broken pipes that could lead to leaks in your basement, such as those under sinks or behind appliances. Repair cracks around windows and doors so they do not let water through when opened up during rainfall events like this one did.
Use a dehumidifier to help remove any excess moisture from the air that may be contributing to your water leakage problem.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to fix the water leak in your basement after a heavy rain fairly easily and without too much expense.
Improper sealing around doors and windows
If water is leaking into your basement after a heavy rain, it may be because of improper sealing around doors and windows. Make sure that all door and window frames are properly sealed with caulking or weatherstripping to keep out the elements.
You may also need to install gutter extensions to help direct the water away from your home. Contact a professional to help you properly seal your home and prevent water leaks.
Leaking pipes in the basement or crawl space
Leaking pipes in the basement or crawl space can cause extensive water damage to your home. When it rains heavily, the ground becomes saturated with water which causes pressure on the walls of your basement.
This additional pressure against the walls can push moisture through cracks in your foundation and into your basement or crawl space where there are pipes that are not properly insulated from outside elements.
The best way to prevent water damage from a heavy rain is to fix any leaks in your basement or crawl space. If you have a leak, it is important to address it as soon as possible because the longer the water sits, the more damage it can cause.
Cove Joint
If you have a cove joint in your basement, it’s likely that water is leaking in after a heavy rain. A cove joint is simply where the floor and wall meet. There are typically two ways to fix this: caulk or flashing.
Caulk is the easiest and most common way to fix a leaky cove joint. Simply apply a thick bead of caulk to the joint and smooth it out. Make sure you use a silicone-based caulk, as this type is waterproof.
If you don’t want to use caulking, you can also install flashing. Flashing is metal or plastic that’s installed over the cove joint to prevent water from leaking in. It’s a little more work than caulking, but it will last longer.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to seal the joint completely to prevent water from leaking in.
Window Well Covers
If you have a window well in your basement, it’s important to make sure that the cover is watertight. A loose or missing cover can allow water to enter your basement after a heavy rain.
You can check for leaks by pouring a bucket of water into the well and watching to see where it drains. If water enters your basement through the well, you can seal it with a waterproofing membrane or asphalt emulsion.
Hydrostatic Pressure in Basements
Water leaks in basement after heavy rain are caused by hydrostatic pressure, which is the force of water pushing against your home’s foundation and exterior walls. The more saturated the soil surrounding your house becomes with rainfall or melting snow, the greater this pressure becomes until it causes cracks that let moisture seep through into the basement.
Lateral Pressure of Water
When the ground gets saturated, there is so much water that it can’t soak into the soil anymore. The pool of water will continue to rise and eventually force itself into your basement through weak areas in your foundation walls. This lateral pressure from beneath a home’s foundation is called hydrostatic pressure.
We do not recommend that homeowners try to seal a leak in their basement foundation without first addressing the hydrostatic pressure issue. Sealing the crack from outside is a temporary fix if there are cracks on your walls or floor and they will surely reappear after a while because of water seeping through them.
Landscaping Issues That Cause Basement Leaks
Poorly designed or installed landscaping can also lead to water infiltration into your basement. When rainwater flows over the soil and toward your house, it should be directed away from the foundation. If downspouts are not properly directing the water away from the home, it will flow towards the foundation and cause seepage.
Related: Basement Leaks Where The Wall Meets The Floor
What are the problems with water in basement after heavy rain?
Humidity and Mold Growth
The first thing that you will notice is the dampness in your basement. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold, which can produce spores that cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. A water leak in your basement also causes humidity levels to rise, creating an uncomfortable living space.
Wood Rotting
If the leak is occurring near wooden support beams or floor joists, water can cause the wood to rot. A rotting structure affects your home’s value and safety.
Corrosion
Water leaks in the basement after heavy rain can lead to corrosion of metal items stored in the basement. This is particularly true if you have an older home with a galvanized steel plumbing system.
Foundation Damage
Water leaks in the basement after heavy rain can cause foundation damage and must be taken care of immediately to prevent further structural damage to your home. How do you stop water from seeping into your basement?
Steps To Take When Your Basement Leaks During A Heavy Rain: What Should I do?
If your basement leaks after a heavy rain, it’s important that you take steps immediately to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of mold growth. If you’re not sure what to do, follow these steps:
Clean up as much water as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum if there isn’t too much water, or a mop and bucket for larger spills. Make sure to dry all surfaces completely before moving on to the next step.
Make sure that all affected areas are completely dry before painting, sealing or caulking. This will ensure your efforts aren’t wasted if there’s still moisture present in hidden areas of the wall or floor.
Patch any holes or cracks with a concrete patching compound, then prime and paint over them using waterproof paint. This will help prevent further water from seeping through the cracks into your home during future rains.
If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working properly by checking that there is no water in the pit and listening for any noises coming from within the unit itself. You can also test how long it takes to drain out all of the water by pouring a bucket of water into it and timing how long until it’s completely emptied.
Make sure that all exposed areas are completely dry before painting, sealing or caulking them. This will ensure your efforts aren’t wasted if there’s still moisture present in hidden areas of the wall or floor.
Inspect for mold growth. If there’s any sign of mold, it needs to be removed and the area cleaned with a bleach solution before patching up holes or cracks in your basement walls.
Apply waterproof paint over all exposed areas of concrete flooring, as well as drywall ceilings if they’ve been affected by water damage too. This will help prevent further water from seeping through the cracks into your home during future rains.
Install a dehumidifier in any rooms that aren’t being used regularly to help keep moisture levels low and reduce mold growth risk. A humidistat can also be installed near the unit so you know when it’s time to empty out collected condensation before too much moisture accumulates.
If you have any questions or need help with any of the steps listed above, don’t hesitate to contact a waterproofing expert for assistance. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for repairing your basement.
Related: Basement Drain Backing Up When Washing Clothes?
Waterproofing Your Basement
Basements are notorious for being wet and moist. A damp basement can lead to mold growth, musty odors and even structural damage if left unchecked. In fact, moisture levels in the air of a basement can be 50 percent higher than it is outside. This humidity creates an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive.
Fixing moisture and water problems in your basement is an important part of preventing health and structural issues down the road. Getting a waterproofing expert to help you fix these problems can be the best way to permanently address them, but taking steps yourself can also save money while allowing you to feel more comfortable with what’s going on in your basement.
How to prevent future leaks in the basement after heavy rain?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent future leaks in your basement after a heavy rain. One is to waterproof the walls and floors of your basement with paint or sealant. Another is to install a dehumidifier in any rooms that aren’t being used regularly to help keep moisture levels low and reduce mold growth risk.
How to clean water from the floor of a basement after heavy rain?
To clean up standing water from your basement, it’s important that you have an electric sump pump or wet/dry vac with hose attachment ready as well as towels for mopping up excess moisture left behind by these tools. Once the water is removed, you can use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
How much does it cost to repair a water damaged basement?
The cost of repairing a water damaged basement varies depending on the extent of damage, if there’s mold present or not and what needs to be done. For example, patching cracks in walls is relatively inexpensive compared with replacing entire sections of drywall due to mold growth from water leaks over time.
How long does it take for a flooded basement to dry?
It can take a few days for a flooded basement to dry. However, it’s important that all affected areas are completely dry before painting, sealing or caulking them. This will ensure your efforts aren’t wasted if there’s still moisture present in hidden areas of the wall or floor.
Can water come up through foundation?
Yes, water can come up through the foundation of a home. This is often called seepage or leakage and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor drainage or defective construction.
How to seal cracks and crevices from where water is coming into the basement after heavy rain?
If you have cracks or crevices on your property, it’s important that these are sealed up properly. This will prevent them from being used as a entry point for water. You can use a variety of materials to seal cracks and crevices, including caulking, concrete or mortar, epoxy putty, or expanding foam.
What should you do if your basement floods?
If your basement floods, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The first step is to remove any items that are at risk of damage from water. This may include furniture, electronics and appliances. You should then turn off the electricity in your basement and call an electrician if you think there’s a chance it could be flooded with water again!
If floodwater has entered into your home or business through cracks in walls or windows, you’ll want to take steps right away. Remove any furniture and electronics at risk of damage from water contact as soon as possible! If there are cracks in walls or windows, seal them up with tape before calling an electrician if necessary.
When to call a Professional Basement Waterproofing Company?
If you notice water seeping into your basement after heavy rain, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done and it could cost more money in repairs! It might also lead to mold growth which can pose health risks for those with allergies or asthma.
Dry out the flooded area by opening doors and windows, removing wet items from flooring materials like carpet or tile, turning off electricity in basement rooms if they were flooded with water again!
The best time to call a professional is after you’ve dried out your home or business. A contractor will be able to inspect for any structural damage caused by flooding and recommend the best waterproofing solution for your needs.
Does insurance cover water damage?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage. However, it’s important to read through your policy and understand what is and isn’t covered in order to know what you’re liable for. You may need to purchase additional coverage if your home is at high risk for water damage, such as a basement.
What type of water damage is covered by homeowners insurance?
If water damage is sudden and accidental (e.g., storm or pipe burst) it may be covered by homeowners insurance. If you have a problem with mold in your home that was caused by water, this could also be covered under some policies. It’s best to check the terms of your policy before making any claims; you don’t want to be caught out by an exclusion.
One thing to note: most homeowners policies do not cover flooding, which is typically a separate policy. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it might be worth looking into flood insurance.
What to do if my insurance company denies my water damage claim?
If you feel that your insurance company has wrongfully denied your water damage claim, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. You have the right to appeal a denial, and there are a number of steps you can take to help your case. First, contact an attorney who specializes in insurance companies or claims handling disputes.
Prepare for your appeal by collecting evidence of damage from the incident (i.e., photos). Make sure you have all relevant documents like invoices and receipts handy so that they are readily available when needed! It might also be helpful to have a witness who can attest to the damage caused by the water.
Submit your appeal in writing and make sure you include all of the relevant information, including why you believe your claim was wrongfully denied. Be clear and concise in your explanation!
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of your appeal, consider filing a lawsuit against your insurance company.
Conclusion
This blog post has been a great introduction to the causes of water leaks in basements. We hope that you now have an understanding of what is happening when your basement floods after heavy rain or other weather-related events, and how you can prevent it from happening again! If this article was helpful for you, please share with friends who are having similar issues.