How to Fix a Foundation Leak

in Portland OR and Vancouver WA areas

If your foundation is leaking, it’s only a matter of time before you experience other major problems as well. From uneven floors and leaning walls to dangerous mold growth, even a little water can lead to costly and hazardous issues down the road. But, what are you supposed to do to fix a foundation leak? 

While some situations need immediate attention from a waterproofing professional, there may be some steps you can take to stop the water from pouring in. Here are some ways you can stop a leaking basement, as well as signs that you should call an expert for foundation repair.

Tips for Finding Foundation Leaks

After discovering water in your basement, you should try to identify where it’s coming from. Without that information, it’s going to be impossible to fix the problem. In our experience, these are the areas where foundation leaks often happen:

• Floor joints: This is the area where your floor meets your basement wall, and is also called a cove joint. If the floor joint is cracked or misaligned, water will make its way inside.
• Basement walls: Cracks, eroded grout lines, and improperly sealed utility lines may cause leaks in your basement wall itself. These can happen normally over time, or may be the result of poor workmanship. 
• Egress windows: Windows are one of the most common sources of basement flooding. Poor sealing, flawed grading, or low-quality window products won’t keep water out well, and the problem will likely get worse over time. 
• Plumbing lines: Sometimes, the leak is coming from inside the house itself. Leaky pipes, broken hoses, and faulty or failing appliances can quickly cause a lot of water damage. 

How to Perform a Water Test

If you’re having trouble finding where your foundation is leaking, a water test might be able to help. To do this test, wait until the weather is clear and things start to dry up. Then, use your garden hose to saturate the soil around your foundation. Over the course of several minutes, the water will seep into your home and you may be able to identify the problem areas. 

How to Fix a Foundation Leak

So, you’ve found the source of the water—now what? Though your exact course of action will look different depending on what type of leak you’re dealing with, here are a few steps that may be able to help keep water out of your foundation:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Small cracks in your foundation can lead to serious moisture issues over time, but they’re relatively simple to fix on your own. Most interior sealants will do the job when applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, if you come across severe damage, it may be better to contact a waterproofing expert so the problem doesn’t gradually get worse. 
2. Clean Gutters and Drains: Water pooling around your foundation will not only increase your odds of experiencing a leak, but it will also cause damage over time. So, if your gutters or drains are clogged and leading to large puddles near your home, it may be time to clear them out. 
3. Repair Your Sump Pump: Sump pumps are devices that push water out of your basement to keep water from pooling in your basement, crawlspace, or soil beneath your home. When working properly, it should keep your space dry. If you don’t have a sump pump or if yours is broken, you will likely have a harder time dealing with moisture issues.
4. Unclog Window Wells: Window wells should have a drainage system to keep standing water away from your basement’s windows and prevent leaks or water damage. However, these drains often collect debris over time. If your windows are leaking, try unclogging the drains around them.
5. Fix Plumbing Issues: Even if the water doesn’t come from outside, it can still cause huge problems. If your plumbing system is broken and dripping water into your basement, identify the pipes or appliances that aren’t working properly and either repair or replace them.
6. Get Foundation Resurfacing: Foundation resurfacing is a professional process used to structurally repair your foundation while adding sealants and other waterproofing measures. If you can’t find the source of your leak or you’re dealing with some serious damage, full foundation resurfacing may be the best course of action. 

When to Get Professional Foundation Repair

Dealing with foundation leaks or other problems can be stressful, and understandably so. At the end of the day, it’s always best to be safe than sorry when it comes to water in your basement. If you can’t locate the source of the leak, notice serious damage, or are worried about structural issues, you should definitely call an expert—and, if you have any questions or concerns, it never hurts to call. 

At Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters, we understand how important it is to protect your home from the ground up. No matter how big or small your leak is, our team is prepared to fix it as quickly and thoroughly as possible. We’ve specialized in foundation repair since [founded], so whatever problem you’re dealing with, we’ve got you covered. Call us today to get your free estimate!