Why Is My Basement Floor Leaking?

If you see water leaking into your basement through the floor, you’re likely dealing with structural damage. Fixing the issue requires a high-quality water management system and foundation repair tools. Foundation Systems of Michigan has put together this short guide on why you’re finding water leaking through the floor.

Some homes are built on expansive soils like clay. Why are they called expansive soils? During bouts of heavy rain or periods of snowmelt, these soils swell and expand in size as they absorb the water.

When this happens, the soil becomes displaced, and it has a direct impact on your basements structure. The ground starts to put pressure on the basement floor and may cause them to crack as a result. It doesn’t stop there though. Once the water has dried, the particles in the soil lose their moisture and shrink, causing the ground to shift again.

When expansive soils shrink back down, it leaves gaps between the basement floor and ground. No longer supported by the soil, the basement floor sinks into the gaps and causes even more damage to the structure. From then on, water that drains into the soil below the basement has a chance to leak through these cracks.

After a storm, water saturates the ground and fills it with moisture. Without proper drainage, groundwater drains near the basement where it collects over time.

Eventually, the water builds up so much that it starts to exert pressure onto the basement walls and floor. This is what we call hydrostatic pressure, and it can cause the floors to crack open. When this happens, it allows all of that building water to leak inside and cause water damage.

See a visual representation of how hydrostatic pressure works in an informational video from out friends at Groundworks.

There is a reason it is not recommended to plant large trees close to your home. In time, they will grow even bigger and their root system will expand. Once the roots approach your basement, the cause cracks and other damage as they push against the structure.

Roots can also damage plumbing lines located below the basement floors, causing even more leakage. When you are planting new trees, or buying a new home, make sure that the trees are at least 20 feet away from your home to lower the chances of damage. 

FSM has established a strong reputation in Michigan and northern Ohio as the trusted professional in basement waterproofing. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, sets us apart and ensures a dry and secure basement environment for your home..

Trust FSM to deliver the highest quality solutions, allowing you to repair basement floor cracks and put water back in its place. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and take the first step towards a permanently dry basement.