The Sources of Moisture in a Basement: Where is The Water Coming From?

Are you ever just left feeling totally baffled as to how water made its way inside your basement? Some sources might seem rather obvious, but we’re here to break down all the possible ways water ended up in your basement.  

Identifying the source of the moisture is important because it can help determine how to solve the problem. You certainly do not want to let the water inside your basement linger. A wet basement means the possibility that your basement will face the consequences of water damage, mold or mildew can form, or your personal belongings could get ruined. A moldy basement also poses a threat to your health. Mold is not something you want to breathe in, so addressing the root cause of your damp basement is critical in ensuring that your home is healthy and safe for the whole family.

Now let’s break down how exactly water can make its way into your basement:

1.       Groundwater leakage

·       Groundwater leakage occurs when there’s a heavy rain. This type of leakage can have a horrendous effect on a basement.

2.       Plumbing leaks

·       If a pipe anywhere in your home bursts, the water is most likely going to travel down into the basement. Sometimes these types of leaks can go unnoticed, especially if the homeowner does not go down into the basement very often.

3.       Wicking

·       This usually happens in a basement that has concrete block walls. If the concrete gets wet on one side, it will pull the water through to the other side because of its porous nature. This can sometimes happen to floors and other types of foundation walls as well.

4.       Vapor Transmission

·       This occurs when water vapor seeps through porous concrete and evaporates off the surface and into the basement. It can get worse if you put something up against the surface of your walls or floors, which will trap the water vapor inside, and therefore create the perfect opportunity for mold to grow and thrive.

5.       Condensation

·       Condensation forms when warm air enters and gets cooled off by your basement floors or walls. This can be a bigger issue in the summertime when it is extremely hot outside. Sometimes condensation can even cause puddles to form.

These are the many ways water can seep into your basement. Some of them happen slowly and quietly, while others are much more apparent. If you notice water making its way into your basement, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help transform your basement into a dry and healthy environment for years to come!