Any type of water damage in your home can catch you off-guard. This is especially true for basement water damage, since detecting the source of water damage in the basement can sometimes be challenging.
But knowing where water can come from will help you take timely action and prevent some of the scenarios where it can enter your basement. Therefore, stick to your trusted Rancho Santa Margarita water damage restoration pros and get all the necessary knowledge right here. Read on!
What causes water in my basement?
Here are some of the most common causes of water in the basement:
Hydrostatic pressure
Melting snow or heavy rain can saturate the soil around your house and make it unable to absorb any more water. Consequently, the water table under the foundation rises and hydrostatic pressure increases. If the water has nowhere to go, it enters your basement
Lateral pressure
Lateral Pressure occurs when the soil expands during inclement weather conditions. The soil thus pressures your foundation, which can cause not only leaks, but also serious damage to the foundation.
Window well leaks
The purpose of a basement window is to allow light and air into the basement. However, during heavy rains or drainage problems water can collect within the window well.
As the water collects, pressure builds which can cause seepage through cracks or gaps around the window.
Can water come up through a concrete basement floor?
Unlikely as it may sound, water can reach your basement through the concrete floor. Here’s what causes such situations:
- Porous concrete: Basement damage can take place if your concrete is too porous. If water reaches your floor/slab from underneath, it causes the water to burst up through the cracks and pores, resulting in a damp floor.
- Leaking pipes: Leaky plumbing is a huge source of floor dampness. You need to regularly monitor your drains and pipes for leaks, cracks, and clogs. Otherwise, the water that emerges from these pipes can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
- Groundwater seepage: The water level of groundwater isn’t always fixed. It can rise or fall depending on the weather conditions. During rainstorms and snowstorms, the water level tends to rise significantly, enabling moisture to access your basement.
Any of these scenarios can bring about water damage that costs a lot of money to fix. Therefore, if you ever consider buying a water-damaged home, make sure the previous owner didn’t try to conceal water damage with paint or other methods. While the law mandates basement water damage disclosure, some owners may still try to trick you, so be careful.
How can you tell where water is in your basement? 
This is what you should look for to track down water damage in your basement:
- Wetness – moisture building up at the base of the floor and walls.
- Water spots– discoloration of wood, drywall, etc.
- Efflorescence – the appearance of white powder on the concrete floor and your walls
- Musty Odors – musty and damp odors indicating the development of mold or mildew in the basement.
- Surface deterioration – paint or wallpaper cracking or flaking
Your Rancho Santa Margarita home’s in trouble? Call the top-class water damage restoration service right now!
Experiencing water damage can be both extremely stressful and costly for any homeowner. For this reason, it’s crucial you get the right restoration service to prevent things from escalating.
Luckily, EHS is available 24/7. Give us a call the moment you detect water in places where it shouldn’t be, and our qualified plumbers will instantly respond to your call. They’ll make sure your house is once again completely safe and free from water.
Just like strolls along the Balboa Pier, EHS is here to give you back your peace of mind. Once we restore your home to its former condition, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Book EHS! The most reliable restoration service is a phone call away.