Nothing is more annoying than a leaking basement or crawlspace. Water can result in mold and eventually damage the structure. Never allow water to enter your foundation. But how do you solve the problem? Luckily, simple maintenance is often the solution.
Always look outside for the source of the water. Proper grading, gutters and downspout extensions normally solve a leak problem. Walk around your home during a heavy rain and note how rain and surface water move around the foundation.
First, grading: all soft and hard surfaces should be sloped away from the foundation to make water flow away from it. Never allow water to pond near the foundation. In general, soil should slope about ½ to 1 inch per foot in the first six feet away from your home. Hard surfaces just need a slight slope; you can check this with water from a garden hose.
Next, look to the gutters. Keep them clean and make sure they are not overflowing during a heavy rain. The downspouts for the gutters should be extended about 6 feet away from the foundation to a point where the water flows away naturally. If a gutter is clean and still overflowing, consider adding larger or additional downspouts.
Almost all basement leaks are caused by water around the foundation. Eliminate the water and you’ll eliminate the leak.