We Don't Water-Manage, We WATERPROOF, Stopping Water Outside is REAL Waterproofing!

Why Do Basements & Foundations Leak Water?

Since 1978 Great Lakes Waterproofing has waterproofed homes, factories, apartment buildings, tunnels and much more.  Because we use all waterproofing and water-management methods available we've seen a ton of different reasons why basements have water.

Most foundations will settle and crack, it's a fact of living in the extreme weather conditions of the Midwest.  Here are the most common reasons why we see basements and foundations leak water.

-Cracks in the mortar or concrete foundation wall

Cracks are very common in Minnesota Foundations with some developing just months after the foundation was built.  Settling and the freeze, thaw cycle are the biggest reasons for cracks as the soil expands and contracts against your basement walls

-Holes in the foundation wall

Rusting tie rods in poured concrete or foundation blocks developing holes, over time they become much more common.  Holes tend to be closer to wet conditions like corners where downpouts are located

-Dampproofing has worn off

Dampproofing becomes hard and brittle over time eventually flaking off and providing no protection.  When the basement was built it provided some protection but over time it will not bridge cracks or holes that develop in the basement walls

-Flooding conditions

Excessive water either from a storm, or even from the concentrated flow of a downspout, can overwhelm the foundation.  With a wet spring the ground might be saturated with water and any new rain can't perculate into the ground, it sits on the surface of your yard

-High Water Table

Extended storms or excessive snow melting can raise the water table with water raising up past your basement floor level.  Most older homes have 15'+ of clearence but newer homes are built on the last available ground which is usually pretty wet

-Sewer back up

The floor drain for your sink drains could clog backing up on your basement floor, this is usually very stinky and can come from the basement floor drain.  With larger storms the entire city system could back up into your basement

-No gutters or downspout extensions

Concrete is porous, with no gutters water will fall right next to your foundation looking for a way into the basement.  This concentrated flow likes to sit in the bowl around your basement until it finds cracks and holes to move through

-Drain tile has backed up

Drain tile brings in sand and dirt, eventually it will plug the water pathway spilling out to the basement floor.  Sections of the drain tile my have a slow flow rate that overflows with big storms or the crack is higher up on the wall and water takes the path of least resistance straight onto the floor

-Plumbing is leaking

Small leaks behind utility equipment or washing machines can be hard to find and look just like the foundation is leaking water.

-Mortar joints have deteriorated

Mortar joints may start "turning to sand" and slowly crumble apart, in older stone walls this may provide large openings for water to move into the basement area.  This is more common in very old foundations that used rock, limestone, stone or rubble to build the walls

-Hose bibb is leaking water

The hose bibb or connections close to the foundation might be leaking water, sometimes it's very hard to see but over a few hours it might be hundreds of gallons of water

-Roof or upstairs flashing is leaking

Water might find it's way in through defective flashing or holes near the roof, falling through the upstairs walls, it finds it's way into the basement