A building’s foundation is there for a reason – to support everything that’s built on top of it. If the foundation is compromised, it risks the integrity and safety of the entire building.

When water enters the basement, it can wreak havoc. From mould to mildew, to cracks in the foundation, the damage is costly and not ideal.

This blog covers the effects of water damage, and how you can prevent it in the future. Let’s get started…

Can water in basement damage its foundation?

Yes. Whether it’s from rain, snow, or flooding, water is always going to be unavoidable and so buildings must adapt to it. Being familiar with the causes of water damage and preventative measures will ensure that your foundation is protected.

However, foundations can be easily damaged if water gets to them. The effects can take as little as 72 hours to make an impact too.

Sources of water damage

Water can get into spaces you don’t want it to in various ways, such as drainage issues, oversaturated soil, leaky basement windows and wells, disconnected gutters, or excessive water fall. Plumbing leaks and burst pipes are also common causes of water damage.

The most common natural causes are:

• Excessive rainfall
• Snowfall
• Rising groundwater levels
• Flooding

Water damage can be caused by natural and human-induced sources, but there are solutions to each of these problems.

Types of foundation damage

Flooding in a basement causes serious damage to the building’s foundations. Here’s what’s to be expected:

• Cracks in the foundation: Excessive water in the soil and around the foundations can cause cracks in the foundation.
• Concrete slab damage: If water gets inside the concrete slabs, they can crack.
• Foundation wall cracks: Similarly, if water gets into the foundation walls, it puts too much hydrostatic pressure on them and they can crack.

Effects of water in basements

Signs of foundation water damage can be wide-ranging. Here are the most common consequences:

Moisture or dampness

Building foundations are meant to stay clean and dry. So, when they become damp, it can easily turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. If the air in your basement feels humid, or the walls feel wet, water is likely seeping through.

Mould or mildew

Mould thrives in damp conditions, so if water reaches your basement, it can seriously affect your foundation and take over the area. Plus, when mould gets bad, it can decrease the air quality and cause health problems for residents, especially those with respiratory health issues.

Musty smells

Mould, mildew and fungi all produce a pungent smell that can quickly spread into the other space of your home.

Wall discolouration

If your walls or floors are discoloured, it’s likely a sign that water has seeped through the concrete foundation. Alternatively, it could be a result of mould or because of high levels of moisture.

How to prevent and repair water-damaged foundations

Proper landscaping

By improving and keeping a close eye on your exterior drainage, you can ensure that water travels down gutters and downspouts, instead of into your basement. Where possible, direct water away from your foundation and slope the surrounding area to lead off away from it.

Inspect and repair pipes

Check the plumbing and pipe systems for leaks. Regular maintenance of these components can prevent future water damage and repairs can happen quickly so that the system is back up and running efficiently.

Seal water cracks or repair the foundation

Depending on how damaged the foundation is, some repairs can be made with hydraulic cement. If it’s significantly cracked, however, entire foundation replacements may be necessary.

Sump pump installation

The purpose of a sump pump is to remove excess water from basements, whether it’s caused by rainwater, excessive groundwater, or plumbing/drainage issues. Installing a sump pump in your basement can prevent water damage.

If you’d like to know more about sump pumps, you can view Sumps & Pumps’ range of easily installed basement and cellar sump pump packages here.

If you have any questions or enquiries, please get in touch for a chat with our friendly team! Sumps and Pumps have been supplying top-quality sump pump machinery for years at competitive prices – we’re here to help.