There are many causes of excess moisture and damp in basements, and a leaking foundation wall is one of them. Cracking in basement walls and floors isn’t only a problem in older houses, it’s reasonably common in newer homes too.

Read on to discover what to do if you suspect your foundation is leaking.

How to tell where your foundation wall is leaking

Examine the basement walls for any cracks that may be allowing water to enter. These cracks are most commonly found either right at the top, or right at the bottom of the wall. It’s important to note that the cracks could be tiny.

Use a flashlight if the lighting in your basement is weak, as smaller cracks may be difficult to spot at first. Even a tiny crack can let in a lot of water and is likely to grow over time.

Another sign of where a leak is coming from, other than very noticeable patches of damp, is peeling paint or white deposits known as efflorescence on the walls. 

If you can’t find anything, you can use your garden hose to saturate the ground beside your foundation and wait 10-15 minutes for it to seep down into the basement. You should be able to see the water entry point or hear dripping from where the water is entering your basement.

What causes foundation cracks?

The most common cause of cracks in the foundation is settling. The dirt surrounding your home can put pressure on the foundation walls as it expands and contracts with the seasons. If you live in a high water table area, this can also put pressure on your foundation.

Even if your area doesn’t have a high water table, poor drainage from gutters can raise the water table, leading to excessive pressure on your foundation walls. The eventual reaction to this pressure is for the walls to crack.

Less commonly, foundation cracks can be due to poor construction or improper backfilling. In some brand-new homes, these cracks form when the concrete dries and cures over time, causing foundation and basement concrete shrinkage.

Problems that a leaking foundation can cause

Your foundation is mostly unseen, but it’s one of the most critical parts of your home. Problems with your foundation can affect the structural integrity of your home, and even cause bowed walls.

Another issue is that radon, a deadly but odorless and colorless gas can enter your basement through any cracks.  And a damp basement is also a breeding ground for mold spores that may need remediating.

However, if you contact the experts to fix your foundation leak problem as soon as it arises, you can protect your home and your health, and save yourself a lot of expense and heartache.

How to fix a foundation leak

It’s essential to keep your foundation stable and in good repair, and repairing a foundation is never a DIY job. To ensure the structural integrity of your home and protect your health, it’s always best to call in the experts and ensure the job is done to the highest standards.

Affordable Waterproofing specializes in a simple, cost-effective wall crack sealing process that will keep water out of your basement. The cracks can be sealed from either outside or inside the foundation, depending on the situation. We use an injection process to fill the crack entirely with an epoxy and urethane paste. This creates a robust and seamless adhesion with concrete.

If you’re concerned about a leak or crack in your foundation wall, why not contact us today for a no-obligation inspection?