Basements are very prone to moisture infiltration. When the moisture content in the soil around your home rises due to groundwater, heavy rain, or a high water table, it creates hydrostatic pressure, which pushes on your basement walls. As a result, your home’s foundation starts to crack, leak, and bow. This blog covers the signs of hydrostatic pressure in your basement and six effective ways to address them.
What is Hydrostatic Pressure?
The water table around your foundation varies depending on the location of your home. Excess water in the soil around your home causes a higher water table. The soil’s high moisture content causes it to expand and press on your foundation, causing hydrostatic pressure.
Three factors that cause hydrostatic pressure are:
1. Water
Water in the soil comes from several sources, including precipitation, heavy weather, and rising groundwater levels. When water isn’t directed away from your home, it saturates the soil around your foundation. As a result, the soil expands and pushes against your foundation.
2. Soil
In various parts of the U.S., the soil contains high levels of clay. Clay-based soil is particularly prone to expansion and contraction as it absorbs moisture and dries out again. As a result, foundation walls suffer.
3. The Clay Bowl Effect
When your home was built, a sizable amount of soil had to be excavated. After the foundation is poured, the soil is put back around the walls. Compared to undisturbed soil, this soil is not as tightly packed. As a result, it creates a “clay bowl,” as the loose soil absorbs more water and expands.
How to Identify the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on Your Basement?
Here are some signs that hydrostatic pressure might be affecting your home.
1. Visible Signs of Water Intrusion
Water stains on the walls or floor, damp spots, or puddles on the floor are immediate signs of leaks caused by hydrostatic pressure.
2. Cracks
Cracks in the basement walls or floor form when excessive pressure builds up, causing the walls to crack. Check for horizontal or stair-step cracks as they indicate significant structural issues.
3. Cracking and Bowing Walls
Hydrostatic pressure can cause walls to bow inward or develop large, visible cracks. This bowing is a significant indication of hydrostatic pressure that is harming the wall.
A waterproofing expert can inspect your basement for these signs and curate a basement waterproofing plan for your home. Depending on the repairs that are required, they will also provide you with a detailed quote.
How to Deal With Hydrostatic Pressure Around Your Basement
The best way to prevent hydrostatic pressure is to add proactive measures during the construction phase. However, you can still employ some preventative moisture management solutions to address hydrostatic pressure that affects your basement.
1. Improve Exterior Drainage
One of the common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to preventing water in the basement is focusing exclusively on removing water from the inside. However, you need to manage the water outside your home as well. One effective way to manage hydrostatic pressure is to install exterior drainage systems like gutters and downspouts. Extend downspouts several feet away from your foundation. This will help keep rainwater away from your home. You should also have your landscaping graded negatively. This will help prevent rainwater or snowmelt from pooling around your foundation.
What Does it Solve?
- Redirects water away from your home
- Protects your foundation
- Prevents excess water from pooling around your home’s foundation
2. Drill Weep Holes
Weep holes are holes drilled in the base of interior foundation walls. This is a suitable solution for block foundation walls that have water seeping into the basement. Weep holes allow water to flow down and exit into the drainage system, relieving hydrostatic pressure around the basement. It is one of the simplest ways to direct water to your basement’s drainage system so that it can be sent to your sump pump and pumped away from the foundation.
What Does it Solve?
- Relieves water pressure
- Prevent cracks and damage to your basement’s foundation
- Prevents water from pooling in your basement
3. Install an Exterior or Interior Drainage System
A French drain can be installed in a gravel-filled trench around the exterior perimeter of your foundation. This drain collects water as soon as it reaches the foundation footer and channels it away from the house. This helps to prevent flooding and addresses hydrostatic pressure. You can also have an interior drain tile system installed. This involves placing perforated pipes into a gravel trench around the interior perimeter of your basement. This system captures any water that seeps into the walls or cove joint and channels it to a sump pump. This helps combat the effect of hydrostatic pressure around the foundation.
What Does it Solve?
- Prevents water from pooling around the foundation
- Protects your home from mold growth and flooding
- Collects and diverts water away from the foundation
4. Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump pumps water out of your basement and away from your home. These pumps come with a float switch that automatically detects rising water levels in the sump basin. When the water level rises, the switch activates the pump, and it directs water through a discharge pipe and away from the home’s foundation. Pumps can be powered electrically, by battery, or by water. It’s best to let a professional inspect your home and suggest the right sump pump system.
What Does it Solve?
- Prevents flooding
- Protects your home during storms or flooding
- Directs water away from the foundation
5. Regular Maintenance of Gutters and Downspouts
Check your gutters and downspouts every few months to ensure rainwater can flow freely. Clean them by using a gutter trowel to scoop the leaves and debris out of the gutters. Once the debris is removed, use a hose to flush the gutters. Do the same thing with downspouts, too. Then, finally, check the water flow. Doing this will prevent water from spilling over the sides of the gutters during rain. You can also install gutter guards and downspout extensions to prevent debris buildup and direct water away from your home.
What Does it Solve?
- Prevents water overflow that leads to pooling around the foundation
- Helps reduce the chance of hydrostatic pressure increasing
6. Use Waterproofing Sealants
Apply waterproofing sealants on interior walls and floors to create a barrier that keeps unwanted moisture from seeping in. While not a permanent solution, sealants are superior at withstanding water exposure by adding an extra layer of protection. You can choose sealants that are long-lasting and resist wear and tear.
What Does it Solve?
- Prevents water from seeping through
- Preventa dampness on the basement walls and floor
Waterproof Your Basement Today!
Protecting your basement from hydrostatic pressure is crucial to preventing water damage and maintaining your home’s foundation. Simple steps like improving drainage, installing a sump pump, and using waterproofing sealants can make a big difference in keeping your space dry and secure. Hire professionals for comprehensive basement waterproofing and expert solutions. Contact American Eagle Professional Services Inc. today to safeguard your home from hydrostatic pressure and ensure lasting protection. Book a FREE on-site inspection now!
