With this year’s multiple snowstorms and now warming temperatures, many parts of Old Bridge, New Jersey and surrounding towns are becoming saturated from the melting snow. That means all that extra water needs to go somewhere and may end up seeping through the foundation floor or walls.
There are four common sources of water entering basements. Keeping up with maintenance can deter groundwater backup into your home. This includes gutter cleaning and repair, landscaping around your foundation, waterproofing and sealing cracks in the basement walls and floor, keeping an eye on your sewer system.
Surface water running down foundation walls.
Check for water draining down next to the foundations:
Overflowing gutters: clogged with leaves / clogged downspouts
Downspout flow distance from foundation
Pavement slope
Sealant
Landscape slope
Irrigation
Groundwater in water-saturated soils being pushed into the basement by hydrostatic pressure.
If no surface water sources are found, then the source of the water is likely subsurface groundwater under hydrostatic pressure. When the groundwater levels outside the basement rise above the level of the floor, the basement acts like a boat in a pond. If a boat is sitting in water, water will leak in through any open cracks or holes. It works the same way with a basement. Hydrostatic pressure can push water through hairline cracks.
Storm sewer water from the municipal storm sewer system backing up
Older homes with basements but no sump pump, have their perimeter foundation drain system more than likely connected directly into the city storm sewer system. If the level of the basement is below the street level, there is the potential of storm water backing up in the city storm sewer system and being pushed into the perimeter foundation drain system.
Sanitary sewer water from a clog in your home's sewer line.
If there is a clog in the municipal sewer line it can cause sewer water to come up through sink drains and floor drains on lower levels.
Whatever the cause of water in your basement, remember it is important to have it dried out as soon as possible by a professional. Dry Master Restorations is available 24/7, and will be able to get to your water damage quickly, making your home safe and dry. We are Here to Help… Anytime.