Water in the basement is one of the most common problems that we see after heavy rains. It usually starts outside the house, often due to poor drainage, small gutters, or improper grading.
In the Midwest, our soil keeps water and puts pressure on the basement walls. When this happens, a small crack can also turn into a major leakage. To know what causes these issues to prevent them before they get spoiled.
Why Does Water Keep Getting Into the Basement?
Gutter Size and Drainage Problems
We usually start by looking at your gutters. Older houses often still have 3-inch gutters. That used to work back in the 1970s when we didn’t get as much rain at once. But these days, they can’t keep up.
When those small gutters overflow, rainwater spills out near your foundation. That water soaks into the soil and starts building pressure. Midwest clay soil makes things worse by expanding and pressing against your basement walls. That pressure can lead to cracks, and cracks let water inside.
Pro Tip: Upgrading your gutters to a 5-inch or 6-inch system helps move water away from the house faster and reduces stress on your foundation.
Ground Sloping Toward the House
The shape of your yard matters more than most people think. When builders dig out the foundation, they leave a big hole and then backfill it. This leaves soft soil around your basement, like a cereal bowl.
If your yard slopes toward your house or water isn’t draining away, it collects in that low spot. Water naturally flows to the lowest place it can find. That spot is often your basement.
Where Is the Water Getting In?
When the soil is full of water, the pressure builds. That pressure forces water into your basement through any opening it finds. This could be a crack in the wall or even in the floor.
We call this hydrostatic pressure. It’s a force of nature and doesn’t care how new your house is or what material your walls are made of. If the water finds a path, it’s going to take it.
Key Takeaway: You don’t need a big hole in your wall. Even a thin crack under pressure can let in gallons of water during a storm.
What Steps Can You Take to Fix It?
We often recommend burying downspouts and moving the exit point away from your house. Water needs a place to go, and that place should not be your foundation.
In most cases, we run those lines at least 10 feet away. This stops water from collecting near the walls and lowers your risk of future basement leaks.
Make Simple Changes That Go a Long Way
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but here are some steps we often suggest:
- Switch to larger gutters to move water faster
- Add buried downspout lines to push water farther from your home
- Adjust the slope of your yard so water flows away from the foundation
- Seal cracks in the foundation and basement floor
- Watch for signs of soil pressure or wall movement
Need expert help with water in the basement? Contact Foundation 1 for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your property and recommend the best fix.
Why You Should Act Sooner, Not Later
Ignoring water in the basement can turn a small issue into a big one. Damp basements lead to mold, wood damage, and even health problems. And if wall cracks get worse, repairs get more expensive fast.
We’ve worked with people who waited too long and had to rebuild basement walls. That’s a major cost and hassle that could’ve been avoided with a drainage fix or some new gutters.
Let’s Keep Your Basement Dry for Good
Water in the basement doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether it’s from gutter issues, grading problems, or soil pressure, we can help fix it. We take a full look at your property and offer honest solutions that work long-term.
Contact Foundation 1 today for a free quote or to schedule an inspection. We’re here to help keep your basement dry, safe, and usable.
