Water Entry Questions
How water gets in.
Why is my basement suddenly leaking?
Something changed. Gutters clogged or disconnected. Grading settled toward the house. New crack opened. Sump pump failed. Water table rose due to unusual rain.
My leak got worse when a downspout extension got knocked off. Water dumped right against the foundation instead of away from it.
Where does basement water come from?
Three main sources: through cracks in walls, through the floor-wall joint, or up through the floor from high water table. The entry point tells you about the solution.
Mine came through a wall crack. The crack wasn't the real problem; poor drainage outside was. Fixed the drainage, sealed the crack, done.
Is water through cracks normal?
Common, yes. Normal, not exactly. Cracks don't have to leak. They leak when water pressure outside exceeds the resistance of the crack. Fix the pressure (drainage), or seal the crack, or both.
Does water in the basement mean foundation problems?
Not necessarily. Water entry is a waterproofing issue, not automatically a structural issue. A perfectly sound wall can leak through a hairline crack if enough water pressure exists.
Gary had both: a leaking crack AND a structural problem. But my leak was just a leak, no structural concern at all.
Fix-It Questions
How to stop the water.
Should I fix the crack or the drainage first?
Drainage first, usually. If water is pooling against your foundation, sealing a crack just makes the water find another way in. Fix the source before the symptom.
I extended my downspouts and fixed my grading before sealing the crack. The crack stopped leaking before I even sealed it because the water pressure was gone.
Can I seal a leaking crack myself?
Yes, if the crack isn't actively gushing. Polyurethane injection kits work well for leaking cracks because they cure even in wet conditions. Epoxy works better for dry cracks.
My $89 kit sealed an 8-foot crack completely. Took about 3 hours including learning curve.
Do I need a sump pump?
Maybe. If water enters through the floor or the floor-wall joint, and especially if you have high water table, a sump pump and interior drainage might be necessary. If water comes through wall cracks only, sealing and exterior drainage might be enough.
Should I waterproof from inside or outside?
Exterior is more complete but much more expensive. Interior is cheaper but only manages water that's already inside. For wall cracks, I'd seal them first and fix drainage. For serious water table issues, you might need interior drainage system.
Frank spent $18,000 on interior waterproofing but his walls still get damp because water still enters; it's just caught and pumped out. Exterior would have kept the walls dry.
Damage Questions
What water does to foundations.
Does water damage foundations?
Over time, yes. Freeze-thaw cycles expand cracks. Constant moisture degrades concrete slowly. Most importantly, water-saturated soil exerts more pressure on walls, which can cause bowing.
Gary's wall failed largely because water-saturated soil kept pushing on it year after year. The water caused the structural problem.
What's that white stuff on my walls?
Efflorescence. Water moving through concrete carries dissolved minerals to the surface. When the water evaporates, the minerals stay behind as white deposits. It's evidence of water movement, not structural damage itself.
Brush it off, fix the water source. It'll stop forming once you stop the water.
Is basement water causing mold?
Potentially. Mold needs moisture, and wet basements provide it. If you smell mustiness or see discoloration, you might have mold. Address the water problem first, then assess mold situation.
My basement smelled musty until I fixed the drainage. That smell went away within a few months after drying out.
Cost Questions
What fixes cost.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking basement?
Simple fixes can be cheap. Extending downspouts: $10-50. Crack injection kit: $40-150. Professional crack sealing: $250-600. Interior drainage system: $3,000-15,000. Exterior waterproofing: $10,000-30,000.
My total fix cost about $240: $89 for crack kit, $150 in topsoil for grading. Major fix for minor money.
Does insurance cover water damage?
Sometimes, depending on cause. Sudden pipe burst: usually yes. Gradual seepage through cracks: usually no. Flooding from outside: requires separate flood insurance. Check your policy for specifics.
How much does mold remediation cost?
Small areas you can DIY with appropriate safety gear. Large areas can run $1,500-5,000 or more for professional remediation. Better to prevent it by fixing water problems early.