Indoor Swimming Pool - "Not Always Fancy": Understanding and Stopping Water Infiltration

Did you know that your basement can turn into unintended indoor swimming pools? Unfortunately, this isn't a luxury spa experience but a pesky, potentially damaging problem. Water infiltration is a sneaky villain that can jeopardize your home and health.  In this blog, we will dive into the sources of this unwelcome guest, the bad consequences it can cause, and the steps you can take to banish it for good. 

Where is That Water Coming From? 

Water can sneak into your basement through various channels, each more insidious than the last. The main sources of water infiltration include: 

Rainwater: Improperly graded landscapes, clogged gutters, or poorly positioned downspouts can cause water to pool around the foundation and find its way inside your house.  

Groundwater: Rising water tables or heavy rains can push water inside the foundation through cracks within the foundation or porous concrete walls. 

Plumbing leaks: Faulty plumbing can lead to water leaks that turn your basement into a filthy space. 

Condensation: High humidity levels can lead to condensation on cooler basement surfaces, thus creating a damp and inviting environment for water infiltration. 

Consequences? 

If neglected, water infiltration will do more than just simply wet your basement floor. Negative impacts can affect both the house’s integrity as well as the resident’s wellbeing: 

Mold and mildew: Damp environments are perfect for mold and mildew growth, which can spread through your basement and deteriorate the indoor air quality. 

Structural damage: Moisture and Mold can cause the rim joist as well as other important house structures to rot. This will weaken the house’s foundations and cause walls to bow, compromising the home’s structural integrity and leading to costly repairs. 

Health risks: Mold and mildew can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and even chronic illnesses for residents. (Check out our blogs on Mold and mildew)  

Damage to belongings: On the other hand, water infiltration can ruin personal belongings which are placed within the basement such as furniture, tools and other stuff.  

So How Can I Keep my House safe from Water Infiltration Damages? 

Dealing with water infiltration requires a professional approach. It is not always a simple procedure as the source of water infiltration should be tackled. Here are some effective strategies to consider: 

Install a drainage system: Having a performant drainage system such as the WaterGuard that effectively discharges water away from the house’s foundation.  

Install a sump pump: A sump pump actively removes water that collects in your basement, preventing flooding. Our sump pump systems TripleSafe or SuperSump are one of the best systems that can get the job done, with their revolutionary Zoeller pumps, and the UltraSump Battery backup pump that could function even with an electricity outage.  

Seal cracks: Use appropriate waterproofing materials such as our FlexiSpan system to seal cracks within the foundation walls. 

Use a dehumidifier: Even after successfully waterproofing the basement, a reliable dehumidifier such as our SaniDry Sedona will combat high humidity and keep moisture levels balanced. 

Inspect plumbing: Regularly inspect your home’s plumbing to prevent minor leaks from becoming major water sources. 

In conclusion, water infiltration in basements is no fun. It can stem from various sources, leading to significant damage and health issues. However, by understanding the problem and taking proactive measures, you can keep your home dry and safe. If you're facing persistent water issues, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Their expertise can help you identify the cause and implement effective solutions.