Basement water seepage is a private property issue that can create frustration amongst Baltimore homeowners. The problem can happen in structures located anywhere in the city, not just ones near streams, lakes, and the coastline.
The cause of basement water seepage problems can be one particular item or a combination of many. Problems are often related to:
- Foundation age and type
- Construction methods used in original construction
- Slope of the yard
- Recent weather trends
- Soil types
- Region’s topography before development
What can you do to prevent basement water seepage?
Keep the following items in mind when dealing with basement water seepage problems:
- Grading around the house: The ground around the foundation should be sloped away as much as possible. Never trap water against the foundation as this can make problems worse.
- Gutters: Make sure gutters are not clogged and are working properly. Large roofs may require oversize gutters. During a rain event, check the valley where two roof lines come together- As water flows down, this valley can sometimes jump the gutters.
- Downspouts: Make sure downspouts outlet as far away from the house as possible (but also away from the property line). Buried downspouts should be checked for blockages. Try running a hose down this pipe during periods of dry weather to determine if there is a break in the line which seeps back into the basement.
- Wall cracks: Make sure wall cracks are sealed using hydraulic cement or similar waterproofing material.
- Utility lines. Look where utility service lines (water, sewer, gas) come through the wall. Sometimes this area is not sealed properly.
- Sump pump: If you have one, make sure it is functioning properly. If you don’t have a sump pump and experience seepage at the floor level, you may want to consider installing one along with an underdrain system. If your electricity goes out frequently or if you want extra protection from seepage, you may want to consider a battery backup for the sump pump.
- Stairwell drains: Make sure the stairwell drain functions properly and is clear from debris. Try a dry weather test by running a hose down this pipe for a period of time to determine if it flows freely. Remember, problems with this drain can lead to water seeping under the basement door. Please remember it is a plumbing code violation to pipe any stormwater into the sanitary sewer system.