5 Ways To Fix Leaking Basement Walls

When you step into your basement and find damp or leaking walls, it’s a clear indicator that trouble is brewing.

While basement wall leaks may initially seem insignificant, they can lead to frustrating issues that impact your entire home. But the good news—these problems can be repaired and you can keep your home from falling victim to leaks.

Here, we’ll cover the signs of basement wall leaks and how to efficiently resolve the problem for good.

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How to Fix a Leaky Basement

Interior drain being installed in a basement.

1. Interior Drainage Systems

An effective internal drainage system, installed all the way around your basement is specially designed to collect water from the walls, floor, and cove joint where they meet.

2. Sump Pumps

Any water collected by the drainage system is channeled to a sump pump.

Installed in the lowest part of the basement, water drains into the sump basin, activates the pump when it reaches a certain level, and is then pumped up and out of the basement and away from your home.

3. Dehumidifiers

To control humidity levels, an energy-efficient dehumidifier is installed along with other water management measures.

This unit should self-drain so there are no buckets to worry about emptying. A comprehensive system also should clean and filter the air and reduce odors, improving your overall indoor air quality.

4. Wall Vapor Barriers

A vapor barrier – a plastic covering resembling a swimming pool liner that keeps liquid and water vapor out – is placed over the walls. If any water leaks through the walls, it flows behind the liner and down to the interior drainage system.

5. Foundation or Wall Repairs

Wall cracks can be a problem with and product of leaking basement walls. Sometimes, foundation or wall repairs, are needed along with basement waterproofing measures. These can include wall reinforcements like carbon fiber straps, wall anchors or wall braces to help repair cracking and bowing basement walls, and helical piers or push piers to stabilize and help lift settling foundations.

Identifying Damp and Leaking Basement Walls

You may think identifying a leaking wall in your basement would be simple. In many cases, it is!

If you notice water pooling near a particular wall, you can assume that’s where water is entering.

However, there are other signs of an internal leak you should keep an eye out for.

These signs include:

Damaged Belongings: One of the clearest signs of a basement leak is damaged belongings. Have your paper documents been damaged? If so, you have a leak on your hands – one that you’ll need to address ASAP.
Increased Humidity: Water leaks result in higher basement humidity. You can use a humidistat to test the humidity of your basement.
Fogging Windows: Keep a close eye out for water leaks and check to see if your windows are fogging. Water, as it evaporates, will gather on the glass, making it easier to determine whether or not your basement is attracting an unusual amount of precipitation.
Warping Window and Door Frames: The wood around your window and door frames respond poorly to increased basement humidity. If you’re having a hard time opening basement doors or windows, they may have been impacted by a water leak.
Mold: Water on your walls or floors serves as an excellent incubator for mold. If you’re noticing mold, you definitely have a leak that needs attention.

Immediate Fixes Versus Waiting

You may not consider leaking walls to be that big of an issue when it comes to the care and keeping of your home. This, however, is not the case, especially in Central Indiana, where we see plenty of precipitation throughout the year.

If you leave leaking walls unattended to in your home, you could face:

Long-term damage to fabrics, leathers, papers, and wood belongings
Mold growths that threaten the health of your family
Foundational or wall cracks
Damaged electrical circuits

IFS Will Fix Your Leaking Basement Walls for Good

A basement wall leaking water can do a real number on your basement and the entire house. Don’t wait to call a professional out to your home for a free inspection and estimate if you think your walls are leaking. The sooner you implement waterproofing solutions in your basement, the better!

Our team at Indiana Foundation Service has been helping homeowners throughout Central Indiana waterproof their basements for 30 years. Our permanent basement waterproofing and foundation repairs are second to none. Experience the excellence for yourself by contacting us today!