When water levels in the ground rise, it can seep into basements and flood homes. While there is no way to stop groundwater from entering a basement, you can take measures to reduce infiltration wherever possible and minimize damage when flooding does occur. Here are tips for how to prevent water from coming into your basement:

1) Keep Soil Moisture Low

It’s important to limit contact between soil and concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and exterior walls of the house. Water saturation provides a direct channel for increased flow through basement walls. This can be done by grading land away from the structure so that water drains away from the house or paving with permeable materials such as gravel and brick pavers to allow water to flow through the soil.

2) Install French Drains

One of the most effective ways to prevent flooding is installing a perimeter drainage system that collects groundwater around the foundation and funnels it away from the house. A French drain, which consists of perforated piping surrounded by an outer layer of gravel, has good hydraulic properties for draining water slowly over long distances. The installation should be done in conjunction with landscaping to help direct runoff away from home or channel it into settling ponds or swales before entry into basement surfaces.

3) Fill Cracks in Foundation Walls

Concrete walls are quite durable, but they can develop cracks when subjected to stress caused by ground movement under heavy loads such as snow or equipment. Filling small cracks that are less than 1/8th inch wide with hydraulic cement or using an epoxy filler can help prevent water infiltration through the walls.

4) Add an Air Barrier to Foundation Walls

A combination of air barriers, vapor retarders, and surface materials is critical in limiting moisture penetration through basement walls. An air barrier material seals all holes, cracks, or channels that allow exterior air to contact interior surfaces. If there are no penetrations, outside air will not be able to contact the wall cavity, which reduces the risk of condensation forming on colder surfaces during cold weather when warm moist indoor air comes into contact with cold surfaces. The best material for an air barrier is a high-quality, closed-cell spray polyurethane foam.

5) Build Up Foundation Walls with Concrete Footing or Drywells

One of the most effective techniques for preventing water infiltration through basement walls is to build up the grade around the foundation using concrete footings or dry wells. A dry well is basically an underground settling tank with perforated sides and bottom, allowing groundwater to enter but not return to the home. This method will work best if designed as part of a comprehensive drainage system that includes landscaping, grading, and french drains.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other cities in New Jersey, such as Ramsey, Teaneck and Verona.