Water arriving from outside
Grading that slopes toward the house, blocked downspouts and overflowing window wells all push surface water against the foundation, where cracks and cold joints provide entry.
Drainage and pump failure
Sump pumps fail through power loss, mechanical wear or inflow that exceeds capacity. Weeping tile that is blocked or collapsed produces similar results.
Water arriving from inside
Burst supply lines, hot water tank failures and laundry connections are frequent basement sources, especially in unheated or infrequently visited areas.
- Check unheated corners during cold snaps
- Inspect hot water tanks for base corrosion
- Watch for slow staining near floor drains