Basement Water Issues in Springfield, MO

There are three things that can destroy materials—water, heat, and ultraviolet radiation.  Out of all three of these, water is by far the most destructive, especially when it comes to your basement.  Your basement space is very different from your upstairs space because it is extremely susceptible to water damages.

Before you even think about finishing your basement, you need to be aware of any water problems that could occur.  There are far more possible issues other than the obvious groundwater leakage in your basement.  Yes, groundwater leakage is a very common problem for basements, but plumbing leaks, condensation, and wicking can be just as destructive to your basement space.

Groundwater Leaks

This happens when your basement leaks during heavy rains.  Repairing a flooded basement after the damages have already occurred can be extremely expensive and disruptive to your home.  If your basement leaks, you need to install an efficient and effective waterproofing system before you finish your basement space.

Woods Basement Systems offers a product called WaterGuard, which is the best solution at keeping your basement permanently dry—even during heavy rains.  The WaterGuard system catches water from the walls and floor and drains it away to a sump.  It is specifically designed for basements and is installed around the entire perimeter of your basement floor.  It’s also installed on top of the footing rather than beside it, so it won’t get clogged from mud and debris.

Plumbing Leaks

It’s hard to avoid plumbing leaks because your basement is essentially a pit in the ground underneath your home.  There is a system of pipes pressurized at 45-60 pounds per square inch surrounding your basement, so something’s bound to blow at some point.  And then there’s the system of drain pipes with openings throughout your home (toilets, sinks, showers) just waiting to leak.

No matter where the plumbing leak happens in your home, the water will drain into the basement.  If you have wood, laminate, or carpet flooring, drywall, or wood baseboard, you’ll have to replace everything in the event of a plumbing leak.  Products offered by Woods in the Total Basement Finishing system are waterproof and don’t get damaged by water when something unavoidable like a plumbing leak occurs.

Wicking

Wicking, also known as capillary action, occurs when water in liquid form soaks through porous materials.  Concrete is a porous material, and wicking occurs when it is wet on one side.  The water soaks through to the other side like a sponge.  This is especially common in block walls, but can also happen to floors and other types of foundation walls.

Wicking also leads to vapor transmission, which is when the water comes through the porous concrete and evaporates off the surface and into the basement air.  This is one reason why basement air feels damp and heavy.  This provides the perfect environment for mold to grow, which explains why a basement doesn’t necessarily have to have groundwater leakage in order to have mold.

Condensation

Condensation becomes a problem when warm humid air enters the basement and is cooled on the basement walls, floor, and other surfaces.  The hotter and more humid it is outside, the more of a problem condensation will be in your basement.

It is extremely important to be aware of all of these basement water issues—especially if you plan on finishing your basement in the future.