![Stair Step Cracks in Block Wall Leaking in Carbondale, IL Basement](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10385-img0876.jpg?v=1376060307)
Stair Step Cracks in Block Wall Leaking in Carbondale, IL Basement
The hydrostatic pressure causing the block wall to bow in also creates stair step cracks in the corners of the basement walls in this Chesterfield, Illinois basement. Groundwater seepage is evidenced by the stains left behind by muddy water.
![Sump Pumps & Wall Anchors in Carbondale](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10391-img0966.jpg?v=1376060652)
Sump Pumps & Wall Anchors in Carbondale
Altogether: wall anchors, window well ducts, and a patented waterproofing system work to keep this basement stable, secure, and dry all the time.
![Leaking Block Wall in Carbondale, IL](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10386-img0877.jpg?v=1376060390)
Leaking Block Wall in Carbondale, IL
Hydrostatic pressure refers to the weight of groundwater filling up the soil outside the basement walls that presses on the foundation. Water runs downhill, so groundwater naturally starts to build up at the bottom of a foundation wall and fill up like a glass. When the pressure is too great (or the water finds a crack or hole in the wall), the water begins to leak in. In the case of block walls, groundwater eventually fills up the hollow blocks and leaks into the basement.
![Bowing Walls Repaired & Waterproofed in Carbondale, IL](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10387-img0952.jpg?v=1376060466)
Bowing Walls Repaired & Waterproofed in Carbondale, IL
Geo-Lock wall anchors help straighten and stabilize bowing basement walls. WellDuct drains water from window wells to the waterproofing system and away to the sump pump. A sump pump liner with two sump pumps is better than a single pump, since pumps are mechanical and can fail. This ensures the basement will stay dry.
![Excavating a Foundation Wall for Repair](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10388-img0854.jpg?v=1376060557)
Excavating a Foundation Wall for Repair
It may be necessary to excavate a foundation wall in order to straighten and pull the bowing wall back. In this case, an exterior excavation allowed the crew to anchor the basement wall and pull it back. Now, the wall is stable and secure.
![Exterior Wall Anchor Plate Before Backfill](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10389-img0848.jpg?v=)
Exterior Wall Anchor Plate Before Backfill
Wall anchors counteract soil pressure by anchoring basement walls to stable, undisturbed soil outside. Threaded rods extend from the exterior anchor plate, through the wall, to the interior anchor plate. When anchor nuts are tightened, wall anchors can be used to straighten the walls.
![Straightened Block Wall in Carbondale, IL](https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/photo_gallery/medium/10390-img1012.jpg?v=)
Straightened Block Wall in Carbondale, IL
Each exterior anchor plate is connected by a steel, threaded rod to an interior wall plate that—when tightened—provides clamping pressure against the inside of the foundation wall. Often, basement walls can be straightened using this method. Wall anchors also stabilize and secure the wall against further bowing.