Stairstepping Crack in Block Foundation
Stairstepping cracks are signs of a foundation problem. Even to the naked eye, the crack is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom—an indication that the section on the left is settling.
Block Foundation Crack Indicates Settling
This angle further illustrates how the foundation crack near the top of the block is wider than the crack at the bottom of the block, a good indication that the left section of the foundation wall is settling.
Foundation Problems & Leaky Basements
In addition to the foundation settling, a drought caused the dehydrated soil to pull away from the foundation and allowed rainwater to rush into the void. Where basement leaks once used to run downhill and drain to the sump pump, now the settling basement has caused water to run away from the sump pit and pool in other areas.
Drought Leaves Void Around Block Foundation
A severe drought caused the soil around this block foundation in Belleville, Illinois to pull away and leave a void—a void easily a couple inches wide that allowed a downpour of rainwater to infiltrate foundation cracks and flood the basement.