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Why Your Basement Leaks in the Winter
A leak in your basement is always a cause for concern — and whether you have just discovered an acute leak, or notice that your basement leaks every winter, you will want to know what the possible causes are. This will, after all, determine your next steps.
A Burst Pipe
Without the appropriate preventative steps, frost can easily cause water pipes and central heating pipes alike to burst. This is more common in unheated basements. When the pipes in question are hidden deep within your walls, it is hard to be sure precisely where the leak originates. In some cases, on the other hand, you will be able to see the source of the leak immediately.
An Inefficient Drainage System
Gutters and downspouts should direct water away from your home’s foundation. When they were installed incorrectly, they can instead feed water directly to your foundational walls, seeping into your basement over time. Correctly installed drainage systems can, on the other hand, become clogged with leaves and other debris that interrupts the normal flow water from your gutters. When they are not cleaned often or well enough, a leak in the basement can result.
Heat and Hydrostatic Pressure
Although your basement is significantly cooler than the rest of your home, it does generate some heat — which in turn radiates outward. When this heat causes snow around the walls to melt, the resulting water can seep into your basement, creating a leak.
Rising Groundwater Levels
Depending on your local climate, rising groundwater levels may also pose a threat to your basement. Remember that in areas without artificial water milling, groundwater levels naturally reach a peak in the winter months. In some cases, this can result in a leak within your basement.
An Incorrectly-Sloped Home
Home that are sloped incorrectly are vulnerable to basement leaks and floods whenever large amounts of water enter the equation — not only after a rainstorm, but also when snow and ice begin to thaw.
Poor Soil Types
If the soil around your home is of such a quality that it does not allow water to drain naturally very easily, as is the case with soil rich in clay, for instance, water can pool around your foundational walls. Over time, the pressure can become so excessive that cracks appear, creating a leak in your basement.
Poorly-Maintained Window Wells
Does your basement have windows installed at ground level? If the window wells are made of wood, they are vulnerable to rot over time. This can allow water to seep into your basement. Other types of windows may also be installed incorrectly, leading to similar problems.
What to Do if Your Basement Leaks in the Winter?
If you can easily pinpoint the cause of your leak and you know how to fix it, you are lucky. In many cases, leaks will be more challenging to deal with. Basement leaks can cause significant damage to your home over time, and repairs will become more costly the longer you allow the problem to continue. By contacting a leak detection company as soon as possible, you will be able to prevent bigger challenges down the line.