Why Does My Basement Flood When it Rains?

If your basement leaks when it rains, you can find some relief in knowing it’s a common issue. The bad news? It’s a big deal. At Smouse Brothers, we’re here to fix major issues like basement leaks so your home stays dry no matter what the weather is like outside. Let’s look at some common causes and how they can be fixed.

Common Causes

There are many reasons that water gets into your basement after it rains. Some of the most common causes include:

• Hydrostatic pressure: This is the culprit most often. It occurs when hydrostatic pressure builds up because of moisture in the soil that can’t drain away, leading to water being pressed through tiny cracks in your basement walls.
• Window wells: One simple way to determine this issue is by looking for water stains on the window wells and around the windows. It happens when water gets stuck in the window well and eventually finds its way into your basement.
• Shrinkage cracks: If you have poured foundation walls, it’s important to know that they’re notorious for allowing water to seep into your basement. This issue can be compounded by hydrostatic pressure in the soil that surrounds your basement walls.
• Wall cracks: Concrete block foundation walls can develop cracks over time, making it easy for water to leak into your basement.
• Cove joint: This spot, where the wall and floor meet, is a common place for water to leak into basements.

Why It’s Important to Take Care of It ASAP

It’s not normal for your basement to leak when it rains, and it’s not ideal for the integrity of your home. Small leaks are red flags that there’s something wrong, and if neglected, can lead to costly repairs. Hydrostatic pressure leaks, for example, can make walls crack and bow, impacting the structural integrity of your home. Without immediate action, they can be very expensive to repair.

How To Prevent a Leaky Basement from Happening Again

There are several things you can do to keep water from leaking into your basement. Here are five:

1. Clean your window wells: Find the drain in your window wells and test it to make sure it’s working by inserting a garden hose. If there’s no drain, contact a repairman. If it’s clogged with debris, clean it out.
2. Improve the grading: Soil around your home’s foundation should always slope away from the structure. If yours slopes toward the foundation, contact a landscaper or the pros at Smouse Bros for help.
3. Clean gutters and downspouts: This system is designed to move rainwater away from your home. When clogged with sticks, leaves, and other debris, the water will stick around, and find new paths to flow, including inside your basement.
4. Repair cracks in the foundation: Cracks are the perfect spaces for rainwater to seep into your basement. Use an interior sealant for small cracks and contact a professional for more severe issues.
5. Install a waterproofing system: If this issue is a regular occurrence, you may need to invest in a basement waterproofing system. This includes a sump pump, vapor barrier, drainage pipe, and a French drain system. With waterproofing in place, you won’t have to worry about hydrostatic pressure, mold, and leaks.

Basement Waterproofing Services

If your basement leaks when it rains, call the Smouse Bros. We’ve got over 16 years of experience in the industry.

We’re committed to keeping homes in the area leak-free.

Contact us today to get a free quote with no obligations so you can make the best decision for your home and budget.

Call Now: (417) 988-8201

Featured Image: r.classen / Shutterstock

A sump pump is designed to run regularly to keep water out of your basement and home. If your sump pump keeps running constantly, it’s a sure sign that something’s wrong. Let’s look at some common reasons yours might be running constantly and what you can do about it. And if your sump pump needs repair or replacement, our pros at Smouse Brothers are here to help.

Common Causes That Could Keep Your Sump Pump Constantly Running

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons that your sump pump is constantly running:

• The float switch is stuck in the “on” position because it’s jammed
• The discharge pipe is blocked with dirt and debris
• A faulty check valve
• The sump pump or liner isn’t the correct size
• The float switch is pinned to the side of the liner
• There’s a high water table or underground spring that’s feeding the sump pump with a continuous water supply

Although some cases, like a blocked discharge pipe, can be easy to fix, others are more complex. When in doubt, call the pros for sump pump services.

How Often Should a Sump Pump Be Running?

The answer to this question depends on your location and the local weather patterns. If you live somewhere that experiences a lot of rain, your sump pump may run a few times daily to push water out of your basement. To understand how often it should run, it’s best to grasp how your sump pump works.

The sump pump typically sits in a liner (or basin) in a sump pit. The sump pit is a gravel-filled space that’s dug out of the corner of your basement or crawl space. The sump pit effectively drains leaking water from your home. If it can’t keep up with the amount of water getting into the basement, the water will enter the sump pump, causing the float valve to activate. When this happens, it pushes the excess water out of your home via a discharge pipe equipped with a check valve to keep water from flowing back into your home.

If any of these components are clogged, faulty, or working inefficiently, your sump pump can begin to run more often (or constantly). When this happens, it can lead to an overworked pump that can become damaged or broken.

What You Should Do if Your Sump Pump Won’t Stop Running

If your sump pump keeps running, you can do a few things. Try these DIY methods first, and if they don’t work, call in the professionals.

• Examine the float switch: This switch senses moisture in the pump and tells it when to kick on. It floats on top of the water and, when triggered, tells the switch to turn on. Examine the float switch to ensure the arm and float are not stuck or tangled. 
• Check your discharge pipe: Is the discharge pipe clogged with leaves or dirt? If so, clean it out! Without a way out, water will be sent back into the pump, causing a continuous cycle of water removal. Clean your discharge pipe with a plunger or drain snake to remove sediment and debris.
• Look at the check valve: The check valve is located in the discharge pipe. Its job is to keep water from returning to the sump pump once it’s removed from your home. If something is wrong with the check valve, it can make the sump pump run constantly. Is it positioned correctly? Are the ring clamps in good condition? Does it look worn out and damaged? If so, replace the check valve, and you may solve the problem.

Smouse Bros Can Help With Your Sump Pump Problems!

A sump pump that keeps running is a common issue for Missouri homes, but it should never be ignored. At Smouse Bros, we’re happy to help fix and repair all your home’s major issues. Contact us today for a free estimate with no obligation to purchase so you can determine whether we’re the right fit for you.

Call Today: (417) 988-8201

Featured Image: Sever180 / Shutterstock