FOUNDATIONS FIRST
One of the worst prospects for a homeowner is water damage.
The risks of standing water tend to be overlooked, and many people put more focus on leaking water and flooding. Standing water is a real threat. It can be among the costliest forms of water damage to fix.
What is standing water?
Standing water is water that has stopped flowing. It has become stagnant and can come in different sizes depending on the source, from a puddle to your backyard’s size. Your foundation becomes compromised when the water pools under it and the issue is not remedied.
Foundations First is an experienced provider of standing water repair. Read more about this problem and its solutions in this quick and informative guide.
Causes of standing water
Standing water persists because of what’s known as hydrostatic pressure: the force exerted by a static hydro (water). Gravity pushes the water down toward an object, generating strength.
Standing water can pool from one or more of the following sources:
- A slope towards your home
- Water collected in looser, backfilled soil
- Improper gutters that don’t redirect water properly
- Flower beds alongside the foundation that are watered excessively
- Broken water lines underneath the structure
- Gutters that need cleaning out
Clogged low-point drain
This drain might be clogged if you have a crawl space as well as standing water. Low-point drains are used to remove water from the home, redirecting the flow into the street. If a filter has been installed incorrectly or not at all, the low-point drain can get blocked. This will allow water to seep inside the crawl space and slowly begin eating away at the foundation. A key sign of clogging is if the low-point drain is submerged in water.
Leaky pipes
Your pipes might also be leaking if there is standing water under your house. To check, turn the water on in the house and examine the pipes for leaks.
Exposed dirt in the crawl space
A clear indication of standing water is dirt in the crawl space. Obvious dirt causes moisture to seep into the house. This happens because it rises through the ground gradually. If your home’s drainage systems or landscaping haven’t been done properly, the risk of this happening is very real. The root cause is typically incorrect installation of the vapor barrier.
Cracks in the foundation
Even small cracks in the house foundation will let water seep in. If you believe this is the problem or see cracks, give the experts at Foundations First a call. They will come for an inspection and find the best approach to solve the issue!
Additional causes
Apart from the main ones, outlined above, water flowing naturally from bedrock can start to accumulate under the foundations. The route of the water can get blocked when it meets your house, stopping it from flowing away and leading it to pool at your foundation. The first step in stopping this from happening is being aware of the possible sources and working to eradicate them.
Standing water impact on house foundations
Standing water can cause significant damage to a foundation. Its impact is uneven stress, constant pressure, and water leakage.
The pressure standing water exerts is not distributed evenly. Due to the land slope, a fence, or another barrier, it can pool on one side of the house and not the other. This uneven stress on the house foundation can cause horizontal fissures in the structure.
Constant pressure
During colder and wetter seasons, the water that collects under the foundation exerts constant pressure on it. When it gets warmer and dryer, standing water will evaporate. Don’t rely on this easy fix though. The cycle will repeat itself as the water comes back. The constant pressure causes the house structure stress, resulting in expensive foundation damage.
Water leaks
Water finds all nooks and crannies to enter your home’s structure. With time, it will find its way into cracks and crevices, resulting in further damage and growth of mold.
Possible Solutions to Standing Water
Don’t worry about standing water – leave it to the pros! There are many solutions to the problem. The experts at Foundations First have the following suggestions:
Sump pumps
Sump pumps can be an excellent solution if you want to get rid of standing water for good. Thee pump accumulates water and directs it away from the house.
Sump pumps also help prevent future buildup of standing water. After you install them, they stay in place and become active when they detect an excessive water level.
When the sensor is activated, the pump will switch on and eliminate the excess water.
Sump pumps don’t rely on the source of the water, so they are quite helpful as far as water issues are concerned. In other words, they will solve the problem regardless of whether it comes from a cracked pipe or another reason. Of course, if a leaky pipe or clog is the cause, you need to have that repaired too.
French drains
When it comes to standing water, French drains are one of the best drainage solutions on the market. A team of professionals will come and dig a ditch around the house and lay a perforated pipe in it, then submerge it in gravel. This will redirect water away from your home.
If your standing water increases after rainy periods, this can be the perfect solution.
Vapor barriers
Last but not least, vapor barriers stop water from seeping into the house externally. They are also known as “waterproofing.” They are installed both in the interior and exterior and are a great defense against flooding.