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Why does my Basement Leak when it Rains?

Water in your basement can be a scary find. If there is just water without an obvious cause, that is typically the most panic-inducing scenario for a homeowner because it can mean that a frozen pipe burst or that you have a leaking pipe in your wall somewhere. However, if the water in your basement is related to weather, that is typically an entirely different scenario.

If your basement leaks or floods when it rains that can be due to foundation cracks, poor yard grading, a sewer line backup, or a broken sump pump.

Now, foundation cracks that are substantial enough to allow water in during every rainstorm, whether they are along the floor or walls, are typically visible. So, if you don’t see cracks and the water doesn’t look like it’s coming from a single entry point, it’s probably not a foundation crack. Similarly, for basements with windows, if the water does not appear to be entering along window frame seals, your windows are likely not to blame.

If you suspect that the slope of your yard is the culprit, look along the perimeter of your home for any pooling. While you might not be able to see how much water is sitting along your foundation under the ground, with heavy rains you should be able to see puddles forming alongside the wall where water is entering your basement. If you do not see trenches or puddles by your home, your yard grading is probably fine.

So, now the remaining common causes of basement leaks after a storm are plumbing-related. With a sewer line backup, the water in your basement will be unsanitary, and you may be able to tell very quickly that this is the case. If the water entering your basement looks filthy or has a foul odor, it could be sewer backup. For your own safety, do not enter the water and call an emergency plumber immediately.

If the water just looks like regular standing water in your yard, it’s possible that your sump pump has failed. Again, you will need a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue. If you have a broken sump pump or a sump pump that is undersized for your home’s needs, a plumber can replace the unit to ensure that you won’t be dealing with water again the next time it rains. If you’re not sure what kind of water is in your basement, don’t risk it. Call an expert that can find the issue and advise on what’s next for your home. If you have gray or black water in your home, you will likely need professional clean up services to keep you safe. But regardless of the cause, a plumber can diagnose the issue and explain what’s next in the way of a remedy.

When you have water in your basement, give a local plumber a call whether it’s during or after business hours. An emergency plumber can be dispatched to your home no matter what day or time it is to help you right away.


Additional resources:
Who Fixes a Broken Pipe?
Fixing The Damage from a Leaking Pipe
Emergency Plumbing Issues Explained
Where is The Leaking Coming From?
What to do After a Pipe Bursts
Sewer Backup After Rain
My Basement Keeps Flooding
Basement Flooding with a Sump Pump Installed
How to Replace Your Sump Pump
When Can Pipes Freeze?
What Should You Do When a Frozen Pipe Bursts?
Is My Sump Pump Clogged?
What if your Sump Pump Isn't Keeping Water Out?
What Kind of Qualifications do Emergency Plumbers Have?
Emergency Plumbing Costs
Can a Broken Sump Pump be Fixed?
Who Services a Sump Pump?
Finding The Source of a Water Leak
Who Can Replace a Sump Pump?
How does a Plumber Fix Frozen Pipes?
How Much is a New Sump Pump?
Can Plumbers Put in a Sump Pump?
My Basement Floor is Always Wet