Foundation Crack Repair

As long as you see a puddle or water seeping into your home, that should be a cause for concern!

What Causes Foundation Cracks?

When cracks appear in your home’s foundation, they create a direct path for water intrusion. Left untreated, these cracks can compromise the structural integrity of your home, lead to costly water damage, and in severe cases, make your home unsafe to live in. Here are the most common causes of foundation cracks that can lead to basement leaks:

1. Sewer Pipe Leaks

Cracks in underground sewer pipes can saturate the soil around your foundation. Over time, water seeps into the basement through cracks or gaps in the concrete, causing moisture problems and potential structural damage.

2. Water Pipe Leaks

Leaks from indoor or outdoor water pipes—caused by poor installation, aging infrastructure, or accidental drilling—can lead to water accumulation around your basement walls, eventually penetrating any cracks or weak points.

3. Clogged Floor Drains

Basements used for laundry or storage often rely on floor drains. When these become clogged, water backs up and overflows. In homes with foundation cracks, this backup can lead directly to basement flooding.

4. Leaking Window Wells

Window wells are designed to allow natural light into your basement while keeping out water and debris. If your roof gutters are blocked or misdirected, rainwater can collect in the window well and leak into your basement through foundation cracks.

5. Poor Drainage & Sloping Soil

Older homes often suffer from improper grading, where the ground slopes toward the house instead of away from it. This encourages rainwater to pool around your foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure and promoting cracks.

6. Honeycombing in Concrete

Improper concrete pouring can lead to air pockets or “honeycombs,” which weaken your foundation walls. These weak spots become natural entry points for water, especially during heavy rains or thawing periods.

7. Hydrostatic Pressure

Water-saturated soil exerts intense pressure against your basement walls—known as hydrostatic pressure. If your foundation isn’t properly waterproofed, this pressure can create or widen cracks, leading to serious leaks.

8. Deteriorating Mortar Joints

In stone, brick, or cinder block foundations, aging or eroded mortar joints allow water to seep in. This not only causes leaks but can also compromise the structural integrity of the entire foundation wall.

9. Broken Weeping Tiles

Weeping tiles are essential for directing groundwater away from your home’s foundation. If they’re cracked, clogged, or made of older clay materials, they can fail—leading to water accumulation and eventual foundation cracking.

Our Proven Solution for Foundation Crack Repair

Many homeowners attempt DIY solutions or hire unqualified contractors, which often results in temporary fixes that don’t address the root of the problem. At DrainRooter Plumbing, we take a comprehensive approach:

• Step 1: Crack Assessment
  Our certified technicians inspect the crack’s size, location, and cause. If structural issues are suspected, we consult a licensed engineer to guide proper repairs.

• Step 2: Structural Repair
  If the crack is structural, we repair and reinforce the affected area according to engineering guidelines. Simply patching or sealing it is not enough—we address both the symptom and the cause.

• Step 3: Basement Waterproofing
  Once the crack is properly repaired, we apply advanced waterproofing techniques to prevent future leaks—ensuring long-term protection for your home.

Remember: Your house isn’t a boat. Waterproofing alone won’t hold if structural damage is ignored. Our process guarantees both safety and durability.

When Should You Call the Experts?

If you discover water in your basement, do not enter standing water without proper rubber boots—basement water often contains bacteria and can pose health risks. Turn off the main electrical power immediately to prevent electrocution.

Avoid the risks of DIY fixes. Foundation crack repair and basement waterproofing require trained professionals. Our team at DrainRooter Plumbing is equipped with the expertise and tools to handle any interior or exterior basement leak—quickly and effectively.