The document outlines causes of basement waterproofing problems, including clogged footing drains, hydrostatic pressure, and soil settlement. It identifies signs of moisture issues such as condensation, musty smells, efflorescence, poor drainage, and wet floors, which can lead to health hazards and decreased home value. To address these issues, it recommends contacting a professional basement waterproofing expert.

1. BASEMENT FOUNDATION
REPAIR
Understanding Causes & Problem Signs

2. Q: WHAT CAUSES BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING PROBLEMS?
A: Basement water problems are caused by a
host of factors such as soil settlement, clogged
footing drains and hydrostatic pressure.

3. CAUSES – CLOGGED FOOTING DRAINS
Why Are Clogged Footing DrainsTrouble?
A footing drain is installed just outside of your home’s
basement foundation.This drain is meant to keep water
away from your foundation but it can easily clog.The
footing drain is a thick pipe that has holes drilled into it
to allow water to drip into the pipe.

4. CAUSES – HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
What is Hydrostatic Pressure?
A clogged footing drain will not collect any more water.
So the water puddles up into the backfill and starts
pushing against your home.The weight of the water
creates pressure which pushes against your foundation
– this is also called hydrostatic pressure.
The hydrostatic pressure pushes the water into the
porous concrete and through cracks in the block or
mortar. Over time hydrostatic pressure, soil settlement
and seasonal changes can result in basement wall cracks
or cracks in the poured concrete.

5. CAUSES – SOIL SETTLEMENT
How Soil Settlement AffectsYour Basement
The backfilled soil around your basement foundation
will settle. As the soil settles it will sink towards your
foundation.This creates a slope which allows water to
run next to your basement foundation, eventually
causing hydrostatic pressure.
If your gutters don’t point away from your basement
foundation then this can add to the soil settlement
problem.You can help prevent some of the hydrostatic
pressure from soil settlement by adding dirt to the
sunken soil.

6. Q: HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE A
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
PROBLEM?
A: Look for the following problem signs

7. PROBLEM SIGN – BASEMENT CONDENSATION
Condensation on the pipes in your
basement can invite mold and mildew into
your basement.With mold comes that
musty smell that you can’t get rid of.
Why Do I Have Condensation?
Condensation forms when the relative humidity in the
air reaches 100%.When the air can no longer hold the
moisture it has to let it go. Condensation on cold pipes
and metal in your basement is often the result.
Your condensation problem is a sign that you have
another, larger problem: basement humidity.
Basement humidity is water vapor, or moisture, in the
basement air.When your basement humidity is over
50% it’s holding up a welcome sign to mold, mildew,
musty smells and dust mites.

8. PROBLEM SIGN – MUSTY BASEMENT SMELL
A musty smelling basement means you
have mold growth and a moisture problem.
Musty Basement Smell:
Don’t assume that bleaching down your basement will
get rid of the musty smell. Mold can be toxic! Don’t put
your health at risk trying to get the mold out of your
musty basement.

9. PROBLEM SIGN – EFFLORESCENCE
What Causes EfflorescenceTo Form?
Salts
Your concrete or block basement walls are made
of a variety of natural sources like clay, sand and
limestone, which contain salt.
A Water Source
Whether there’s water outside of your basement
foundation from poor grading, heavy rain or
ground water; the hydrostatic pressure will find a
way to push the moisture into your basement .
An Entry Point
Water can enter your foundation through the
joints where your foundation wall meets the floor,
wall cracks, or pores in the concrete.
Efflorescence is a white chalky powder made up of
the minerals found in concrete, soil and water.
Although efflorescence isn’t toxic and can easily be
brushed off, it’s a sign of moisture intrusion.

10. PROBLEM SIGN – POOR DRAINAGE
Overflowing gutters, clogged gutters, poor
drainage grading and ineffective yard grading
contribute to a wet basement.
Why Does Foundation Drainage Matter?
If your foundation drainage isn’t draining the water
away from your foundation – it is not working.As the
water flows next to your basement foundation it can
seep into your basement through cracks, creating
structural problems and a wet basement.

11. PROBLEM SIGN –WET FLOORS
The Severity of Leaking Basement Floor Cracks
While water in your basement seems like the problem,
it’s the water vapor that creates the biggest problems.
As water evaporates it becomes water vapor, or
basement humidity. Basement humidity can create a
variety of expensive problems like:
A wet basement is the perfect environment for
insects, dust mites, mold, mildew, & wood rot!
• High electric bills
• Mold, mildew, and dust mites
• Pest, rodent and insect infestation
• Uncomfortable and damp living space
• Decreases home value by 10-15%

12. PROBLEM SIGN – SUMP PUMP ISSUES
A broken basement sump pump leads to an
expensive mess to clean up.
If you don’t have the right sump pump for
your basement, you’ll continue to have
water problems.

13. PROBLEM SIGN –WET DRYWALL
If you don’t combat the moisture or safeguard
your home from water intrusion, you’ll waste a
lot of time and money replacing the drywall
when that’s not the source of the problem.
Wet drywall in your basement is either a sign of
moisture or water intrusion, or a water leak.

14. PROBLEM SIGN – LEAKING BASEMENTWINDOWS
A basement with a leaking window well can
make a big mess.Water from your sprinklers, rain
and snowfall can all leak into your basement.
Why Do I Have A Leaking Window Well?
Your basement window wells can easily clog
with leaves and other debris, which lets
water build up and leak into your basement.
A heavy rain can build up the water pressure
and push the water in through a window
gap, and even flood your basement.
A wet basement creates other problems like
high indoor humidity, mold growth, and
high electric bills.

15. WHY FIXYOURWET BASEMENT?
Your basement is your home’s foundation, and a dry basement is
important to your home and family’s health.A wet basement is
uncomfortable, can increase your energy bills, and even cause health
problems.
ImproveYour Home’s Air Quality
ProtectYour Family’s Health
IncreaseYour Home’sValue
LowerYour Energy Costs

16. Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?
A: Contact a trusted and insured basement
waterproofing expert.

17. CONTACT JES FOUNDATION REPAIR
At JES Foundation Repair our team of in-house basement waterproofing experts have
warrantied solutions for basements and foundations of ALL types.
If you would like a free quote, we’re ready to help you! Contact usTODAY to schedule an on-
site consultation and written quote!
We’re proud to serve all ofVirginia includingVirginia Beach, Richmond and throughout
Lynchburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville.