Foundation Damage Due to a Water Leak

Water Intrusion

• Water is one of the most destructive elements in nature, and not just because of flooding. Think of the Grand Canyon: This monumental incision in the earth’s crust was caused by a constant flow of water that eventually eroded the solid rock there. Water intrusion affects any type of foundation material. Concrete, which is a porous material, suffers erosion over time from water intrusion, losing its structural integrity. Wood also deteriorates from water intrusion, including foundations made from pressure-treated wood.

Primary Causes of Foundation Damage from Water

• The constant presence of water in and around the foundation results in a breakdown of the foundation material. This is true for any type of foundation, whether it is a raised foundation, slab-on-grade or a basement. Leaking plumbing lines are one major cause of foundation damage, but improperly working foundation drains and even faulty rain gutters and downspouts can lead to significant foundation damage over time. All these factors cause water to collect around the foundation, resulting in troubling and costly foundation damage.

Water Leaks in the Home

• Plumbing leaks in your home can eventually cause water to collect around the foundation. Gravity is the culprit here, and it makes sense that water not contained within the plumbing system finds its way to the lowest point, your foundation. This is especially true for leaks in major plumbing elements such as drainpipes and wastewater lines. Hydrostatic pressure, another natural process of water movement, becomes an issue when improper grading, rainwater from leaking gutters and downspouts, and even leaking sprinkler systems around the exterior lead to standing water that will cause foundation damage.

What to Do About Water Leaks

• You should always contact a licensed plumbing contractor to inspect and repair plumbing problems. Water leaks around the exterior of your foundation may also require the expertise of qualified repair contractors, although you can correct many grade problems, leaking rain gutter systems and malfunctioning sprinkler systems yourself if you have the proper knowledge and tools. Foundation damage is another repair that requires the expertise of licensed repair contractors.