Water Stains Near Basement Floor Cracks

Do Nothing

• You may be better off doing nothing unless you actually see water penetrating the cracks. The water stains may be many years old and indicate a problem that is no longer pressing, such as a previous, temporary rise in the water table. Corrective action may be time-consuming, costly and may not actually solve anything. Continue to monitor the situation. Take action if it deteriorates to the extent that water is entering the basement through the floor.

Repair Cracks

• The fact that the water stains are only near the cracks probably indicates the water is penetrating at the breach, and the rest of the floor is not allowing water through. You might get away with simply repairing the cracks. Caulk and hydraulic cement are only for temporary repairs. Look for a product that fills the cracks completely, and delivers a permanent repair that is at least as strong as concrete.

Install a New Drainage System

• Installing a new drainage system requires obtaining a mini-digger and excavating a trench around the outside of the basement, right down to the footings. Use a pressure washer to clean the exterior walls. Paint the walls with a damp proof foundation coating. The elastic covering this creates will act as a water barrier. Fix drain tiles in place on an incline. They will divert water away from the basement when placed this way. Fill the trench with gravel. Cover the gravel with soil and grass if desired.

Perimeter Drainage

• When the cracks and water stains are around the perimeter of your basement, the solutions relies on breaking up and removing the concrete around the perimeter, and then installing a perimeter drainage channel. This is a rigid plastic gutter pipe that collects water and channels it to a sump and pump, which disposes of the water. The breached concrete is then repaired to its original level.