BDB Foundation Repair encourages homeowners to look for warning signs of basement water problems as wet weather continues.

With additional rainfall affecting the Eastern Nebraska, Western Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota areas, homeowners should take a few minutes to check their homes for drainage issues and early warning signs of basement water intrusion before the next round of rain arrives.

Repeated rainfall can saturate the soil surrounding a home’s foundation. As more water accumulates in the ground, it can expose drainage problems and find pathways into basements through cracks, joints and other vulnerable areas.

BDB Foundation Repair, a basement waterproofing and foundation repair company serving Omaha and surrounding communities, recommends homeowners check these five areas:

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

Why Gutters Matter During Heavy Rain

Start at the roof. Clogged gutters or downspouts that discharge too close to the foundation can allow large amounts of rainwater to collect next to the house.

What to Do

  • Make sure gutters are clear
  • Direct downspouts away from the foundation
  • Don’t let water pool near basement walls

Look for Cracks in Basement Walls

What to Look For

Take a walk through the basement and look closely at foundation walls for cracks, particularly cracks showing signs of moisture, staining or active water seepage.

A crack that appears dry during normal conditions can become a pathway for water when the soil surrounding the foundation becomes saturated.

Inspect Where the Basement Wall Meets the Floor

Homeowners should inspect the perimeter of the basement where the foundation walls meet the floor.

Signs Water Is Getting In

Damp areas, staining or water appearing along this joint can indicate that water is accumulating around or beneath the foundation and finding a way into the basement.

Check Drainage Around the Foundation

Best time to check: Walk around the outside of the home during or shortly after rainfall and see where the water goes.

Drainage Problems to Watch For

Low spots, standing water or soil that directs water toward the house instead of away from it can increase the amount of water collecting around the foundation.

Pay Close Attention To

  • Areas beneath downspouts
  • Around patios and landscaping
  • Anywhere water appears to pool against the house

Test Your Sump Pump

The worst time to discover a sump pump isn’t working is during a heavy rainstorm.

How to Check Your Sump Pump

Homeowners with sump pumps should make sure the system is operating properly and check that the discharge line is moving water away from the home. Water discharged too close to the foundation can potentially make its way back toward the basement.

Don’t Ignore the Early Warning Signs

A small amount of moisture doesn’t necessarily mean a homeowner is facing a major repair, but it is worth determining where the water is coming from.

Heavy and repeated rainfall can expose water problems homeowners may not see when conditions are dry. This is a good opportunity to walk around your home, inspect your basement and pay attention to where the rainwater is going. Catching a problem early gives homeowners an opportunity to understand what’s happening before it becomes a larger issue.

Brad FisherBDB Foundation Repair

Basement Warning Signs to Have Evaluated

  • Water seepage
  • Recurring dampness
  • Musty odors
  • Foundation cracks
  • Standing water

Homeowners who notice water seepage, recurring dampness, musty odors, foundation cracks or standing water in their basements may want to have the source of the problem evaluated.

Get Ahead of the Next Storm

Have the source of your basement water evaluated with a free inspection from BDB Foundation Repair, the right solution at the right price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does repeated rain cause basement water problems?

Repeated rainfall can saturate the soil surrounding a home’s foundation. As more water accumulates in the ground, it can expose drainage problems and find pathways into basements through cracks, joints and other vulnerable areas.

Where should my downspouts direct rainwater?

Downspouts should direct water away from the foundation. Downspouts that discharge too close to the house can allow large amounts of rainwater to collect next to basement walls.

Can a dry basement wall crack still leak?

Yes. A crack that appears dry during normal conditions can become a pathway for water when the soil surrounding the foundation becomes saturated.

When is the best time to check drainage around my house?

Walk around the outside of your home during or shortly after rainfall and see where the water goes. Look for low spots, standing water or soil that slopes water toward the house.

What basement warning signs should I have evaluated?

Water seepage, recurring dampness, musty odors, foundation cracks or standing water in your basement are all worth having evaluated to determine where the water is coming from.

About BDB Foundation Repair

25-Year Warranty

BDB Foundation Repair specializes in basement waterproofing and foundation repair throughout Council Bluffs, Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska City, Sioux City, Saint Joseph, MO and surrounding areas. The company provides customized solutions for basement water intrusion, foundation settlement, and cracked or bowed foundation walls. BDB’s repair solutions are backed by a 25-year warranty. The right solution at the right price.

Available for Media Interviews and Demonstrations

BDB Foundation Repair is available to provide you with an experienced waterproofing professional for an interview about basement water intrusion and preventative steps homeowners can take during periods of repeated rainfall.

Media Contact

A&K Marketing, Inc · Rhonda Richardson · 402-431-9558 · Rhonda@akmarketinginc.com

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