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What’s Causing Water In Your Basement or Crawlspace?

What’s Causing Water In Your Basement or Crawlspace?


You know as soon as you sniff the air that there is trouble in your basement or crawlspace. Is it wet? Is it moldy? How do I fix it? Either way, the only way to know for sure is to investigate.

Some causes that are easy to remedy are a washer that overflows, a window that was left open, or a leaky pipe or hot water heater. Appliance leak cleanup is usually pretty simple once you stop the water at the source. To prevent appliance leaks in the future, consider installing water leak detectors. There are a multitude of them on the market and you will find one that fits your needs. The most basic simply make a loud attention-getting noise when they get wet. More sophisticated models send a message to your phone if the alarm is triggered. This might be a good option if you are away from home for long periods of time or if you have a long commute. This system would let you alert a neighbor or relative to check on the issue.

Appliance leak not the issue? Then pinpointing the cause will take some detective work.  

Check your drains. Did one of them get blocked? The next thing to check is your sump pump if you have one. Make sure that it works properly. Once you have found the cause and stopped or mitigated the water issue, you can look at finding a permanent solution.

Water ends up in your basement for a few reasons. If you find the cause you will know how to solve the problem and prevent future damage.

Newer homes or older homes where you have made renovations settle over time as they age. It is possible that your home has settled, and the water can now get into the basement because of the shift. If this is the case, the solution may involve setting up drainage channels. It may be as simple as adjusting your downspouts and where they dump the water when it reaches the bottom. Often you can add another piece to the end of the downspout to have the water empty further from the house. You may also consider adding gravel around window ledges and other places where water collects to help absorb it before it ends up in your home. A bit of grading or changes can be a simple solution.

Another common cause is that your downspouts and drains are not in the correct place or are not working. Sometimes they just need to be repositioned or adjusted. Perhaps part of your gutter is blocked or has pulled away from your house. These will cause the water to flow in a different direction and some of it will probably end up in the basement.

If you’re still unsure, a professional can help you evaluate the issue and find the best long-term solution. When you meet with a professional, be sure to discuss all the options and the one you should start with. This issue may not be a quick easy fix, but you will get there. Often a larger plan is executed in steps, and you should see the amount of water decrease steadily as you put more and more steps in place.

A professional will aid in removing as much of the water as possible and begin the process of drying out the affected area. Additionally, depending on the amount of damage, the professional you chose should discuss water damage clean up and restoration tactics to restore your space back to its original state. They’ll also aid in making sure the area is dried to prevent mold concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

We recommend clearing the area around the damaged drywall to give our technicians easy access.

Preventing flood damage involves proactive measures such as maintaining gutters, ensuring proper drainage around your property, and considering flood-resistant building materials. Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers tips and resources to help you safeguard your home against future flooding incidents.

To prevent floor warping from water damage, quickly clean up any spills or leaks to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. You can use mats or rugs in high-moisture areas to keep them dry.

Remove any affected tiles and clean the area thoroughly with a mold-specific cleaner.

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