You’ve installed a reliable sump pump and an efficient drainage system, keeping your basement dry throughout the year. You even use a dehumidifier to manage humidity. That should be enough to protect your basement from water damage, right? Unfortunately, not entirely.

While keeping water out of the basement is important, homeowners also need to consider the impact of water on the soil surrounding their home. When soil becomes saturated, it exerts pressure on your foundation and basement walls. This pressure, known as hydrostatic pressure, is often strong enough to cause cracks in these structures.

Hydrostatic pressure is a leading cause of basement water problems. As cracks form, they provide a pathway for water to seep inside, and over time, these cracks can expand, allowing even more water in. If left unchecked, this can also weaken your home’s structural integrity.

Protecting your home from hydrostatic pressure is essential, especially in warm, damp climates. If you’ve noticed any cracks or leaks in your basement, contact our experts today for a free inspection. Don’t wait until the damage becomes severe.

Hydrostatic pressure is particularly troublesome due to what’s known as the “clay bowl effect,” a byproduct of construction. When a construction company begins building, they excavate a hole slightly larger than the foundation itself. Once the foundation is in place, the surrounding area is filled with backfill soil.

This backfill is looser and more porous than the undisturbed soil around it, creating a “clay bowl” around the basement. During periods of rainfall, which are common in our region, water accumulates in this looser soil, pressing against the basement walls. This is the clay bowl effect at work, contributing to the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.

The clay bowl effect is an inevitable result of construction, meaning any home with a basement or partially submerged level will face the challenges of hydrostatic pressure.

In severe cases, hydrostatic pressure can cause extensive damage to homes, leading to costly and drastic repairs. As the pressure forces cracks in the foundation walls to widen, water will seep through, worsening the damage.

Beyond the immediate issues caused by water intrusion, hydrostatic pressure continues to weaken basement walls, eventually compromising the structural integrity of the home. Although this process takes time, addressing the problem early is crucial. Acting sooner will protect your home and make repairs far less expensive.

Horizontal cracks, in particular, are the most concerning and require immediate attention. The good news is that most small to medium cracks can be effectively repaired.

Regardless of the material used in your basement walls, without preventive measures, they will eventually succumb to hydrostatic pressure. Over time, unchecked pressure could lead to the collapse of the basement walls.