Water damage is one of the worst outcomes a homeowner has to deal with. While many people are aware of the risks of flooding and leaking water, the calmness of standing water tends to be overlooked as a danger. This is risky as standing water can be one of the most costly forms of water damage to repair.
Standing water is water that has become stagnant/no longer flows. It can form a puddle the size of your backyard, depending on the source. When it collects under your property’s foundation and isn’t fixed, that’s when your foundation can be compromised.
Luckily for you, Granite Foundation Repair has provided a guide for all you need to know about standing water under your house foundation!
The Causes of Standing Water
Standing water can collect from numerous sources. Here are a few examples to keep in mind:
The Low-Point Drain is Clogged
If you have a crawl space and have noticed standing water, it may indicate that the low-point drain has been clogged. These drains work to empty water away from your home and into the street. The low-point drain in the crawl space floor can become blocked if a filter has not been installed, causing water to leak into your crawl space and damage the foundation. Be sure to check that your low-point drain isn’t submerged in water.
The Pipes Are Leaking
If you’ve noticed standing water under your house or in the crawl space, it may also mean that you have a leaking pipe. Make sure the water is turned on in your home, and examine your pipes to see if any water leaks. If it does, then you’ll have found your standing water source.
Your Foundation Has Cracks
Cracks in your foundation are an open door for water to seep into your home. If you suspect this is the problem or notice any cracks, call on the foundation experts at Granite Foundation Repair. We can inspect your foundation and come up with the best steps to solve the issue!
Your Crawlspace Has Exposed Dirt
If there’s dirt in your crawl space, that’s a clear warning sign for standing water. This can cause moisture to enter your home by gradually rising through the earth. This can happen when your home’s landscaping or drainage systems haven’t been implemented correctly. The improper installation of your vapor barrier is usually the root cause.
Other Causes
While we’ve covered the main causes, it’s also worth considering a few other sources:
- Water flowing naturally from bedrock
- Sloped land that directs water toward your home
- Collected water in loose soil
- Flowerbeds next to the foundation
- Damaged water lines under the house
When water meets your house, its route can become blocked, preventing it from going anywhere and accumulating at your foundation. Being aware of the possible sources is the first step in preventing this issue from occurring.
The Effects of Standing Water On Your Foundation
The damage caused by standing water under your foundation can be significant. The following are a few key effects:
Persistent Pressure
Pressure is exerted on your foundation due to collected water during the wetter seasons. However, in many cases, standing water will evaporate during the hot summer months, relieving the pressure.
It may seem like a natural fix to the issue, but don’t be fooled! As soon as the water returns and the cycle repeats itself, the constant increase and decrease of pressure will cause stress on the substructure of your home. This leads to costly foundation damage.
Uneven Stress
The pressure from standing water is not evenly distributed. It may collect on one side of your home and not another due to the slope of the land or another barrier like a fence. This uneven strain on your property’s foundation can result in horizontal fissures in the structure.
Water Leakage
As solid as you may think your home’s structure is, water will find every possible crack and crevice to enter. Over time, standing water can leak into your home, causing further water damage and leading to mold growth.
How to Solve the Issue of Standing Water
If you have standing water, don’t worry! There are solutions you can implement to solve the problem. Here are some tips to do just that:
French Drains
French drains are one of the best drainage solutions out there when it comes to standing water. A ditch is dug around your home and a perforated pipe is placed in it and then covered with gravel. Water is redirected away from your home, thanks to this drain placement.
Sump Pumps
So how exactly do you remove standing water? That’s where sump pumps come in! A sump pump is a device that soaks up water and deposits it away from your home.
They also act as a preventative measure against future build-ups of standing water as well. Once a sump pump is installed, they remain in place so that they activate when sensing that the water level is too high. Once the sensor is set off, the pump will turn on and remove the excess water.
Sump pumps are universally helpful with water issues as they do not depend on the source of water. Whether it’s from flooding to a pipe issue, if the water level is high, it will solve the problem.
Vapor Barriers
A vapor barrier prevents water from entering your home externally. Also known as “waterproofing,” vapor barriers are installed on the inside and outside of your home. It’s a great resource against flooding.
Bottom Line
If you’re having trouble with standing water and are worried about the state of your home’s foundation, call on the leading foundation repair company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area: Granite Foundation Repair!
We know the top solutions to all your foundation issues at the best cost. We pride ourselves on our honest and reliable work, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about the quality of your foundation repairs. We even offer a free evaluation of your home’s foundation!
Contact us today to learn more about our services.