What is Hydrostatic Pressure?: 4 Tips To Stop It
Hydrostatic pressure is a common cause of basement water damage, and when ignored, it can cause significant problems. This pressure forces groundwater through cracks and gaps, quickly finding pathways into the basement.
This page explores the causes of hydrostatic pressure and ways to prevent it from damaging your basement.
What is Hydrostatic Pressure, and What Causes it?
Hydrostatic pressure is the force from standing water pressing against your basement walls. This pressure is usually caused by water soaking into the soil around your home after rain or snowmelt.
Areas with high water tables and certain types of soil, like clay, which holds more water, can increase this pressure. Learn more about how hydrostatic pressure affects your foundation here.
4 Ways to Prevent Hydrostatic Pressure
Preventing hydrostatic pressure ideally starts during the home construction phase, by incorporating it into the site and foundation design.
But since most homeowners are past the building stage, here are some steps you can take now to prevent hydrostatic pressure.
1. Improve Drainage
Excessive water and poor drainage lead to significant problems. To prevent water from pooling, find ways to direct it away from your home. A professionally installed drainage system is an effective solution, as it removes water before it creates hydrostatic pressure. You can achieve this by:
- Draining gutters and downspouts away from your foundation. This ensures rainwater doesn’t pool near your house, where it can seep into the foundation.
- Ensuring the ground slopes away from your house in all directions, including your yard. Proper yard grading allows water to flow naturally away from the foundation, reducing the risk of water pooling and hydrostatic pressure.
2. Install an Interior Drainage System
A good drainage system is essential to prevent hydrostatic pressure, but issues can still arise if the drainage isn’t effective. Heavy rainfall can cause water levels to rise, leading to hydrostatic pressure. Installing a professional interior drainage system is the best solution.
These systems collect and remove water from your basement, preventing damage. For optimal results, install the system below the slab and ensure the drains slope downward and away from your home to ensure proper water flow.
3. Seal Cracks
Inspect your basement walls and floor for cracks, and contact your local foundation specialist to seal them. This repair prevents crack expansion and basement water infiltration. Foundation repair may be necessary.
4. Invest in Professional Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is essential for preventing hydrostatic pressure.
Interior drainage and sump pump installation are key. This combined method removes standing water. The drainage system stops water before it causes damage, channeling it to the sump pump, which then pumps the water out and away from the foundation.
This approach protects against water damage and flood risks and ensures a dry and secure living area.
Schedule a free inspection today with a local Groundworks foundation repair expert.
How Does Hydrostatic Pressure Affect Your Foundation?
As the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with moisture, it expands and exerts pressure on the foundation walls. This pressure forces groundwater through the basement cove, flooding the area.
Hydrostatic pressure may also cause additional cracks to form and, in severe cases, bowing basement walls. Addressing water infiltration with professional foundation repair solutions is crucial to preventing damage.
Basement Waterproofing FAQs
If your basement walls are wet, it can be a sign that there are deeper problems at play in your home. Cracks in your basement walls and foundation are the most likely source of wetness in your walls and floor, but these can be caused by a variety of issues. Hydrostatic pressure, faults in poured concrete walls, settlement, and abnormally heavy rainfall can all cause this kind of damage.
DIY basement waterproofing is not recommended. While sealing basement walls may seem like a quick fix, it is crucial to address mold and mildew issues first. Contact a professional to identify, repair, and prevent leaks rather than attempting a DIY patch-up.
Basement waterproofing is definitely worth it. It enhances your home’s value and appeals to potential buyers, offering immediate and long-term benefits for your property.
Call Groundworks to Solve Your Hydrostatic Pressure Issues
Understanding hydrostatic pressure and knowing how to mitigate it are crucial steps in protecting your home’s foundation. Implementing the tips discussed above can help manage this pressure, but for comprehensive and lasting solutions, it’s best to call in the experts.
At Groundworks, we have successfully solved hydrostatic pressure issues for thousands of homeowners, restoring their peace of mind. Trust our professional team to safeguard your home and keep your basement dry. Contact Groundworks today for a free inspection.