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What a High Water Table Means For Your Home

Muddy water.

You might think heavy rainfall and flooding are the biggest threats to your property, but a high water table can be just as dangerous. When groundwater levels rise, water can seep through cracks in your home and cause structural damage, putting the safety of your loved ones at risk.

A high water table requires a first line of defense against water intrusion in your home. Investing in proper landscaping, installing drainage systems, and taking other measures can keep your property dry and safe, preventing more expensive fixes in the future.

What Is a Water Table?

Wet soil in a crawl space.

A water or groundwater table is the upper level of an underground surface where the rock and soil are completely soaked with water. It rises and falls at different times based on various factors.

Take snow, for example, which is common in Salt Lake City during the winter. Water tables can temporarily rise when snow melts and saturates the soil. This increases the chances of water seeping through foundation cracks.

Many other factors can influence water tables, including rainfall and how much water people use. Location matters, too. Water tables might be higher in the Salt Lake Valley because this is a low-lying area that collects water more easily.

How Can a High Water Table Affect Your Home?

A high water table means groundwater is close to the surface of the ground, which may lead to the following issues:

  • Foundation damage: When the water table rises, water can push against your foundation and create pressure. This might result in cracks and leaks or cause your house to settle unevenly. Foundation damage is bad news for lots of reasons. Not only can it threaten your family’s safety, but it can also lower your home’s value.
  • Excess moisture: Too much groundwater can make your home humid because of more moisture in the air. You might notice mold, pests, or wood rot in your basement or crawl space as a result.
  • Expensive repairs: When a high water table causes serious foundation or other damage, expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars to fix the problem. That’s why it’s a good idea to waterproof your home now to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Signs of a High Water Table

There may be signs in your home that indicate the water table is high, including:

The good news is that a foundation repair and basement waterproofing expert like Groundworks can reverse the damage caused by a high water table in most instances and prevent future water intrusion problems in your home.

How To Fix High Water Table Problems

The best methods for dealing with a high water table include:

Landscape Grading

A landscaper can level the ground around your foundation to stop groundwater from accumulating in one spot. They can also add plants to your yard and make other landscaping changes for proper water flow and drainage.

Foundation and Basement Waterproofing

Waterproofing both your foundation and basement can manage the effects of a high water table. Common waterproofing solutions include:

All of the above prevent water from damaging your property. Additionally, If a high water table has caused excess moisture and humidity inside your basement (or other parts of your home), consider products like vapor barriers and dehumidifiers.

How Groundworks Can Help

Groundworks inspector talking with homeowners.

Understanding the risks of a high water table can protect your home from water damage and preserve its value. Groundworks specializes in foundation and basement waterproofing solutions tailored to your needs, helping you create a drier environment for your family. Contact our team to learn more.

High Water Table FAQs

Poor drainage causes water to pool around the foundation, compounding the effects of a high water table and increasing seepage risks.

Yes, high moisture levels from a high water table can force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain comfortable humidity levels, increasing energy usage and utility bills. Waterproofing and proper drainage can help reduce these costs.

Long-term exposure to high humidity and mold growth can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. Ensuring proper ventilation and dehumidification can help mitigate these health risks.