Wet Walls
If you notice leaks and damp spots on your walls, you could be looking at a real home repair nightmare. Here’s what you need to do.
Wet Walls are a Sign That Your Home Needs Professional Assessment
Your basement is supposed to be a safe, dry space — not a damp, musty mystery. If you’ve spotted a wet wall in your basement or noticed dark patches forming on concrete, that’s your home signaling it needs help. Wet basement walls don’t happen without a reason. And if it’s not fixed, the problem can get worse fast.
Whether you’ve already tried using a sump pump or dehumidifier with no luck, or you’re just starting to notice the signs, now is the time to take action. Let’s walk through what causes damp basement walls, what they can lead to, and how to waterproof your basement walls from the inside out.
Why Are My Basement Walls Leaking?
There are many potential causes of leaking or wet basement walls, which is why this problem is so worrying. However, there are some causes that arise more commonly than others. If your basement walls are leaky or wet, these are the most likely reason why.
- Cracks in Your Basement Walls
Even small cracks can allow water to seep in, especially after a heavy rain. Homes with poured concrete walls are especially vulnerable. As soil shifts or water pushes against the foundation (called hydrostatic pressure), these walls may crack and let moisture through.
- Heavy Rain or Flooding
If your area experiences extreme rainfall or flooding, the soil around your foundation gets saturated. Water looks for the path of least resistance. If that path includes cracks or porous spots in your basement walls, you’ll start to notice wet patches forming inside.
- Underground Water Sources
In some cases, homes are built near underground springs or high water tables. This constant presence of moisture can lead to ongoing pressure against your foundation, increasing the chance of leaks and wet basement walls.
- Foundation Settlement After a Drought
Droughts dry out the soil, causing it to shrink and pull away from your foundation. Then, when rain finally comes, the loose, cracked soil quickly soaks it up, and water may rush through newly formed gaps. This can lead to both foundation settlement and wet basement walls.
Related Resource: States That Suffer From the Most Drought
What Damage Can Wet Walls Really Cause?
Seeing a wet wall in your basement once might not feel like a big deal. But ongoing moisture can cause lasting problems that are costly (and risky) to ignore.
- Mold and Mildew
Mold thrives in damp spaces. If your basement stays wet, it can grow on walls, ceilings, and furniture. Different types of mold can damage materials or trigger respiratory issues, especially for kids or older adults.
- High Humidity
Water in your basement eventually evaporates. This increases the humidity level throughout your home, leading to musty smells, peeling paint or wallpaper, and a generally uncomfortable living space.
- Structural Damage
Cracks in poured concrete walls often get worse over time. As moisture seeps in, it weakens the wall, potentially causing it to bow, crumble, or even fail — putting your entire home at risk.
- Insect Infestation
A warm, humid environment that has mold and mildew in it is perfect grounds for an insect infestation. Insects like cockroaches, termites, and ants are drawn to a damp and humid environment. Over time, these pests can cause damage or spread throughout your home.
- Increased Energy Bills
When your air conditioning has to work harder to fight humid air, it shows up in your utility bills. A wet basement can raise your energy costs by as much as 15%.
Basement Waterproofing Problem Signs
How to Fix Wet Walls in Your Basement
The first step in fixing damp basement walls is understanding what’s really going on. That’s where a professional inspection comes in. Groundworks’ local teams specialize in identifying the source of wet basement walls and providing customized solutions that restore your home’s safety and comfort.
While You Wait for Help
If you’re waiting on a professional inspection, here are a few simple steps to help manage the moisture in the meantime:
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity
- Remove any standing water if safe to do so
- Avoid DIY sealants — these can trap moisture and make the problem worse
But remember, these are only short-term solutions. For lasting results, you need to waterproof your basement walls from the inside with help from trained professionals.
FAQs About Wet Basement Walls
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.
If leaks cause your basement walls to be wet, they can cause a huge number of problems. Unattended dampness in your basement can cause increased humidity, mold formation, insect infestations, increased energy bills, and structural damage.
Installing a sump pump, or using your sump pump, to drain standing water from your basement will help control the situation, but there is much more you will need to do. Wet walls in your basement do not generally start with standing water, so removing standing water will not solve the problem. Likewise, removing standing water will not address the additional damage that may have been done.
There are some things you can do to stop the problem from snowballing, including removing standing water from the basement and trying to control the humidity. Doing this will help control the situation and the damage dampness can cause. Nonetheless, it is important to contact a basement waterproofing professional to assess the situation because of the way it can undermine the structural integrity of your home.
Let the Professionals Fix Your Wet Basement Walls
Above and beyond all else, it is important that you contact your local Groundworks team to assess your basement and needs. During their evaluation, they will investigate why your basement walls are leaking, how the damage was caused, what other issues it may have created, and the best possible way to deal with the issue.
This could be as simple as dehumidifying the basement and filling the cracks properly to prevent further leaking. However, if the dampness has spread into the rest of the home and if the foundation of your home has shifted or settled into cracks in the ground under your home, the fix can be more complicated. Whatever the case may be, working with a professional is the best option if you want to nip these issues in the bud and ensure your home is on stable ground once more.