Wet Basements Are No Fun!

Wet basements are one of the most litigated real estate claims in Minneapolis. Costs of repairs and remedies can be costly. However, sometimes the cure for a wet basement is simple. Also, a good eye and the advice of a Minneapolis home inspector can help you determine if a home has had a serious water problem in the past. Keep in mind that a homeowner is only required to disclose known basement water issues he/she has encountered, and cannot warrant any future condition of any basement.

Causes of Wet Basements

• Negative slope. The ground surrounding the foundation may be sloping downward toward the house, and basically funneling water to the basement. The surrounding ground should have a positive slope away from the house. This is one of the most common causes of wet basements, and can frequently be identified by a visual inspection.
• Lack of gutters and downspouts or improperly installed ones. Seamless gutters are preferable, and should be sized for the house. Downspout extensions should reach at least six to ten feet from the foundation. Leaf screens should be used. If you need to add gutters, leaf screens, and downspouts to the home, the cost will be about $5.00 per foot.
• Steps, sidewalks, and driveway aprons. Examine the concrete steps and concrete sidewalk carefully? Are they cracked, settled, or sloping downward toward the house? Sometimes a garage apron or sidewalk is settled or cracked, allowing water to migrate to the basement.
• High ground water. This is a very serious problem, and the most difficult cause to correct. If you are unsure about this condition, contact your city hall permit department to learn more about water levels and types of soil. Sandy soil and backfill is preferred. Sand allows the water to pass through. Clay is the worst. Not only does clay hold water, it expands when it becomes wet. The resultant hydrostatic pressure can cause a crack in the basement wall. If you see a vertical crack or a bowed-in basement wall, get a professional assessment of the situation. This situation could be extremely expensive. Block walls may need to be replaced and reinforced with more concrete and steel rods. There may be other related costs as well.
• Houses built too low to the ground are at potential risk. Needless to say, this might be a very difficult problem to remedy.
• Newer developments. Ground water problems are more common in newer developments, where the high ground was bought up first. If you are purchasing a new home, be careful. A nearby creek or pond does not necessarily mean increased risk. In fact, it may be a sign that there is proper drainage in the area. Water will seek the least amount of ground pressure.
• Floods. Check with the city engineer to see if the property lies on the 100 Year Flood Plain Map.

.

Wet Basement Clues

• Surface moisture. Look for discoloration on the block wall. It frequently appears as white lines or rings, called “efflorescence,” and is caused by water passing through the wall. Look for rusty anchor bolts on work benches or old paint cans. Look for mildew under steps or in corners.
• Doors, paneling or walls blackened with mold. Wood rot is also a big clue.
• Odor. If it smells wet and musty, it is wet and musty.

What About Drain Tile?

Frequently, fixing the exterior causes is sufficient. If this does not help, you may need to find a drain tile contractor to cure the problem. Drain tile directs water away from the house.

Drain tile is installed by cutting away the concrete floor along the inside of wall of the basement. Soil is removed and replaced by a four inch perforated plastic flexible pipe, gravel, and the concrete is re-poured.

The piping directs the water toward a sump basket, which is basically a 40 gallon plastic drum stuck into the ground n one of the corners of the basement. A sump pump may be added to remove water after heavy rains. If you install a sump pump, it is crucial to choose one that has a battery backup. Costs for this kind of work on a modest sized home may run up to $4000.00

Back to Minneapolis real estate home page.

Possibly related posts:

1. What are “Points?”
2. Brooklyn Center MN Two Story Home for Sale