Why is there Water in my Basement with No Rain?

It may surprise you to learn that water can come into your home days after a storm. Of course, during a heavy storm water can rapidly enter your basement anyplace where there are cracks or gaps to let it through. However, most people don’t realize that sitting water after a storm can push its way through your foundation, allowing water to bubble up or trickle in even when the storm is just a faint memory. This is especially true when rain levels have been heavier than usual because the carrying capacity of the soil is surpassed, meaning water can’t be absorbed and allowing it to sit there until the soil dries out enough to take it up. Even sound foundations can allow water in if enough of it is sitting on the other side for long enough.

If there is no chance that the water in your basement could be due to a past storm, it is time to play the role of investigator and figure out where the water is coming from. Look for anywhere where a broken fitting or cracked pipe could be allowing water in. Typically, you will be able to hear a hissing or gurgling if water is leaking from somewhere nearby. If your pipes do not seem to be the issue, check your basement appliances (hot water tank, washing machine, etc.) for leaks. Any of these have the capability to cause problems if they begin leaking, allowing water into your basement when you least expect it. If any of these usual suspects are not to blame, hire a local plumber to come figure out where the water is coming from and stop it! A nearby plumber will follow the same steps you have, but they will utilize their years of industry experience as well as professional leak detection tools to definitively find the problem. And, if the water in your basement is more of a flood than a damp nuisance, call an emergency plumber right away to get the issue diagnosed and fixed.

Any time your basement has gotten wet, it is important to get it cleaned up right away. If you have standing water that needs to be pumped out, call a water restoration company. They will remove the water and dry up the area, removing any damaged or destroyed materials as well. The sooner you can get the water cleaned up, the less of a chance you give mold to start growing and spreading in your home. Remember, water restoration work is almost always going to be less expensive than mold remediation! 

Additional resources:
Water Restoration for Beginners
The Cost of Cleaning Up a Wet Basement
Why does Rain make Water Come in my Home?
Is that Strong Water Smell in a Basement Toxic?
How to Disinfect after a Basement Flood
Does a Home Warranty cover Water in a Basement?
Who Cleans up Water in a Basement?
There is Water Leaking in My Basement!
Why Use a Water Restoration Company?
Do You Need Water Restoration Services?
The Essentials for Cleaning Up Water Effectively
Who Cleans Up Water Damage Near Me?
Water Restoration Explained
Weekend & Evening Water Damage Clean Up
Why does Water come in my Basement when it Rains?
Water Restoration Basics Explained
The Most Common Reasons for Basement Water Damage
Why is there Water Along the Wall in My Basement?
Who Cleans Up after Water Comes into Your Basement from Outside?
Will Mold Grow from Home Water Damage?