What is the possible reason to have water in the basement?

Question

I used to have a very dry basement, but recently I found there are some water got unferneath the basement carpet next to the wall after a very heavy rain.

Is it possible that the roof is leaking and the water got into the basement through the middle of the dry wall? No water stain seen in the wall though, at least for now.

Answer 1

You may have developed a leak from the outside as several people have pointed out; but there are other causes.

Is an appliance leaking?
Is there a leak in your plumbing?

Is it condensation from the air? I have had this before; the moist, summer air gets in your basement and cools 20° or so, wringing the water out of it. Feel the walls to see if they are slightly wet from condensation. If so, you need a dehumidifier. I have two, and one is pretty loud. Get the salesperson to let you plug it in in the store to find out about noise.

Answer 2

I believe that if the roof was leaking, the drywall would also be wet and stained. Quite possibly the heavy rain leeched thru the foundation or perhaps came up from the ground below. Question to you: Is it rain water, or a coincidence that the carpet got wet after the rain,but you have a new water leak in your home? You should investigate further.

Answer 3

The fact that it came after a heavy rain indicates that it is surface water.(most homeowners policies don't cover this) Foundations, whether concrete block or poured, can crack over time and of course you won't see it because of the dry wall.
Here's my suggestion: If you have any shrubs planted near the wall, pull them out-the roots may be exacerbating the problem.
Next I would make sure that there is landscaping higher near the house that drains away from the house. Next put heavy plastic or Tyvek or equivalent on top of the ground making sure it drains away and landscape either with mulch or preferably with stone or marble chips. If this works, fine. If not, you may be in for a big repair job. It cost me 20 thou last year when the water outside froze and pushed in the wall.

Answer 4

Lost of things to consider here. Type of foundation, Block, Tile, stone, brick. All have different reasons or ways of water entering a basement. Sump Pump in basement? Sewers at the street?

Cement block walls have hollow cores that run vertical. If water enters from the outside it will fall to the bottom of the block, build up and eventually come in where your wall and floor meet. Your outside footer drain tile around your house might not be completely open anymore to discharge water away from your foundation. Outside excavation is true waterproofing but very costly. About $110.00 per foot. There are interior methods that are more affordable but I consider them more of a water control. Check out this sight and it will give you your options on what to try yourself first or review your options on waterproofing.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/components/7051-04.html

Good Luck

Answer 5

I've never owned a house with a basement that didn't end up leaking. No answer, but expect it.

Answer 6

More likely it is outside runoff that is seeping in. Did you change the landscape or the land grade recently?

Answer 7

it could have leached in through the concrete.