You go into your basement, and there it is: a puddle of water on the floor. Or perhaps you smell something damp and realize that your basement is slowly getting wet. How is this happening?

Your Gutters and Downspouts Are Damaging Your Siding

You’re enjoying the crisp fall air, but when you go into your basement there’s a distinctive musty odor. While the gutters are upstairs and the basement is downstairs, the two are connected, especially if the gutters are clogged with debris. If your gutter systems have leaves or ice that prevents them from moving the water into downspouts, the water will cascade over the edges instead, hitting the ground and moving into the basement through windows or cracks.

The Snow is Melting

In the spring, the snow that has stayed in place all winter starts to melt, and it can saturate the soil around your home. If you have any leaks in the floor or the walls of your basement, those cracks can seep water as the ground becomes saturated. If the cracks are small, you may not notice the damage for a long time.

Your Foundation Drainage is Damaged

Over time, your underground drainage can break or become clogged with debris. This means that the water that used to run away from your home now pools near your foundation instead. The problem can be exacerbated by plants with strong root systems, such as willow or knotweed. These plants can destroy underground drainage systems, leading to leakage.

Your Water Heater is Leaking

Your basement troubles don’t necessarily come from the outdoors. While you may think of leaking pipes when you think about interior damage to your basement, a problem with a water heater can also cause trouble for your basement floors. Keep a close eye on your home water heater to ensure that it’s working properly.

There’s a Slow Leak in an Appliance

A slow leak in an upstairs toilet or dishwasher may not be visible at first, but water can build up and slowly move down the walls and into the basement. This kind of leak can be even more difficult than a large one as it isn’t as noticeable, and it can cause serious damage and mold growth before it’s discovered.

There’s a Sewage Backup

Cross your fingers and hope that musty smell is just pooled water: a sewage backup can be a messy cleanup. If the sewers outside your home are full due to clogging or due to pipes that are full, the sewage levels could exceed the level of the system in your home, and sewage can back up into your home.

When you’re looking for new gutter systems, contact Harry Helmet. We’ll help keep your basement dry by ensuring that your gutters are flowing clean and clear. Contact us today to see how our Gutter Helmet and Helmet Heat products can help keep your roof and your siding free of leaks this season.

Written by Del Thebaud