Leaky, wet and damp basements can cause many different types of problems, from merely annoying to structural and health related problems. Water intrusion through poured concrete foundations is typically the result of:
- foundation wall cracks
- cold joints (where new concrete meets existing concrete)
- improperly sealed snap ties (Metal snap ties or tie rods are used to hold the forms of a foundation in place while it is being poured, snap ties can leak over time if the prep work is not done properly)
- water, well, sewer and electrical conduit pipe penetrations.
We are going to talk about pipe penetration wall leaks. Many do-it-your-selfers have tried over the years to fix these leaks. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.
During the construction of a home, holes in the foundations are cored to allow for water, well, sewer and electrical conduits to penetrate through the foundation. For example, a typical sewer line is 4 inches around. The hole cored may be 5 inches or more, leaving a space between the outside of the sewer pipe and the concrete. Prior to backfilling the foundation, these spaces are usually filled with hydraulic cement. Sometimes, they're not sealed at all. These penetrations are one of the weakest links in the foundation walls when it comes to holding back groundwater, and it's very common for them to leak water. Improper preparation around pipe penetration can cause water intrusion.
For the best and surest way to stop this type of water leakage, and its ensuing problems, call A1 Foundation Crack Repair.