How To Stop Water From Coming Up Through a Concrete Floor
Living in Florida means dealing with frequent storms, damp soil, and a high water table. Unfortunately, this combination of factors can cause water to leak through concrete slab foundations and the floors of your home.
If you’ve noticed this problem, it’s important to take steps to mitigate damage and address the problem quickly. In this guide, our experts at Iceberg Home Services explain the common causes of water coming through a concrete floor and what you can do about it.
Causes of Water Coming Through Concrete Floors
Florida has a high water table, meaning that groundwater is quite close to the surface. This is why basements are so rare in this state, as the groundwater makes it difficult to dig far enough down for a basement. The issue with the groundwater level is also exacerbated by the frequent storms and intense rainfall here. Coupled together, the high water table and frequent rainfall are one of the most common culprits behind water coming up through concrete floors and slabs. Concrete is a porous material, so hydrostatic pressure can cause water to push up through the concrete and through any cracks in the slab. Other causes of water leaking through concrete floors include plumbing leaks, often from cracked or corroded pipes underneath the concrete.
Immediate Steps To Mitigate Water Intrusion
If you notice water coming up through your concrete floors, you’ll need to take quick action to mitigate any water damage. Follow these steps to address the issue:
- Remove excess water using a mop, wet/dry vacuum, or towels.
- Run a dehumidifier to address high humidity and prevent mold growth.
- Check for leaks in your plumbing systems and pipes.
- Seal any visible cracks with a waterproof sealant until a long-term solution can be implemented.
Long-Term Solutions for Waterproofing
After taking temporary measures to address the problem, you’ll want to start thinking of long-term solutions so that the issue doesn’t recur. Consider these methods to help prevent water coming from concrete floors:
Improving Drainage
When it rains, it’s important that water is directed away from your home and its foundation. Otherwise, water can pool around your concrete slab and lead to leaks. To ensure your home has proper drainage, you’ll want to regularly clean your gutters and ensure downspouts extend away from your foundation. You can also consider soil grading so that water will fall down a slope away from your home.
Installing a Sump Pump
Sump pumps collect excess water in a sump pit and remove that water from your home. Having a sump pump installed is a good way to prevent water from pooling around your foundation.
Sealing Cracks & Joints
Any cracks provide an easy way for water to come up through your concrete floors, so you’ll need to seal these cracks. Using either epoxy or polyurethane sealants, make sure any cracks in your concrete floors or foundation walls are properly sealed.
Installing Interior & Exterior Waterproofing Systems
Waterproofing your home is going to be one of the best defenses you have against this problem. For your home’s exterior, you can install French drains. These are trenches in your landscaping that are filled with gravel and use a perforated pipe to redirect water away from your home. You can also work with a professional to use waterproof coatings on the exterior of your home for added protection. For the interior, you can have vapor barriers installed on your walls and floors. This will help to stop moisture from penetrating these surfaces.
Foundation Repairs
If your foundation is at fault for the water leaks, you’ll need to work with a professional foundation repair company to address the problem. It’s important to hire professionals to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Call Iceberg Home Services for Plumbing Repairs
If you notice water coming up through concrete floors and suspect plumbing problems are the cause, our team is here to help. At Iceberg Home Services, we provide leak detection and repair services to keep your plumbing system in good shape. We can also install and replace sump pumps to add protection to your home. Our experts are committed to fixing your plumbing problems and restoring your peace of mind quickly.
Contact Iceberg Home Services today to schedule plumbing services in Orlando, Lakeland, Winter Haven, or surrounding areas.
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