It is critical to understand that a leaking basement will usually continue to leak unless the foundation walls are waterproofed. This is because the majority of basement leaks are not caused by faulty or clogged weeping tile systems. Many new homes, even those with brand-new foundations and weeping tile installations, have basement leaks. While this fact may appear illogical at first, further logical examination will reveal that it is correct.
Water entering a basement through a foundation wall enters under pressure through voids and cracks in those walls.
The prevention of water ingress through these voids and cracks ultimately prevents water from leaking through your basement walls. The role of the foundation waterproofing product (coating) applied to the exterior foundation walls is to protect against leaks through voids and cracks. Installing new weeping tile improves your foundation’s ability to drain away accumulated water at the foundation’s base. Water pressure against your foundation can be reduced with effective weeping tile drainage. Water pressure reduction reduces the frequency of leaks as well as the amount of water that leaks through the foundation walls.
Poured concrete and cinderblock, or concrete block, walls are “dampproofed” in new home construction. This is accomplished through the use of sprayed-on tar and, in some cases, an air-gap membrane. Foundation wrap is also installed for the sole purpose of damp proofing.
Even when a new foundation is dampproofed with tar, the tar is typically applied as thinly as paint. When a crack forms, the thin tar application does not stretch to bridge the crack’s width. As a result of the unprotected gap in the foundation, the foundation is no longer waterproof. The installed air-gap membrane does not protect against leaks because its sole purpose is to provide dampproofing. The damp proofing is specifically designed to keep wet mud from constantly contacting your foundation walls.
Even if you have perfectly installed and perfectly clear weeping tile, there is still significant hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. Water will flow through your foundation walls if there is no barrier preventing this pressure from causing water to enter a foundation crack or void. This is the most common reason for a flooded basement. It is extremely important to replace the weeping tile if the soil retains so much water that it does not reach it.
