High Water Table: What It Means for Your Basement and Yard

• High Precipitation: Melting snow in spring and heavy rain in spring and summer months can increase the amount of water that percolates the soil, leading to high water tables. 
• Low-lying Terrain: An area that’s near or below the sea level is more likely to experience high water tables in rainy weather due to high terrain flows that cause water to stagnate. 
• Near a Water Body: Your home is more likely to experience flooding if you live near a water body and the surrounding soils are mostly clay, which is less permeable. 

• Basement Flooding: If you and your neighbors experience basement flooding right about the same time, that’s a clear indication the water table nearby is pretty high. 
• Standing Water: When rainwater or meltoffs fail to percolate through the soil, the surface is likely already saturated due to a high water table. 
• Damp Wood Floors and Walls: Watermarks on your floor and walls are a sign of excess hydration. The water table might be pushing up and wetting the subfloor area. Older homes are likely to experience condensation, creating the illusion of rising dampness levels. 

Yes, it does. A high water table will drive up basement moisture levels and make the basement feel damp or muggy. When precipitation is high, groundwater may collect around your foundation walls and push against them. This might cause your walls to bow inward or crack. 

At some point, a white powdery substance may appear. This is known as efflorescence and forms when minerals from the water crystallize. 

If there are tiny cracks, you will also notice that they are growing bigger with time. As they widen, these cracks will allow more water to enter your basement.

• Waterproof Your Basement: In addition to sealing cracks in your basement walls, installing basement waterproofing solutions, such as an interior drainage system and a sump pump, will help prevent flooding.  
• Add Downspout Extensions: These fixtures will carry rainwater away from your home and reduce the amount of water that goes into a nearby water table. 
• Carry out Proper Landscaping: Regrading your yard so that it slopes away will increase outflows during spring and winter when precipitation is high. 

High water tables and related drainage problems can be complex, but local professionals can help protect your home. Our team at Foundation Recovery Systems is here to assist with any high water table or foundation concerns.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We’ll assess your property and recommend steps to manage high water tables effectively and prevent water-related issues.