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What Is Hydrostatic Pressure on Your Basement?

graphic depicting hydrostatic pressure

Hydrostatic pressure can damage your foundation and basement walls, causing them to bow or crack and allowing water into your home.

Water is a dense liquid that weighs about 60 pounds per cubic foot. Whenever it rains, hydrostatic pressure can build up to thousands of pounds.

Let’s clarify hydrostatic pressure, a common but misunderstood issue, and show you how to address it.

What Is Hydrostatic Pressure? 

Bowing basement wall

Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by stagnant water on objects like a concrete slab or foundation wall.

Wet soil increases this pressure, leading to structural issues and potentially causing walls to collapse.

Upward water pressure dissolves concrete salts, turning the water alkaline. This weakens the concrete, creating more cracks and pores, and causing concrete floors to deteriorate.

Causes of Hydrostatic Pressure 

Soil saturation may be the leading cause of hydrostatic pressure, but it is not the only enabler. Here are other common causes:

Flooding in a yard
  • Poor Water Drainage: Damaged sprinklers, city mains, plumbing, and other water supply lines can saturate the soil in your yard, leading to hydrostatic pressure.  
  • Improperly Dried Concrete: Applying surface membranes before the slab dries up completely can also cause moisture to accumulate on your concrete slab.  
  • Inadequate Installation: Less experienced professionals sometimes fail to survey the site or don’t use high-quality vapor barriers. Surveyors may ignore nearby water sources.

Determining Hydrostatic Pressure 

You can test hydrostatic pressure by placing a plastic sheet over your basement floor. Hold the sheet down using duct tape and wait a day or two to see if water droplets form on top of it.  

Concrete epoxy moisture meters will also be useful in testing hydrostatic pressure. If the moisture content is above 5%, your foundation is at risk for moisture issues.  

How to Fix Hydrostatic Pressure 

To avoid problems caused by hydrostatic pressure, you have to eliminate the water sources near your home. 

Step 1: Pressure Relief 

To relieve hydrostatic pressure around your foundation, consider the following steps:

weep holes installed
  • Drill Weep Holes: These small openings in concrete block walls allow water to escape and aerate the wall.
  • Improve Grading: Adjust the slope of your yard to direct water away from your home, preventing accumulation around the foundation.
  • Maintain Gutters: Ensure they are in good shape and clog-free to drain water away and prevent pooling near the foundation.
waterproofing being installed

Step 2: Waterproofing

After relieving the hydrostatic pressure, it’s time to waterproof your foundation:

  • Install an Interior Drainage System: Diverts water safely using a sump pump before it can cause any damage to your home.
  • Use a Dehumidifier: Depending on moisture levels, a dehumidifier may be needed to keep the area dry and prevent mold growth.

These measures will help ensure your home stays protected from water-related issues.

Concerned About Hydrostatic Pressure? Contact Foundation Recovery Systems Today!

Foundation Recovery Systems team ready to help

Hydrostatic pressure 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 hydrostatic pressure or foundation concerns.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We’ll assess your property and recommend steps to ensure effective drainage and prevent water-related issues.

FAQs

Yes, a professional foundation repair or waterproofing expert can assess the situation, recommend solutions, and install necessary systems to prevent damage from hydrostatic pressure.

While hydrostatic pressure is a natural occurrence, proper drainage systems, waterproofing measures, and regular maintenance can effectively control and reduce its impact on your home.

Interior drainage systems, like French drains or sump pumps, collect and redirect groundwater away from your foundation, relieving the pressure and preventing water intrusion.

Related Resources

Leah Leitow

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

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