Foundation Repairs
Clogged drains or damaged plumbing that makes up the main water line located beneath your home's concrete foundation may result in the swelling of flooring materials, cracks, and water becoming backed up in the area where an issue is present. Perform a walkthrough of your home and contact a plumber who can aid with repairing the damage.
Floor Drains
If your home's basement contains floor drains, these features may have been installed due to the area where you reside being prone to flooding. In spite of drains being an asset that can prevent extensive damage, they can become clogged and this can contribute to water damage inside of the basement. Inspect the drain openings and use a commercial grade drain opener to aid with flushing the drains.
If you notice dirt, hair, or any other foreign substance near each drain cover, remove the covers, to access the material that is causing the blockage. If the flooring is slightly wet, a dehumidifier or a portable heater can be used to dry it. For soaked floors and a drain system that is severely clogged, a plumber will need to inspect the plumbing and make the repair. Flooring materials may need to be replaced and any damaged portions of the foundation will need to be patched or replaced.
Concealed Plumbing
Concealed plumbing consists of the plumbing that runs under your home. If the main water line is damaged and water is saturating carpeting or floor tiles, a plumber will need to cut through the concrete to access the plumbing. Taking care of this type of issue should be a priority since water sitting on the flooring for a while could result in needing to replace the plumbing, a large portion of the foundation, and any floor coverings that were affected.
A plumber may use a sump pump to collect water and disperse it outdoors. This is necessary if puddling has formed and it is impeding the plumber from accessing the portion of the foundation that contains damaged plumbing.
Minor Problems
Minor problems that could affect the foundation include clogged gutter systems, downspouts that aren't stable, uneven terrain that allows water to filter into the basement, and hairline cracks that are resulting in moisture accumulation. All of these issues can be remedied with some minor adjustments, cleaning, and patching materials. If a plumber is going to handle all aspects of the foundation repair, they may add a waterproof sealant to your home's foundation, which will protect it from other issues.
Reach out to a local foundation contractor for more information.