Is Your Foundation Leaking in Vancouver? Learn The 5 Common Causes

Hugging the Canadian coast of the Pacific Northwest lies one of North America's most desirable cities to live in, Vancouver. With its vibrant outdoor life complete with trails, mountains and ocean excursions and its metropolitan amenities, it's little wonder why so many people have chosen to call this dynamic city home. Over 18% of the city is urban forest, with plenty of additional green spaces around. 90% of the population lives within a five-minute walk of natural spaces. Its tree-lined streets, city parks, and nearby forests uniquely position it as a blend between nature and the city. One aspect that makes Vancouver so beautiful is its consistent rainfall. But as every Vancouver homeowner knows, rain can be rife with household water problems. From the heavy rains to the proximity to the sea, you want to ensure that your home is protected against water damage and leakage. That includes common issues like foundation leaking in Vancouver.

As a homeowner, there are few things as scary as their foundation leaking. In Vancouver, your home’s foundation is the cornerstone of your house, supporting the entire structure and preventing structural damage and security risks. That's why you need a Vancouver plumber to identify the exact cause of why your foundation is leaking.

Our team of basement waterproofing professionals and repair experts can get the issue under control before it causes serious damage. We're licensed professionals with decades of experience in the plumbing industry. That means we're uniquely positioned to assist you in all your repair needs when you have a foundation leaking in Vancouver. Whether your foundation leak is the victim of poor drainage or poor soil conditions, we'll get it taken care of.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes behind foundation leaking issues and the indicators that you have a leak. Let's dive right in!

Top 5 Common Causes of Foundation Leaking in Vancouver

There are a handful of issues that could be behind your foundation leaking problems. Read to find out more about each of these common sources of basement leaks:

1. Foundation Wall Cracks

Foundation wall cracks are a common occurrence in Vancouver, and British Columbia, in general, due to the curing process of the concrete and subtle shifts in the ground and soil. Small foundation cracks are not a real cause for concern until your home becomes susceptible to flooding or water damage. When water seeps into these cracks, this can cause water to infiltrate your basement floor, leading to moisture and structural damage, such as foundation leaking issues. Basement wall cracks are especially a problem in wet climates like Vancouver where heavy winter rains are so prevalent.

2. Poor Drainage:

There could be a couple of different clogs at work, causing your foundation leaking issues and water damage in your basement. First, your foundation drainage tile could be cracked or clogged. If this is the case, it will prevent the water that skirts the foundation's base from being pumped away from the foundation, causing water leaks. Another cause could be that there is a clog in your sewer lines. When this happens, every time you use the plumbing in your home, water will get backed up. It will need somewhere to go, so it will back up into your basement.

3. Poor Soil Conditions:

In Vancouver, over-saturated soil is a big problem when it comes to foundation leaking problems. Vancouver receives 156-252 cm of heavy rain annually, depending on the area of the city you live in, so the soil becomes incredibly wet, leading to foundation issues. When soil is over-saturated, it expands and adds extra pressure to the foundation. That built-up pressure will result in cracks and exposure to water on your basement floor.

4. Plumbing Issues:

When you have plumbing leaks in your home, from a leaky faucet to regular clogs, leaks will add excess water to the soil, which in turn will expand and put too much weight on the foundation. One preventative measure that can be taken is to waterproof your basement and also purchase a sump pump as a backup drainage system. This way the foundation leaking water will be forced away from your basement and protect your home from possible structural damage.

Another more serious issue is a slab leak. Your home’s main water and sewer lines run below the concrete foundation on which your house is built. A damaged line will require an immediate slab leak repair service to avoid any foundational damage. A licensed plumber will run a detailed leak detection service to determine the exact location of the leak and provide you with the necessary repairs.

5. Tree Root Invasion:

When trees are in search of water, their roots will spread out to find any source that can quench them. Often, they will attach themselves to foundational structures. Once they've attached, they can spread and grow, causing serious foundation leaking issues. This will in turn allow rainwater to leak into the foundation.

Another way in which trees root cause foundation leaking problems is by creating pockets underneath the foundation. When tree roots spread underneath the foundation in search of soil, they will ingest the moisture and create pockets. When roots beneath the foundation die and disintegrate, your soil is left with huge pockets of air. These pockets can unsettle your foundation and cause serious damage.

Preventative Maintenance: Avoiding Future Foundation Leaking Issues

Now that you know the common causes behind your foundation leaking issues, let's go over some common signs that will help you determine if your foundation is leaking and how to prevent future basement leaks.

Some key indicators that you have a foundation leaking issue are:

• High utility bills
• Standing basement water/wet basement
• Floor hotspots (due to hot water leaks)
• Dripping or running water sounds
• Cracks in basement walls and ceiling
• Bubbled or warped flooring
• Increased humidity levels at home

If you've noticed any of these issues in your home, and specifically your basement, it's a bad sign and time to call in a professional for foundation leaking repairs and service. But, what can you do about it before the problem gets out of hand? There are some home improvement installations you can make that will help fend off future water damage issues, including:

• Installing a sump pump
• Extend your downspouts
• Install French drains
• Add gutter extensions
• Seal foundation cracks
• Waterproof your exterior walls

Installing any of these components will be well worth the investment, as they will protect you and your family from foundational and future structural issues. Stop the problem before it starts and keep that basement dry!

Vancouver Homes: Foundation Leaking Problems Solved!

Foundational issues are a problem that you'll need a qualified expert for. That's where we can help! As a locally owned and operated business, serving the communities of Vancouver, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver, we know what our local community and neighbours need. We're well versed in foundation leaking repairs as well as a whole slew of other repairs such as drain cleaning, sump pump services, pipe insulation, toilet repair and replacement, emergency plumbing repairs, and much more!

But, what makes our plumbers so exceptional? Well, we live under the motto of our Neighborly Done Right Promise, ensuring that the job isn't done until it's done right! When you choose us for your local plumbing needs, we want you to be glad that you did. When you enlist our qualified professionals, you're getting:

• Exceptional Customer Service: At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, our people come first. We're committed to delivering friendly service, respectful treatment, and reliable services. Because of this, we ensure a clean work space after the job is completed, respectful treatment of your home and family, emergency services including evenings and weekends, and flexible scheduling.
• Upfront, Flat-Rate Pricing: There's nothing more stressful than agreeing to a certain only to find additional costs on your final bill. This is something you should have to worry about. When you choose us for your plumbing needs, we guarantee that the price you see before the job is done remains the same after it's completed.
• Scheduled Appointment Times: We know that your time is precious, and your life is busy. It's incredibly frustrating when you schedule an appointment with a service provider only to be left waiting around all day. This will never happen to us. We promise to arrive at your scheduled appointment on time and in uniform.
• Licensed and Insured Plumbers: Our plumbers are highly trained, educated, licensed, and insured plumbers with your local, reliable plumbing company with nearly five decades of experience! We employ state-of-the-art technology to ensure our plumbing jobs are done with the highest standards of service.

We go the extra mile for our people. This includes the people we employ, the technology we use, and the conveniences we offer to make your life just a little bit easier. Request a job estimate today to get started on a foundation leaking repair, basement leak repair, and more.

Conquer Your Foundation Leaking Problems With Our Professional Plumbers in Vancouver

Don't let that wet basement sit in disrepair another minute! Whether you're facing basement leaks, musty odors, drainage issues, or foundation leaking issues, our qualified, insured plumbers will take it on and restore your peace of mind. Whether you need an improved drainage system or waterproofing solutions, trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver to get the job done!

Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our friendly customer care reps, so you can rest easy knowing your foundation is strong and secure and your comfortable living space is a haven of peace once more.