Hey everyone! I'm dealing with water seeping through my foundation due to melting snow here in upstate NY. I inherited this house, which my parent barely lived in for long, so I skipped the inspection process. The house was built in 1960, and this is my first winter in it. In one of the pictures, you can see a vertical seam near a basement window that seems like it's been treated previously, but it's cold to the touch and I can feel water behind it. There are small streams leading to the center of the basement too. I'm wondering how serious this issue is and what steps I might need to take. I plan to create some distance between my garden and the foundation by adding pavers in the spring. Thanks in advance for any advice!
3 Answers
Let’s be real: basements aren’t completely waterproof. The key is getting the water away from your house rather than just trying to stop leaks. Look into grading your yard or installing a French drain to redirect water flow—it's a solid investment for peace of mind.
Old houses in snowy areas can definitely come with their share of water issues. I found success by installing a concrete apron around my house, which led the water away during rain. It’s worked wonderfully for years! You might also consider a sump pump if your problem escalates; I installed a simple one that helped alleviate pressure and it worked like a charm.
It sounds like you might need to check your grading right away. A common misconception is that waterproofing can fix inside leaks, but that's not really the case. The pressure from outside can push water in, so you may need to dig around your foundation and waterproof it from the outside too. It might also be a good idea to consult a professional, especially since the situation with the window looks concerning. Don’t forget to address any electrical hazards too!