Fixing Foundation Leaks That Cause Basement Flooding

When your basement floods, it’s more than just a mess—it’s a threat to your home’s structure, your air quality, and your peace of mind. In Grove City and the surrounding Columbus areas, we see it often. A homeowner calls us after a heavy rain, asking why their basement’s soaked again. Nine times out of ten? A foundation leak is the culprit.

Here’s what you need to know about spotting and fixing these leaks before they cause real damage.

What Causes Foundation Leaks?

Most foundation leaks are caused by:

• Hydrostatic pressure: Water builds up in the soil around your foundation and pushes through cracks.

• Poor drainage: Downspouts that dump water too close to the house or yards that slope toward your foundation.

• Cracks: These can form due to settling, freezing and thawing cycles, or poor construction.

If your basement gets damp after it rains, or you notice musty smells, water stains, or actual puddles, it's time to investigate.

How We Fix Foundation Leaks (The Right Way)

At Total Home Water Restoration, we fix it like it’s our own home. Here’s how we handle foundation leak repair:

1. Inspection and Diagnosis

We start with a full inspection—inside and outside. We look for:

• Hairline cracks

• Gaps around pipe penetrations

• Signs of moisture intrusion

• Grading and gutter problems

We use moisture meters and sometimes thermal imaging to find hidden water.

2. Exterior Waterproofing (If Needed)

This is the gold standard:

• We excavate around the foundation

• Seal the exterior walls with a waterproof membrane

• Install drainage systems like a French drain or footing drain

• Backfill with gravel to keep water moving away

Yes, it’s intensive—but it’s the most permanent solution.

3. Interior Crack Sealing

For smaller issues, we inject cracks with expanding polyurethane or epoxy. These seal the leak and keep water out.

4. Sump Pump and Drain Tile Installation

In many Grove City homes, adding an interior perimeter drain with a sump pump keeps basements dry. We follow IBC/IRC guidelines to ensure code-compliant installs.

5. Fixing the Grade and Gutters

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the wall—it’s the yard. We make sure water drains away from your home, not toward it.

Why It Matters

Ignoring a foundation leak doesn’t just lead to a wet basement. It leads to:

• Mold growth (which can affect your health)

• Structural damage (cracked walls, warped framing)

• Higher energy bills (wet insulation doesn’t work)

• Ruined belongings

And once mold starts? You’re looking at a much bigger job. Trust us—we handle those, too.

Local, Licensed, and On Your Side

Based in Grove City, we’ve helped homeowners from Hilliard to Pickerington stop leaks and protect their homes for good. We’re fully licensed and code-compliant. No shortcuts, no band-aids. Just honest work that lasts.

Call Today Before the Next Storm Hits

If you’re seeing signs of a foundation leak—or already dealing with basement flooding—don’t wait. Call Total Home Water Restoration at 380-246-1837 or stop by our office at 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123.

We’ll fix it right. Like it’s our own.

From disaster to done right.