Why Is Water Coming Up From The Floor On My Slab?

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Imagine walking through your home only to find puddles of water seeping up from your floor. It’s a situation that can cause immediate concern.

But why does this happen? What causes water to infiltrate your living space from below? In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons behind this troublesome issue, from plumbing leaks to groundwater intrusion.

What Is A Slab Leak?

A slab leak typically refers to any water leakage below the concrete slab foundation of a home or building. Water accumulating below the floors causes water to rise upwards, affecting the flooring and other areas of the house.

According to Ruby Home, around 14,000 Americans are affected by water damage daily. This number translates to 1.6% of homes nationwide in any given year. Repairing floor damage may cost from $200 to $500, excluding fixing the source of the problem and other areas affected. However, if left unattended, the floor or foundation repair may cost more than a few thousand dollars.

Why Is Water Coming Up From The Floor On My Slab?

There are many reasons why water may be coming up from the floor on your slab.

Some of these include:

Groundwater Seepage

Groundwater seepage happens when the water table rises high enough to exert pressure on your concrete slab. Water can penetrate these areas and enter your home if the slab has weaknesses like small cracks or porous spots. This issue is prevalent in regions with high rainfall or naturally elevated water tables. Over time, constant exposure to groundwater can worsen existing cracks, intensifying the problem.

Groundwater seepage happens when the water table rises high enough to exert pressure on your concrete slab.

Poor Drainage

When drainage around your foundation is ineffective, water can pool near the slab. Poor drainage could result from improper landscaping, clogged gutters, or insufficient slope away from the foundation. When water accumulates around your home, it can seep into the soil below and cause floor leaks.

Plumbing Leaks

A leak in your plumbing system, especially in pipes located under the slab, can cause water to seep upward.

These leaks might be caused by:

  • Corroded pipes
  • Physical damage
  • Poor initial installation
  • Excessive pressure
  • Aging pipes
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Clogs
  • Ground movement
  • Harsh chemicals

Because the leak is under the slab, it may not be immediately visible, but over time, it can create significant moisture issues and water damage to your home.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by standing water in the soil around your foundation. When this pressure becomes significant, it can force water through even the tiniest imperfections in your concrete slab. This issue often arises during periods of heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, where the volume of water in the soil increases dramatically.

Slab Cracks

Cracks in the slab provide a pathway for water to enter your home. These can form due to the house’s natural settling, temperature fluctuations, or poor initial construction practices. Even minor cracks can allow enough water to seep through to create noticeable dampness or even puddles on your floor.

Improper Grading

Incorrect grading around your home can also lead to water problems. If the ground slopes toward the foundation rather than away from it, rainwater and runoff will accumulate near the slab. This water will then increase the pressure against the foundation and heighten the risk of seepage through the slab.

Heavy Rainfall

Excessive rain can raise the local water table, especially during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. When the soil becomes saturated, the water has nowhere to go but up, potentially seeping through cracks or porous areas in your slab foundation. Excessive rain may also enter your home directly.

Roof Damage

Roof leaks involve water penetration from above. Even though roof leaks are not directly related to water coming up through the slab, the accumulated water from these leaks can pool around the exterior foundation.

Roof leaks involve water penetration from above. Even though roof leaks are not directly related to water coming up through the slab, the accumulated water from these leaks can pool around the exterior foundation. Over time, this water can enter your home if the foundation isn’t properly sealed. Water can also leak inside and wet your floors.

Window Leaks

Window leaks are similar to roof leaks. When windows are improperly sealed or damaged, water can enter through them and accumulate near the foundation. This stagnant water can eventually find its way through vulnerable spots in the slab.

Expansive Soils

Expansive soil shift is another potential cause. Certain soils expand when they absorb water and contract when they dry out. This constant movement can exert pressure on the slab foundation, leading to cracks and gaps through which water can penetrate.

Degrading Concrete

Concrete degrades over time as the material is exposed to various elements, such as water, freeze-thaw cycles, and general wear and tear. As concrete ages and deteriorates, it may become more porous or develop cracks, inviting water infiltration from below or around the foundation.

Seismic Activity

Seismic activity can also contribute to your problem. Earthquakes and smaller seismic events can shift the ground beneath your home, causing your slab foundation to crack or move. These new cracks and structural shifts allow groundwater to seep through the floor, especially if the area experiences frequent or intense seismic activity.

How Do You Fix Water Coming Up Through A Slab?

When you observe signs of water coming up from the floor on your slab, it’s essential to take action quickly. If you don’t, the problem can worsen, leading to more severe issues.

Here are some steps you can take to fix water coming up through a slab:

Step 1: Figure Out The Cause: Is Water Really Coming Up From The Floor?

Before you can fix the problem, you need to figure out what’s causing it. It’s easy to assume that the problem came from below the floors, but you must first check for other observable signs from above.

Start by doing a visual inspection. Look for signs of moisture, such as discoloration, bubbling, or flaking on the floor surface. Inspect nearby plumbing, appliances, or walls for any visible leaks that might indicate the source is not directly underneath the slab. Once you have crossed off all other possibilities, it’s time to contact a professional to check your floors.

Step 2: Check Below Your Floors

The next step is to hire a foundation professional to check your foundation and floors. The experts will be able to check all the possible causes of the problem, such as cracks in the foundation, water seepage, and other issues.

They will carefully remove a section of your floor coverings, such as carpet, wood, or tiles, to inspect underneath. They will look at the subfloor for any signs of moisture or water pooling. If there’s a crawl space or basement, they can inspect this area for standing water or signs of leaks.

Step 3: Slab Leak Repair

Hiring a professional is usually the best course of action due to the complexity and potential for structural damage.

Here are some common foundation repair options:

  • Waterproofing: Apply a waterproof sealer to the exterior walls and foundation. This can reduce the penetration of water through the slab and foundation.
  • Pipe Repairs: Installing a new lining within the existing pipe using a trenchless method. Rerouting pipes through walls or the attic if the existing pipes are heavily damaged. For minor leaks, epoxy can be used to coat the interior of the pipes.
  • Grading and Drainage: Ensure the ground around the home slopes away from the foundation. Also, check that gutters and downspouts are functioning correctly and direct water at least 4-6 feet from the home.
  • Sump Pump Installation: If your home has a basement or crawl space, the installation of a sump pump can help manage groundwater and prevent it from seeping into the slab.
  • Repairing Foundation Cracks: Inspect the foundation for any visible cracks. Small cracks can sometimes be sealed with epoxy or polyurethane injections, preventing water from seeping. Larger issues may require extensive foundation repair to ensure structural integrity.

Common Foundation Repairs

Is Water Coming Up From The Floor An Emergency?

Yes, water coming up from the floor can be considered an emergency. This could be a sign of a slab leak or other severe plumbing issues that, if not promptly addressed, can lead to significant structural damage, mold growth, and other health hazards.

Dalinghaus Construction specializes in foundation repairs and can assist with slab leak repairs. We provide a variety of services tailored to fixing foundation issues. If you’re in Southern California, Arizona, or Nevada, contact us for a free evaluation!

WRITTEN BY
Brian is one of the Co-Founders of Dalinghaus Construction. He has been in the foundation repair industry since 2005. During his career, he has been associated with helping over 4,000 homes and structures throughout California and Arizona.

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