What is hydrostatic pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure in simple terms, just means water pressure. It is one of the major causes of basement leaks and/or flooding. Hydrostatic pressure is the force that the weight of ground water places against the basement walls. The force pushes the water through the cove joints, chinks, cracks and holes of the walls and floors, when the water table is higher than the foundation floor itself, and causes flooding.
When there is so much rainfall and/or snow melt soaking into the ground, adding to the water table, this creates a tremendous pressure. More than often, drain systems are clogged and fail to work properly. As the water works its way downwards through the ground, it carries sediment, soil, sand and mud with it, and it usually covers and eventually blocks the drain system. Thus, this causes the water table to rise and pressure its way through the foundation walls and floor.
What can be done to help prevent hydrostatic pressure?
Installing a new drainage system outside or inside your foundation is the best solution. A good drainage system can handle the excess water, and carry it away from the foundation. The goal is to relieve the hydrostatic pressure, and keep the foundation dry.