Spring Thaw and Basement Leaks
Short answer: in spring, melting snow and frozen ground stop water soaking in, so it runs toward the house. Most spring leaks start at gutters, downspouts or the floor-to-wall joint.
Request a foundation inspectionFrozen ground
Early in spring the soil is still frozen below the surface, so melting snow can't soak in and pools against the foundation.
Snow piles
Snow shoveled against the house melts right beside the wall. Pile it farther out.
Gutters
Ice dams and clogged gutters spill meltwater next to the foundation.
Find the entry
Note whether water shows up at a crack, the floor joint, a window well or a pipe.
Sump checks
Test the sump pump before thaw starts and keep the discharge line clear of ice.
Window wells
Clear snow and leaves from window wells and add covers.
Dry out
Pull up wet carpet and run a dehumidifier to keep mold away.
Long-term fixes
Drain tile, crack injection and regrading are the usual permanent answers.
Next
More foundation repair guides
Request a foundation inspection
Bowing basement walls, new cracks, water on the floor after a storm. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll pass it straight to a foundation contractor, who will call you to set up an inspection and quote.
- Basement walls, cracks and slabs
- Des Moines, Grimes, Norwalk, Indianola and nearby
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