French Drain problems begin as they slowly become clogged by sediment. A basement leak can cause water to seep inside the hollow voids of the masonry creating damp walls that will dissolve water soluble elements such as calcium, lime, and other minerals out of your cement.
Once french drains become blocked, temperature also plays a role in basement flooding. Changes in temperature cause expansion and contraction in your masonry structures. This continuous motion allows many points of entry for water to follow in through.The source of leakage in many basements occurs at the seam where the masonry wall meets the concrete floor.
Because blocked french drains can no longer drain properly, water building up below ground level, exerts force, causing water to seep up through cracks and seams in the floor. Pools of water will often form at low points in the floor.
Heavy wet soil, the result of french drain failure, can exert many pounds of force against your vulnerable basement walls and is another source of basement flooding. Wet basement walls will often crack or buckle. The cost often involved with foundation repair because of buckling or cracks is avoidable if proper steps are taken.
Website: http://www.b-dry.com/wet-basement-leak.html
Date Submitted: 8-Nov-2007
Last Updated: 1-Nov-2008