by Guest Contributor: Haysboro Resident Clint Nogier, Former Foundation Contractor
With all the recent rain, many homeowners are discovering water in their basements — and it’s not always due to obvious leaks. Whether you’re seeing a trickle or a full-on flood, understanding where the water is coming from is the first step to protecting your home.
1.Window Wells: The Hidden Entry Point
When rainwater runs off your yard (known as overland flow), it can collect in your window wells — especially if the grading around your home slopes toward the house. If water fills the window well, it can overflow directly into your basement.
Suggestions on What to Do:
• Check the grading around your window wells. The soil, sidewalk, or other materials should slope away from both the foundation and the window wells.
• Ensure the top edge of the window well sits well above surrounding ground level.
• The well itself should be snug against the foundation to prevent leaks. Managing the surface slope away from the connection between the foundation and the window well is important.
• Measure how far the bottom of the window well sits below the window. More space is better for drainage, but too much can expose the foundation to frost in winter.
Note: In newer homes, window wells often drain into a weeping tile system. In neighbourhoods like Haysboro, many older homes don’t have this feature.
2. Fix the Grade Around Your Foundation
A proper slope around your home’s perimeter is essential. Water should flow away from your foundation, not toward it.
Tip: Even a gentle slope of three to five percent (about two inches over five feet) can make a big difference.
3. Check Your Eavestroughs and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can send water cascading directly beside your foundation. This is one of the most common causes of basement leaks.
Checklist:
• Clean your eavestroughs regularly and watch for leaks— especially after heavy rain or wind.
• Make sure downspouts extend at least six to ten feet from your home and away from your neighbours’ property.
• Use solid (non-perforated) pipe or weeping tile to carry water away effectively.
4. Know What’s Beneath You: The Water Table
In very wet conditions, the water table can rise above your basement floor (slab). When this happens, water is pushed upward through:
• The joint between the floor and foundation wall
• Cracks in the concrete slab
• Cracks in the foundation walls
This process is caused by hydrostatic pressure — and unfortunately, mitigating it can be costly and intrusive.
5. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
A working sump pump is your best defense against groundwater infiltration.
Make sure:
• The pump activates properly (test it manually)
• The float moves freely and isn’t obstructed
• The discharge pipe drains far from your foundation — ideally into a sloped area and away from your neighbours
Summary: Quick Actions That Can Save Thousands
• Clean your gutters
• Extend your downspouts
• Check grading around your foundation and window wells
• Inspect and test your sump pump
• Watch for signs of rising groundwater
These small but essential steps can protect your home and your wallet from water damage. There are reputable local contractors in Calgary that can also help make some of these suggested improvements and may have more to help keep water out of your basement.
Share this with your neighbours — let’s all stay dry this season!
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