Water has a real talent for getting into places where it shouldn’t be, and you definitely don’t want it to be. One minute your home is safe, warm and dry, and the next there are damp walls or there is water pooling up and you’re wondering whether you might need to put your gum boots on. It might seem random, but actually, it is very unlikely that water will behave in a random way, and once you understand the patterns that cause water to end up where it is, you can start fixing the problem once and for all.
That being the case, let’s break down why water goes rogue and what you can do to stop it.
Water Follows the Path of Least Resistance
Water isn’t loyal and it isn’t particularly active, it just follows the path of least resistance. If there’s a tiny crack, a low spot in the concrete, or an uneven grade outside your building, water will find it. That’s why you may see moisture pooling in basement corners, along garage thresholds, or in areas you thought were watertight. Even small imperfections can become entry points over time.
The solution? Start with a quick visual survey. Look for dips in paved surfaces, clogged gutters, pooling around the foundation, or cracks in floors and walls. You’d be amazed how often the fix is simply clearing a drain, patching concrete, or adjusting the slope of soil around your building.
Drainage Systems Aren’t Always Sized Correctly
Another surprisingly common reason why water ends up where it should not be on your property is because the drainage system is too small, too shallow, or maybe even just not built for the amount of water it needs to handle. If heavy rain overwhelms your driveway drain or the trench drain outside your warehouse keeps spilling over, you may have a capacity issue, not a fluke.
If you’re unsure whether your system is up to the task, check out guides on how to size a trench drain system by flow rate, grate load, and depth. Even skimming the basics can help you understand whether your current drain is doing what it should, or if it needs an upgrade before the next downpour hits.
Hydrostatic Pressure Is Stronger Than You Think
If water is getting into basements, crawl spaces, or ground-level rooms, hydrostatic pressure might be the culprit. This is when groundwater builds up around your foundation and pushes its way in. It can force moisture through tiny pores in concrete or even widen cracks over time. In other words, the water doesn’t need a big opening, rather it just requires constant pressure.
To combat this, you’re going to want to make sure downspouts extend well away from the building, soil is graded properly, and sump pumps (if you have them) are maintained and functional. In some cases, installing or re-sizing exterior drains can reduce pressure significantly.
Indoor Leaks Are Sneaky Too
Sometimes the water isn’t coming from outside at all. A leaky pipe behind a wall, a drip under the dishwasher, or condensation from HVAC equipment can cause moisture to appear in odd places. If you spot water indoors and can’t trace it to rain or ground moisture, start checking appliances, plumbing lines, and condensate drains.
Water might have a mind of its own, but that does not mean you are powerless because the more you know about it, the easier it will be for you to stop it in its tracks!