Wet Basements After New Jersey Rain Storms & How To Fix It

Your Waterproofing Company for Central & Northern NJ and the Jersey Shore

If you've noticed temperature changes, sitting water, or a damp, musty smell in your basement after a light or heavy rainstorm, moisture is infiltrating your foundation. These foundation issues might not seem urgent, but they can quickly escalate, leading to flooding, property damage, health problems, and reduced property value.

At Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, we identify and repair common and hidden water infiltration points that affect most basements across central and northern New Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Our warranty-backed basement waterproofing solutions prevent leaks after heavy rain, support your foundation's structural integrity, and help you reclaim valuable living space.

Are you dealing with basement water problems?

Blue Umbrella is the solution. Give us a call today to learn how we keep your basement dry. Get your free estimate.

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Basement water leaks in a new jersey home

Causes of Basement Water After Rain Storms

The most common reasons why rain storms affect basements in New Jersey include:

Rainfall in New Jersey

According to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, the average annual precipitation in New Jersey ranges from about 40 inches along the southeast coast to 51 inches in the northern and central areas. Additionally, New Jersey experiences around 120 days of measurable rainfall and 25 to 30 thunderstorms each year.

On an average day, this amounts to about 2 inches of rain. However, during the warmer months, coastal areas can encounter intense downpours of up to 12 inches.

While drier seasons are common in New Jersey, a sudden burst of heavy rain during a storm or hurricane can overwhelm an inadequate drainage system, wash away graded soil, and allow water to seep into your basement using any opening available.

High Water Table & Water Logged Soil

Homes with basements in areas with a high water table (groundwater is closest to the soil) are most prone to water seepage after a heavy rainstorm. These areas have soil types, such as clay, that absorb more water than they can handle, resulting in waterlogging, dead plants, and pooling.

According to the United States Geological Survey, areas such as Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, and Union County, are within 3 to 7 feet of groundwater, making these areas particularly prone to wet basements.

Clay Bowl Effect & Hydrostatic Pressure

The "clay bowl effect" and hydrostatic pressure are two common reasons water can seep into your basement through existing and forced openings. During construction, builders excavate a large hole to pour or install your foundation.

Once built, they backfill the space around the basement with the previously removed soil. However, this backfill soil is often less compacted than the surrounding soil, creating a bowl-like effect that traps water between your walls and solid earth.

As water accumulates around your foundation, the weight against your concrete walls increases. (hydrostatic pressure). This pressure can cause water to seep through pores, cracks, and cold joints, and in severe cases, it can even push basement walls inward several inches and cause structural damage.

Weak Points in Foundations

The most common weak points in a basement foundation include foundation cracks (any size), bowing or shifting walls with accompanying horizontal cracks, cold joints (where two separate pieces of your foundation meet), and exterior stairwells and window wells. Water can also enter your basement using the space around plumbing pipes that cross through your concrete, deteriorating sections of concrete known as rock pockets, and weak grouting between concrete blocks.

Clay Bowl effect cause of basement water

How to Stop Basement Leaks After Heavy Rain

At Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, we only use lasting, high-quality, and homeowner-friendly basement waterproofing solutions. Each technique can mitigate individual problems but performs best when integrated into a complete system.

Yard Grading & Landscaping

Proper yard grading and landscaping can direct water away from your foundation, absorb excess rainwater, and prevent large roots from damaging your foundation walls. Landscape experts recommend grading your property so the soil slopes at least 6 inches within 10 feet of your home. Another suggestion is to plant a rain garden with native plants in a lower area of your yard to catch and reuse redirected water.

Native plants can filter rainwater water before it seeps into the ground, thanks to their extensive root systems, and attract beneficial pollinators. However, avoid planting too many native plants or trees near your foundation, which contradicts your goal of preventing groundwater accumulation.

Gutters & Downspouts

Most homeowners don't know that standard 5 and 6-inch gutters can hold up to 2 gallons of water per foot. During a rainstorm, gutters with clogged or broken downspouts can dump water over their sides directly at the base of your foundation. However, even downspouts can contribute to wet basements, especially if they dump water too close to your home.

Our basement waterproofing experts recommend installing downspout extensions to ensure water is deposited at least 10 to 15 feet away from the home. In some cases, we can install below-ground extensions to carry water across your yard without affecting your property's aesthetic.

Window Wells, Stairwells, & Crack Repair

While not every basement has them, window wells and exterior basement stairwells can be easy targets for rainwater. If there isn't a drain inside the well to carry away pouring rain, water can seep through gaps in the window or door frame as the well turns into a pool of bug-infested, standing water.

Rainwater can also enter your basement through cracks in the foundation, often leaving dark stains or discoloration on the concrete. Minor cracks can typically be filled with structural epoxy or cementitious mixtures, but it's crucial for our experts first to identify the source of the problem.

Major foundation cracks that run horizontally or in a stair-step pattern indicate foundation settlement or wall movement, which will recur if not properly addressed. Learn more about our foundation repair solutions for structural cracks here.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

An interior basement waterproofing system is the most effective way to remove water or moisture that's made its way past your yard grading and concrete walls. This system should always include a moisture-catching vapor barrier lining the interior walls, a French drain to manage groundwater from the cove joint where the slab meets the home's footing and wall, and a sump pump to eject collected water safely from your basement.

Additionally, it's important to include a sump pump with a heavy-duty battery to ensure water is still removed from your basement during a storm-caused power outage or primary pump failure.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Wet Basement

Owning a home can be considered a long-term investment, and leaving it exposed to the elements can ruin your property's value from the basement up.

Increased utility bills: A wet basement can raise the humidity throughout your home, as nearly 50% of the air on your first floor originates from the basement or crawl space below. This process, known as the stack effect, can cause a spike in monthly utility bills.
Worsened health: A humid basement provides an ideal environment for the growth of black, green, and white mold, which can lead to various respiratory issues.
Bugs and rodents: Flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and rodents thrive in damp, dark basements, where they build nests and dwell.

Lowered property value: A wet, moisture-filled basement can deter potential buyers, whereas a clean, waterproofed basement system with a transferable lifetime warranty can significantly appeal to agents, buyers, and property inspectors.

Basement mold from basement water in a New Jersey home

FAQ - Rain Storms & Basement Water

Is it normal to have water in the basement after heavy rain?

No, it's not normal to have water inside your basement after heavy rain.

Why is my basement drain backing up during heavy rain?

Interior French drain systems can become clogged with sediment, silt, or mineral deposits. You should also ensure your sump pump and the float switch that detects the water level are working to prevent the sump pit from clogging.

What soaks up water in a basement?

Installing a professional-grade dehumidifier in your basement can improve the air quality and remove trapped moisture in your basement.

How much does it cost to pump water out of a basement?

According to recent averages, it costs $3,000 to $7,500 to pump water out of a 1,000 sq. ft. basement.

How can I waterproof my basement without a sump pump?

Unfortunately, without a sump pump to regularly eject water from the sump pit, you won't be able to fully waterproof the area.

Interior Waterproofing System and Dehumidifier in Edgewater, NJ

No More Wet Basements, Even When It's Raining With Blue Umbrella Waterproofing

If your New Jersey basement is leaking water after any amount of rain, contact Blue Umbrella Waterproofing. With over 20 years of experience working in basements in various water tables, we've helped homeowners across the state reclaim their basements and convert them into fully usable storage, entertainment, and living areas.

If you're unsure if basement waterproofing can help your water leak issues, fill out one of our forms to receive a free foundation inspection from our qualified experts.