How To Find Basement Leak Behind a Finished Wall
Find the wall that most water is coming from, clean up the water and start assessing your foundation. Go outside and look at the concrete above grade, see if there are any cracks, voids or irregularities. Remove the drywall, sheetrock or paneling on the troubled wall.
Key places that leaks happen:
- Wall cracks
- Corners of windows
- Dimples from tie rods
- Floor/wall seams
- Additions added
- Utility room - around electric panel (check for rust or a puddle), check around water/sewer/gas pipes, water tanks, furnace condensate pump box.
Go outside and find that problem area and check it with a hose to see if water is going through.
Water Hose Test:
1. Run water for 45 mins
2. Turn off for 15 mins
3. Try up to 3 times - If it doesn't show any leaks inside, the water issue might be the water table rising. Look under rugs, are there cracks in the floor and white powdery residue? If so, you may need to consider installing a sump pump or a drain tile system.
