If you’ve ever had a concrete slab in your backyard, you’ve also had to deal with standing water. The water looks unsightly, but it can also cause damage to your slab and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
This can be a major drainage issue and can cause a lot of damage to your property. This blog post will show you how to fix standing water on concrete slab using a few simple methods. Keep reading for more information!
Summary: To fix standing water on a concrete slab, you need to identify the source of the water. If it is coming from outside, check and repair any cracks in the foundation or walls. Ensure the gutters are clear of debris to evacuate rainwater efficiently.
Install a drain pipe in order to direct water away from the slab. Alternatively, if the water is caused by runoff from other areas, you may need to build up the grade around your driveway to avoid accumulating pools of water on top of the slab.
8 Common Reasons That Causes Standing Water on Concrete Slab
1. Water or Moisture Left on the concrete
Water or moisture can either be left on the concrete by accident or purposeful. If it is done on purpose, this will usually happen when a floor covering such as carpeting is installed and allowed to dry before installation thoroughly. The only way to verify if standing water is present after installation is to check for signs of mold growth and water penetration.
2. Seepage
Water leaving the slab is called seepage and can be caused by many reasons such as porous soil, poor slope around the foundation perimeter, inadequate footing drains at the base of exterior walls or too small an area for proper drainage between footings. This water may not be visible immediately, usually pooling in the lower areas of the earth or confined to tight spots where water will have difficulty leaving the slab.
3. Plant Roots
Plant roots can cause water to pool on concrete slabs, and may also grow through cracks in the concrete, causing serious damage.
4. Drainage Pipe Blockages
This normally happens when a drain is clogged with debris, sand, or soil. This can be easily resolved by having the pipe cleaned out and inspected for the proper flow of stormwater away from your foundation. However, it may be necessary to have a new section of drainpipe added to the system in some cases. A good indication that this might be necessary is if you notice an increase in water pooling near your foundation after heavy rainfall.
5. Floor Was Installed in a Damp Area
If you’re adding a new room to your house and it’s below ground level, you need to be extra careful about moisture. Make sure to treat the concrete and seal it thoroughly before you install any flooring. Otherwise, you might end up with water on your floor.
6. Moisture Barrier on the Slab
A moisture barrier is a layer of material that is installed under concrete slabs. Its purpose is to prevent damage to the concrete and to help keep the area dry.
7. Sealing Over Failure
If there is standing water on your concrete slab after it has been sealed, it is probably because the sealer was applied over something that was not done correctly. If this happens, you should remove the sealant with mineral spirits and apply a new one that meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Missing or Faulty Gasket
Another common problem is the lack of a gasket between the concrete slab and exterior door frame or brick molding. This can allow water to pool up on your floor even when it’s not raining outside. The only way to fix this type of thing is to install a new one. You might be able to do this yourself, but the entire process is rather involved and requires a lot of concrete work. You may want to call a professional or just leave it as-is and hope that water never gets in.
Leaky Basement
If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, there’s always the chance that it could leak. The most common cause of leaks in basements is cracks in the walls, but other causes include cracks in the floors and poor drainage around the outside of the home.
11 Easy Methods on How to Fix Standing Water on Concrete Slab
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Water
The first step in fixing standing water on a concrete slab is to identify where the water is coming from. This may include leaky pipes, poor drainage, or improper grading. If the source of the water is a plumbing issue, you’ll need to address the leak before taking any further action. If the standing water is due to poor drainage or grading, proceed to the following steps.
Step 2: Assess the Slope of the Concrete Slab
A properly sloped concrete slab should have a slight incline to allow water to drain away from the structure. Use a level to check the slope of your concrete slab. If the slab is level or sloping towards the structure, this may be the cause of the standing water. In such cases, you’ll need to adjust the slope or create a drainage system to resolve the issue.
Step 3: Create Channels for Water Drainage
If your concrete slab lacks proper drainage, you can create channels to direct the water away from the slab. Using a concrete saw or angle grinder with a diamond blade, cut shallow channels into the slab, starting from the area with standing water and extending towards the nearest drainage point. Be sure to wear proper safety equipment, including goggles, gloves, and a dust mask, while cutting the concrete.
Step 4: Install a French Drain
For more severe drainage issues, consider installing a French drain around the perimeter of the concrete slab. This drainage system consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel and wrapped in a geotextile fabric. To install a French drain, excavate a trench approximately 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide around the perimeter of the slab. Lay the perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench, ensuring that the holes face downward. Cover the pipe with gravel, wrap the geotextile fabric over the gravel, and then backfill the trench with soil.
Step 5: Apply a Concrete Sealer
Applying a concrete sealer can help reduce the amount of water absorbed by the slab and prevent standing water from forming. Choose a high-quality concrete sealer designed for outdoor use, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Ensure that the concrete slab is clean and dry before applying the sealer, and allow the sealer to cure for the recommended time before allowing foot traffic or placing objects on the slab.
Step 6: Improve Landscaping and Drainage
Improving the overall drainage and landscaping around your concrete slab can help prevent standing water from forming. Ensure that the surrounding soil is graded away from the slab, and consider adding swales or berms to direct water flow away from the slab. Additionally, keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris and ensure that they discharge water at least 5 feet away from the slab.
Step 7: Install a Sump Pump
In cases where standing water is caused by a high water table or excessive groundwater, installing a sump pump can help remove the excess water. Excavate a pit at the lowest point of the concrete slab and install a sump pump with a discharge pipe leading to a suitable drainage point. Ensure that the sump pump is properly maintained and functioning to effectively remove excess water.
Step 8: Repair Cracks in the Concrete Slab
Cracks in the concrete slab can allow water to seep in and accumulate, resulting in standing water. Inspect the slab for any cracks or damage and repair them using a high-quality concrete patching compound or crack filler. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and curing times.
Step 9: Maintain the Concrete Slab
Regular maintenance of your concrete slab can help prevent standing water and extend the life of the slab. Clean the slab regularly to remove dirt and debris that can obstruct drainage channels and cause water to pool. Inspect the slab for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, and promptly repair them to prevent further deterioration. Keep gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems clear of debris and functioning properly to ensure effective water removal.
Step 10: Monitor the Situation
After implementing these solutions, monitor the area around the concrete slab for any signs of standing water. Pay attention to the effectiveness of the drainage systems, the slope of the slab, and any potential sources of water infiltration. If standing water continues to be an issue, consult with a professional contractor or engineer to assess the situation and recommend further solutions.
Step 11: Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure how to address the issue of standing water on your concrete slab, or if the problem persists despite your efforts, consult a professional contractor or engineer. They can assess the situation, identify the cause of the standing water, and recommend appropriate solutions to resolve the issue. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace or resurface the concrete slab to correct drainage issues.
By following these steps and addressing the underlying causes of standing water on your concrete slab, you can effectively resolve the issue and protect your slab from damage. Proper maintenance, drainage solutions, and proactive measures can help prevent standing water from forming on your concrete slab in the future, ensuring its longevity and structural integrity. Remember that seeking professional assistance, whether through a contractor or engineer, is always recommended when dealing with complex drainage or structural issues.
Some Helpful Tips to Prevent Standing Water on Concrete Slab
- If you know the water will be hitting the concrete regularly (like in a kitchen), you can add a “drainage system” to get rid of that puddle of water.
- Make sure all joints and holes are patched up and filled in. Water has no place to go but stay on top of the flooring and cause problems.
- Make sure the ground is sloped away from your house. If you have a lot of water coming toward your house, screw some boards to stakes and angle them away from the foundation (if they aren’t already like that). This will make it more water runs down and away from the house instead of toward it.
- If standing water is due to a leak, you may want to get that fixed.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and covering the right things so the rain will run away from the house instead of toward it.
- If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you will need to take proactive measures to prevent flooding and standing water on a concrete slab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if Water Sits on Concrete?
Unfortunately, water sitting on concrete can cause a variety of problems. Firstly, it weakens the structure and causes it to deteriorate faster. This makes the concrete more likely to crack, shatter, or collapse during an earthquake. Additionally, if rain falls directly onto wetted surfaces such as tiles or bricks outdoor decks and walkways will become slippery which could lead to accidents.
In conclusion: If you see water dripping from your roof or walls make sure to contact a professional immediately in order for them to assess the situation and correct any issues as soon as possible!
Do You Keep Water From Standing on Concrete?
It depends on the type of concrete and the amount of water that’s present. Generally speaking, if the concrete is exposed to direct sunlight or rain, water will seep through and cause flooding. If the concrete is covered in a layer of gravel or crushed stone, water will not be able to penetrate and will slowly drain away.
Can Water Cause Concrete to Crack?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that water may weaken the bond between concrete and its underlying substrate. This can lead to cracks in the concrete surface. It’s important to note that this phenomenon is usually only seen with new or freshly poured concrete, and it subsides as the crate weathers and adjusts to its environment.
Does Water Weaken Concrete?
As the effects of water on concrete are highly variable. Some people believe that water can cause concrete to become brittle and susceptible to cracking, while others maintain that it has no significant impact on the material’s strength. In most cases, it is best to avoid water contact with concrete unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
The key to fixing standing water on a concrete slab is prevention. For example, if you’re an apartment building manager, be sure that the property has proper drainage and gutters in place, so there’s no pooling of rainwater around your buildings. For homeowners who have slabs outside their homes, make sure they are free from puddles by checking all downspouts and drains periodically or installing a gutter guard if needed.
It also helps store buckets or other waterproof containers near the door when it rains to capture any excess runoff before it can cause damage. We hope this blog post on how to fix standing water on concrete slab has been helpful. If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!
You Can Check It To Repair Plastic Screw Mounts