Basement Water-Entry Diagnostic Checklist

Free tool for Edwardsville and Madison County homeowners. Check every box that applies to your property, then read the result below. Nothing here is sent anywhere — it runs entirely in your browser. Print it and bring it to any contractor's estimate.

1. Grading & downspouts

Ground slopes toward the house within 6 feet of the foundation Downspouts discharge less than 4 feet from the foundation Mulch beds or landscaping have raised soil level against the siding Water pools visibly in the yard near the house after rain

2. Timing pattern

Water appears within hours of heavy rain and dries out within a day or two Water appears on a seasonal pattern (spring thaw, prolonged wet stretches) regardless of a single storm Basement stays damp for weeks at a time, not just after rain events

3. Where the water shows up

Water enters at a specific spot near a window well or a crack near grade level Water seeps up through the floor-wall joint (where the slab meets the wall) all the way around Sump pump already exists and runs constantly, not just during storms Problem is in a crawl space, not a full basement

4. Structural signs (flag for a professional regardless of cause)

Horizontal or stair-step cracks wider than a pencil in a foundation wall A wall appears to be bowing or leaning inward Efflorescence (white chalky residue) or visible mold on foundation walls

Diagnostic checklist: questions

How do I tell if my wet basement is caused by surface water or the water table?

Timing is the key signal. Water that appears within hours of a heavy rain and dries out between storms usually points to surface water — grading or downspouts. Water that shows up on a seasonal pattern, arrives slowly, or persists regardless of recent rainfall points to a high water table and hydrostatic pressure.

Is this diagnostic checklist a substitute for a professional inspection?

No. It narrows down the likely category of problem so you can ask better questions and get a more accurate quote — it does not replace an on-site diagnosis, which accounts for soil, slope, and structure specific to your property.

What should I do after completing the diagnostic checklist?

Print or screenshot your results, note which boxes you checked, and bring that summary to any contractor's estimate. A contractor who confirms your likely category before naming a product, rather than skipping straight to a quote, is the one worth hiring.