Ground Water Seepage

Insurance companies usually call the “peril” or cause of loss ‘ground water seepage’. It means water got inside your home past the foundation. It is usually NOT covered and is excluded in many policies.

North Platte, Nebraska’s water table is often high. Most homes have basements and unfortunately many basements in North Platte get water intrusion. Insurance companies call it “ground water seepage” and it is excluded from coverage. If your basement is full of water after big rains then the culprit is typically the foundation. There can be several reasons why ground water finds its way into your basement:

inappropriate water removal systems: gutters & downspouts and/or sump pumps
poorly sealed, or un-sealed foundations
inappropriately graded land near foundation exteriors
poorly designed underground sprinkler systems
basement or crawlspaces too deep for the rising water table during spring rains

Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts don’t just remove water from your roof – they channel water away from the foundation. Water that accumulates next to the foundation can affect the sealant and eventually work its way into your home. Gutters and downspouts are of the most economical ways to prevent ground water intrusion.

In North Platte, Nebraska downspout extensions helps funnel water away from foundations. These can come in multiple different forms like seamless aluminum runs, accordion plastic devices and splash guards. The more permanent, enclosed and longer the extension then the more effective the water removal is. Seamless aluminum downspout extensions can be custom built with hinges to move them during mowing or provide easy motion around the exterior of the home.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps run automatically to remove water from basements and crawlspaces. They should be located in the lowest area to provide efficient draining and to collect all water intrusion. Installing and maintaining a sump pump is essential due to high water tables as North Platte, Nebraska is located between two rivers.

Un-sealed Foundations

Many older homes in North Platte, Nebraska didn’t have the foundations sealed. Or, the sealant has deteriorated over time. Re-sealing the foundation can be an appropriate remedy for basement and crawlspace water intrusion.

Land Grading

How many of us have flower beds next to the foundation of our homes? Most of us! They require maintenance watering and so does grass landscaping next to the foundation. Water will always find the lowest level to settle. Overtime, erosion will cause the ground elevation next to the foundation to lower and settle. This area should be routinely monitored to ensure the elevation level doesn’t erode lower than the main level of landscaping. Rebuilding this section to ensure water funnels away from the foundation is essential and neglecting it will create costly problems in the future.

Sprinkler Systems

Underground sprinkler systems and manuals sprinklers should never be focused towards the foundation. This creates erosion next to the foundation of the home. Sprinkler heads should always be monitored so that they are not spraying directly at the foundation.

Deep Basements/Crawlspaces

Basements and crawlspaces which as deep should always have a sump pump installed to ensure that water intrusion is removed.

How do I know which problem or problems I have?

Evaluating these causes for ground water intrusion is usually something a homeowner can research and evaluate themselves visually. In working a process of elimination, you may find that you need a contractor to help you remedy the situation.

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This blog is NOT legal advice. It is not insurance policy advice. You should consult and attorney and/or a licensed insurance agent for your specific situation.