Advice Sought: Puddling in center of basement floor

[OssisCaput]

Hey All,

I did some searching on the boards here but wasn't able to find any info that applies - or at least what I understand that could apply. Also this is not a "how do I waterproof my basement" question, so no need to worry - I know you can't.

I have a rowhome near the top of the hill in East Falls and after the on and off rain this week, my wife found that the carpet in our basement was waterlogged. When I went down to look at it, the water is concentrated in the center of the room and I could find nothing wet by our basement door, the edges of the room, or near any known water sources (e.g., city water line, water heater, washer, etc.) which are also towards the far edges of the basement.

Our house has a semi-finished basement - a previous owner had slapped down industrial carpet on the floor, so without ripping up the carpet I have no idea what's underneath.

Any guesses where the puddling is coming from? Is there a drain covered up under the carpet that's backing up?

I shop vac'd the water and am treating to prevent mildew/mold but I'm wondering what's at the source of this issue and what my possible options are to remedy it?

Thanks all.

[johnnie]

Hey All,

I did some searching on the boards here but wasn't able to find any info that applies - or at least what I understand that could apply. Also this is not a "how do I waterproof my basement" question, so no need to worry - I know you can't.

I have a rowhome near the top of the hill in East Falls and after the on and off rain this week, my wife found that the carpet in our basement was waterlogged. When I went down to look at it, the water is concentrated in the center of the room and I could find nothing wet by our basement door, the edges of the room, or near any known water sources (e.g., city water line, water heater, washer, etc.) which are also towards the far edges of the basement.

Our house has a semi-finished basement - a previous owner had slapped down industrial carpet on the floor, so without ripping up the carpet I have no idea what's underneath.

Any guesses where the puddling is coming from? Is there a drain covered up under the carpet that's backing up?

I shop vac'd the water and am treating to prevent mildew/mold but I'm wondering what's at the source of this issue and what my possible options are to remedy it?

Thanks all.

Philly has a high water table. If you look at old maps there are many streams and creeks that have been covered up by development. I would suggest a sump pump to help with your issue. And tile your basement to make it easier to get rid of any water issue in the future. Carpet in the basement here is a no no.

[JamieL03]

My basement flooded last fall during the hurricane, same problem, the carpet was wet in the middle of the floor, but dry everywhere else. In my house, there is a drain in the middle of the floor. The drain was sealed and covered, and I found out the pipes under the house had cracked and collapsed, and the water was collecting under the house and seeping up under the ground. I would maybe have a plumber come out and snake the outside downspout, to see if there's anything blocking the drain.

[OssisCaput]

My basement flooded last fall during the hurricane, same problem, the carpet was wet in the middle of the floor, but dry everywhere else. In my house, there is a drain in the middle of the floor. The drain was sealed and covered, and I found out the pipes under the house had cracked and collapsed, and the water was collecting under the house and seeping up under the ground. I would maybe have a plumber come out and snake the outside downspout, to see if there's anything blocking the drain.

I suspected that we have a drain that was plugged and, judging by your experience, it seems most likely now. I'm going to contact a plumber to see about snaking our outside downspout. Thanks!

[PhillyTex]

Also make sure the soil around the perimeter of your house has a downward grade leading away from the house. You might be surprised how much of a difference a 6" drop over the 3' leading away from your foundation can make.

[the mule]

Carpet in philly basements is a recipe for mold. Finishing basements in general is a bad idea because it introduces all sorts of mold food to typically damp environments. Unless you have an interior perimeter drain going to a sump pit and pump, or an exterior foundation drain, chances are you're going to have high moisture levels in your basement. Heavy rains will bring that out, especially if it's the summer and you have your AC running. That cold basement slab is going to draw loads of condensation.

Grading can indeed be a great help, but if the ground is saturated, drainage is the only answer.

[OssisCaput]

Thanks all. My main concern at this point is finding the source of the puddling, especially as it emerges mysteriously in the center of the room; the edges of the basement are bone dry. I recognize all the valid concerns regarding mold and carpeting - I first want to locate the source of the issue before tackling the rest.