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How to Stop Water Coming Through Retaining Wall

Written By

Carmen

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When it comes to home maintenance, there’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with water that is seeping through a retaining wall.

Whether your problem is cascading pools of water leaking down into your deck or basement, or just damp patches building up around the perimeter of your garden, the effects can be worryingly dramatic for both the structures and landscape in which you live.

How to Stop Water Coming Through Retaining Wall

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the leaky walls conundrum to discover how to stop water coming through retaining wall. Through our discussion, we will explore various steps to ensure that these pesky problems are fixed properly so you don’t have any more floods or bothersome blemishes on your property!

Can You Stop Water Coming Through Retaining Wall?

Retaining walls can be incredibly useful when it comes to landscaping. In addition to providing functional support, they are also aesthetically pleasing. However, one of the most common issues people experience with retaining walls is water seeping through them and causing damage or erosion.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help prevent this issue from occurring in the first place, such as installing a drain behind the wall and being sure to build up the base and using waterproofers during construction.

Additionally, maintaining a sloped landscape away from the wall and ensuring gutters are ready to divert rainwater can go a long way toward protecting your retaining wall from unwanted water issues.

Why Should You Stop Water Coming Through Retaining Wall?

Water coming through a retaining wall can be an incredibly damaging force, leading to soil erosion and foundation beneath the wall. This can not only make walls unstable and more prone to collapse, but it can also cause damage to whatever is being held back by the wall, such as driveways or gardens.

As such, it’s essential that homeowners take steps to prevent water from coming through their retaining walls – whether by redirecting drainage away from the wall or waterproofing it. Doing so could mean the difference between just a minor repair job and a costly structural collapse.

7 Steps to Follow on How to Stop Water Coming Through Retaining Wall

Step 1. Identify the Source of the Leak

The first step in solving this problem is identifying where the water is coming from. For example, is it raining on one side of the wall, causing water to seep through? Or is it seeping up from below as groundwater pressure builds? Knowing where the water is coming from will help inform how you fix the problem.

Step 2. Install a Drainage System

If your retaining wall has a drainage system, ensure it’s functioning properly and effectively, carrying away any excess water that might be pooling near the base of the wall.

Drainage System in Place

If your wall doesn’t have a drainage system in place, consider installing one—it could make all the difference in preventing leaks! Make sure that your drainage system goes deep enough into the ground to capture any groundwater before reaching your foundation or basement walls. 

Step 3. Fix Any Cracks or Damage

If there are any cracks or damage on your retaining wall, these should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential leakage problems down the line.

To do this, use a concrete patching compound designed specifically for masonry repair and fill in any cracks or holes in the wall itself with mortar or cement mix. Alternatively, you could also use an epoxy-based sealant for more serious cracks and damages!

Step 4. Check Your Gutters

Potential Source of Leakage

Make sure that your gutters are working properly and not overflowing onto the retaining wall itself, as this could be a potential source of leakage. Clear out any blockages or build-ups in the gutter system to ensure proper water flow away from the wall and house. 

Step 5. Install a Waterproof Membrane

A waterproof membrane is a great way to protect your retaining wall from moisture. Installing one is relatively simple; all you need to do is attach it either directly on the wall itself or on the back of the soil behind the wall, then seal it with cement or tar.  

Step 6. Add a Drainage Blanket

If there’s no room for a waterproof membrane, consider installing a drainage blanket over your retaining wall. This will keep water away from the foundation and help direct any excess liquid down into an appropriate drainage system. 

Step 7. Install Soil Facing Bricks

Finally, consider adding some soil-facing bricks to your retaining wall to prevent water seepage. These bricks will keep water away from the wall and ensure that any moisture is directed away quickly and effectively.

That’s it! You’ve now learned the essential steps of how to stop water coming through retaining wall.

With these tips, you can protect your home from potential structural damage and preserve the stability of your walls over time. Good luck!

Things You Need to Know Before Stopping Water Coming Through Retaining Wall

Before stopping water from coming through a retaining wall, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration. Firstly, it is important to identify the source of the water. For example, is excess surface runoff or groundwater underground causing the issue?

Once the cause is known, appropriate repair measures can be taken, such as sealing cracks in the wall or diverting runoff away from the structure. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that any repairs don’t cause further damage. If existing drains and pipes are being altered, for example, there might be a risk of collapse if not handled correctly.

Lastly, seek professional advice with any more complicated repairs since working on a retaining wall can result in dangerous conditions if done incorrectly.

Benefits of Stopping Water Coming Through Retaining Wall

One of the main benefits of stopping water from coming through a retaining wall is improved safety. Without an effective water-stopping barrier, the force of held-back water can cause real damage to walls, foundations, and other structures.

Preventing moisture seepage can even extend the life of a retaining wall since the absence of dampness makes it easier to maintain concrete properly.

Protection From Soil Erosion

Additionally, stopping water from passing through a retaining wall helps redirect runoff away from vulnerable areas and downhill slopes, providing much-needed protection from soil erosion and landslides in high-risk landscapes. Finally, this simple act of prevention also contributes to conserving energy and protecting the environment as a whole.

6 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Stopping Water Coming Through Retaining Wall

1. Not Repairing Cracks and Holes in the Wall 

One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to stop water coming through their walls is not repairing cracks and holes. Cracks and holes can be caused by various things, such as Foundation settling, poor construction, or even earthquakes.

If you don’t repair these cracks and holes, water will continue to seep through them and cause damage to your home.

2. Not Applying a Waterproofing Membrane 

Another common mistake people make is not applying a waterproofing membrane to their walls. A waterproofing membrane is a thin layer of material applied to a wall’s surface to prevent water from seeping through.

There are many different types of waterproofing membranes available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your particular situation.

3. Not Installing Drainage Systems 

Another mistake people often make is not installing drainage systems around their homes. Drainage systems are designed to collect and remove water from the soil around your foundation, which can help to prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawl space.

Many different types of drainage systems are available, so it’s important to consult a professional before choosing one for your home.

4. Not Inspecting Gutters and Downspouts 

Gutters and downspouts are designed to collect and remove water from your roof, which can help to prevent water damage to your home. However, if these systems are not properly maintained, they can become clogged with leaves and debris, which can cause water to back up and seep into your home.

Inspecting your gutters and downspouts regularly is important to ensure they are free from debris and functioning properly.

5. Not Maintaining Your Foundation 

Your foundation is one of the most important parts of your home, so keeping it in good condition is important. Foundation problems can occur for various reasons, such as poor construction, settling soil, or even flooding.

If you don’t maintain your foundation, it could lead to serious problems, such as structural damage or mold growth.

6. Not Addressing Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks are another common problem that can lead to water damage in your home. Leaks can occur in above-ground and underground piping, and they can be caused by various things, such as poor installation, corrosion, or even tree roots growing into the pipes.

If you suspect you have a plumbing leak, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Conclusion

Water leaking through your retaining walls can cause serious damage if left unchecked, so taking action quickly is essential!

By identifying where the leak is coming from and installing a drainage system, repairing any cracks or damages, and sealing off any gaps between stones or blocks with mortars or sealants, you can easily stop water from coming through your retaining walls for good!

With just a bit of effort and patience on your part, you’ll be able to keep your home safe from unwanted moisture infiltration once again! Thanks for reading our post about how to stop water coming through retaining wall.

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