Flooded cellar finding water source

harasmc

Hi I have a cellar in a Victorian semi-detached house which often floods when there is heavy rain- as it has been raining and snowing quite a lot recently it has been quite a regular occurance.


The cellar floods approx 1-3 inches of water and it seems to be clear water. Just wanted advice on how I can check what is causing this flood- it has been suggested that it could be a high water table, but not sure. The floor is brick and earth.


What is the likely source of this water seepage and how can I investigate further. If anyone has any experience or advice, be great to hear from you.


Thanks

Doozergirl

It's okay for cellars to flood. In fact it's perfectly normal and natural. They are below ground and designed to protect the house. Modern expectations of cellars as dry storage are too high. There won't be a single source, it will indeed be the water table rising.

If it's deep enough you can pump it out, if it isn't, it will subside on its own.

Davesnave

harasmc wrote: »

What is the likely source of this water seepage and how can I investigate further.

The definite source is water in the ground around and under your home. At this time of year ithe water table is quite likely to be much above the floor of your cellar, so there's a pressure difference and it seeps in.

A seepage point this year might not be where ingress will occur another year. Underground water is somewhat unpredictable.

The only remedy is tanking; that is making the walls and floor of the cellar water-tight. This is very expensive, so like most cellar owners, you'll probably conclude that the cost isn't worth it.