Cinder block foundation walls are prone to leaking in Westmont, IL due to soil pressure and water saturation. Learn why it happens and how to stop it for good.
If you live in Westmont, IL and have a basement with cinder block foundation walls, you may have already noticed signs of moisture: damp patches, efflorescence, musty odors, or even standing water. These problems are common in homes throughout the region—and the type of foundation is often a key reason why.
Cinder block walls, while durable, are more porous and vulnerable to water intrusion than poured concrete. Combine that with the clay-heavy soil and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles in Westmont, and it becomes clear why so many homeowners experience basement leaks.
Cinder block (also known as concrete block or CMU) foundation walls are constructed using stacked hollow blocks held together with mortar. While they provide strong vertical support, the hollow cores and mortar joints leave the structure vulnerable to moisture.
Over time, water can seep into the block cavities and through the mortar lines, especially if exterior waterproofing wasn’t properly applied during construction.
Westmont’s clay soil holds water after storms and during spring thaws. As water saturates the ground around your foundation, pressure builds up. This hydrostatic pressure forces water into weak spots—especially in the hollow cavities of cinder block walls.
If your downspouts drain too close to the house or your yard slopes toward the foundation, water will collect around the base of the wall. Without proper grading or exterior drainage systems, this moisture pushes against the blocks and eventually finds its way in.
Cinder block walls naturally develop cracks over time due to soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and general settling. These small openings quickly become channels for water infiltration when soil is wet or frozen.
Once water gets inside the block cores, it has nowhere to go. In many homes, there’s no drainage path to redirect that moisture, so it ends up leaking through the interior side of the basement wall.
Keep an eye out for these indicators that moisture is getting into your basement walls:
Even if the leak seems minor now, it will likely worsen over time—especially without proper drainage or waterproofing.
One of the most effective solutions for cinder block foundations is an interior drain tile system. This involves opening a trench along the perimeter of the basement floor, installing perforated pipe and gravel, and connecting it to a sump pump. This system relieves water pressure from inside the walls by giving it somewhere to go.
At Accu-Dry, we also drill weep holes at the base of each block cell to allow trapped water to drain into the system before it leaks into your basement.
Once water is properly redirected, a vapor barrier or waterproof panel can be applied over the wall to protect your basement interior. These barriers help keep humidity and moisture from seeping through and affecting the air quality in your home.
If your block wall has visible cracks, sealing them with hydraulic cement or injecting epoxy can stop further seepage. In some cases, repointing the mortar joints may be necessary to strengthen the wall and eliminate vulnerable paths for water.
While interior systems are often more practical, exterior waterproofing can be used for severe or persistent problems. This involves excavating around the home, applying a waterproof membrane, and installing a drainage board and footing drain to channel water away from the foundation entirely.
To help prevent future water problems with your cinder block foundation:
Taking these steps proactively can reduce stress on your foundation and lower the risk of costly water damage.
At Accu-Dry, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing leaking cinder block foundation walls. We understand the local soil, water behavior, and construction standards in Westmont—and we design custom solutions based on what your home actually needs.
When you contact us, you’ll receive:
Whether you’re dealing with minor seepage or a major moisture issue, we’re here to help you live better underground.
Leaking cinder block walls won’t fix themselves—and the longer you wait, the more damage can occur. If you’re seeing signs of moisture in your Westmont basement, don’t wait for a bigger issue.
Contact Accu-Dry today to schedule a free inspection. We’ll assess your foundation, recommend a practical waterproofing solution, and help you protect your home for years to come.
