HELPFUL TIP #1: Q: Why does my basement leak? A: Basement leaks are very common, and can be caused by a number of factors such as: (1) Hydrostatic Pressure - water penetration up from below your basement floor. This is the result of the ground water table rising upward. (2) Lateral Pressure - water penetration through your foundation walls. This can result from water movement through natural underground veins, from poor ground drainage or downspouts that empty too close to your foundation, or from water simply building up in the hole in which your house sits.