Why Newer Basements in Ankeny, Waukee and Grimes Still Leak

In Ankeny the median home was built in 2006, and in Waukee and Bondurant in 2011 (ACS 2024 5-year). These houses have poured walls, footing drains and a sump pit. When their basements get wet, the cause is rarely the wall itself.

Settled backfill. The soil put back around a new foundation settles, often leaving a dip along the wall that collects roof water. Filling and sloping it with compacted soil is one of the cheapest fixes. See grading and downspouts.

Short downspouts. Each inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof sheds about 623 gallons. A downspout that empties beside the wall sends it straight to the drain tile and the pump.

A discharge that loops back. If the sump line ends a few feet from the house, the same water returns. In winter, an exposed line can freeze. See discharge lines.

An undersized or tired pump. Builder pumps are often basic models. If the pump runs every few minutes in spring, ask about a larger pump and a battery backup.

Window wells and cracks. A well without a working drain, or a shrinkage crack in a poured wall, can leak in heavy rain. Cracks are usually injected for $250 to $1,000 each (Fixr, February 2026). See crack repair. Also see the Ankeny page.