Water leaking into the garage is one frustrating problem many homeowners face. It can create many issues ranging from small puddles and minor inconveniences to significant structural damage.

Identifying the source of the intrusion is necessary to stop water from leaking under a garage door and prevent further property damage. However, many are often left scratching their heads trying to pinpoint the reason behind their leaky garage. Causes such as heavy rainfall and floods may be obvious, but some seepage cases seemingly arise without explanation.

6 Leading Causes of Water Leaking in the Garage

Determining the water source in your garage is crucial so you can address it as soon as possible. If you’re unsure of the cause, here are six factors that could be contributing to this problem:

1. Slab Seepage
One common cause of water leaking into the garage is slab seepage. Due to concrete’s porous nature, concrete slabs can develop cracks and fissures over time. These cracks act as tiny channels that allow water to seep through and gradually enlarge the openings.

When the ground beneath your home becomes saturated with water, especially after heavy rain, it can push moisture through these cracks, causing noticeable leaks in your garage. Addressing slab seepage early on is necessary to prevent further water damage.

2. Soil Sloping Toward Your Garage
How the ground slopes around your home is essential in water management within your property. Ideally, your landscaping should direct water away from your house. Soil sloping toward your garage is an invitation for trouble. If your garage is at the bottom of a slope, water will naturally flow downhill with your driveway, directing it into your garage and home.

Similarly, if the lawn on either side of your driveway is higher than the driveway, rainwater can run onto the driveway and eventually drain into the garage. This can be particularly problematic during heavy rainfalls, as large volumes of water can quickly accumulate and find their way into your garage. Over time, this can create a persistent damp environment and compromise the structural integrity of your garage.

3. Faulty Door Seals
Door seals can act as a barrier between the outdoor elements and your garage interior, keeping water from sneaking into your space through the gaps around the door. However, these can deteriorate over time due to weathering, age, or physical damage.

Inspect the bottom of your garage door where it meets the floor. A flexible rubber gasket should run from one side to the other. If this gasket is worn, cracked, or torn, it won’t form a tight seal when the door closes, allowing water to seep in. This can ultimately contribute to water damage and also provide an entry point for insects, worsening the issue.

4. Home Equipment Leaks
Many garages house equipment like water heaters, washing machines, and utility sinks. While these appliances add convenience to your daily life, they may also cause water leaks, especially as they age.

Leaks from these appliances often occur due to loose connections, faulty pipes, or compromised water lines. A malfunctioning water heater or an overflowing utility sink can quickly leave standing water on your garage floor. Meanwhile, HVAC systems may develop minor leaks or backups due to mineral buildup in their condensation lines.

5. Plumbing Leak
Plumbing lines run throughout homes, often behind walls and ceilings. Unfortunately, factors like age, physical damage, freezing temperatures, and corrosion can cause hidden pipes to leak, resulting in water leaking into your garage under the wall.

Because these leaks are not immediately visible, they can cause significant damage before they’re detected. The accumulated water then creates damp spots and even promotes mold growth, further complicating the issue and increasing repair costs.

6. Roof Leak
Water in your garage may not always originate from the ground—it could come from the roof. Older homes or those that have recently sustained roof damage may have holes, loose boards, or missing shingles that allow rainwater to leak through.

What’s worse is that roof leaks don’t always leave immediate marks. Over time, however, you may notice brown or wet spots on the garage ceiling that correspond to puddles on the floor. Clogged or overburdened gutters can exacerbate the problem by allowing water to overflow and seep into the garage.

How Restoration 1 Can Help With Water Damage

As an experienced water damage restoration team, we tackle your garage water damage comprehensively and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect from us when you request our assistance with water leaks in your garage:

Removing Excess Water and Drying Out Your Garage
Once we’ve assessed the situation and addressed the leak source, we remove excess water and thoroughly dry out your garage. Our restoration experts use advanced equipment to eliminate hidden moisture and prevent further complications.

Performing Water Damage Repairs
Once the water is out of the way and your garage is dried, we perform necessary water damage repairs. This is where we address structural issues and fix walls, floors, and other affected areas to return your garage to its original condition.

Getting Your Home Back to Normal
From the beginning until the end of your restoration project, we work efficiently to get your garage and home back to normal as quickly as possible. We want you to experience peace of mind knowing your property is in capable hands.

Make Garage Water Leaks a History With Restoration 1

Identifying the source of your garage leak is your first step toward regaining a clean, dry space. However, it’s also essential to resolve it correctly to prevent further damage and future recurrences.

This is why, at Restoration 1, we don’t stop at removing the water. We help you understand why it’s there in the first place and fix the root cause. No matter the source of your garage leaks, we tackle the issue head-on and repair any water-affected structures.

More importantly, should other concerns like mold arise, we act swiftly to handle them. We’ll be with you until your home is dry, safe, and comfortable again for you and your family.

When dealing with garage leaks, contact Restoration 1 before the situation escalates. The sooner we step in to address your water damage, the quicker we can protect your garage and make water leakage a thing of the past.