The Clay Bowl Effect

A large hole had to be dug in the ground to make room for your house. After the foundation floor and walls were built, some of the excavated soil was replaced or “backfilled” to fill the gap between the walls and the existing earth. This soil is loose, fluffy, not as dense or tightly packed as undisturbed soil, and it tends to absorb more water. When water collects in the soil immediately surrounding the house, it creates a “clay bowl” and puts pressure on the walls, which leads to cracks and leaking water.