Water coming up?

[JHZR2]

For the third of a series, note again that we have a very high water table. Most folks get water in their basement with a normal to heavy rain, and have a sump pump. We dont even have a sump hole,and dont get hardly any water at all, unless our gutters clog and it gets bad in one spot.

Anyway, around the steel supports in the basement, Ive noticed some efflorescence and rusting of the columns. This is new. Any thoughts, suggestion for mitigation or recommended actions?

I think this is an example of what I noted regarding my carmats which had salt crystals on them - the heat and humidity of an enclosed house caused the crystals to turn into little water droplets. I think the rust and mineral salts may have done the same thing, thus the indication of moisture on the pictured areas.

Any suggestions of how to deal with this?

Thanks!

 

[JHZR2]

wow, those pictures are pretty lousy and make it look bad. It really isnt as bad as it appears. These pictures make it look like there is a lot of errosion or rust high up, but there isnt. Will need to get better pictures.

 

[tomcat27]

the first main concern is structural: are the columns still providing adequate support for the beam? expanding replacement supports are easy to install. then remove this one (or not) and patch the concrete.

 

[crinkles]

How old are the columns. Steel in the ground corrodes, just like everything else.

 

[Boomer]

Parents-in-law had this. You will eventually need to replace the posts. They had concrete posts about 8" high poured into a hole cut in the floor where the metal had been and new metal support columns placed on top of these. This got them above the water and away from concrete touching the sides of the posts.

 

[JHZR2]

The posts are sturdy and solid, the rust appears to only be a surface issue (again need better pictures).

Still putting new ones is sound, at some point.