Hydrostatic pressure describes the outward and downward pressure caused by standing water pushing against any object or surface that blocks it, in this case — your basement walls. The pull of gravity against standing water is relentless, causing the water to push and push hard against anything that restricts its flow.

What is the main source of hydrostatic pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure is a force generated by the pressure of fluid on the capillary walls either by the blood plasma or interstitial fluid. The net filtration pressure is the balance of the four Starling forces and determines the net flow of fluid across the capillary membrane.

What causes tissue hydrostatic pressure?

The force of hydrostatic pressure means that as blood moves along the capillary, fluid moves out through its pores and into the interstitial space. This movement means that the pressure exerted by the blood will become lower, as the blood moves along the capillary, from the arterial to the venous end.