Water is your basement’s enemy. If it gets inside, it can cause all sorts of problems, including a damaged foundation, mold and mildew growth, and ruined furnishings and other belongings. Unfortunately, you can have a water leak in your basement for a significant amount of time before you realize anything is wrong. The experts at Direct Waterproofing have put together a list of signs that you have a water leak in your basement so you can catch the leak before it causes major (and expensive) damage.
Puddles
Standing water on the floor anywhere in your house is a problem, but especially in your basement. It means that something is leaking enough to pool instead of drying up. It could be a leaky pipe, toilet, sink, or other appliance, as water will flow to the lowest point, which is often your basement. Or, it could be coming in from around your foundation, particularly if there’s been a lot of rain or snow recently. It might even be from gaps in your joints or window wells. Wherever it’s coming from, though, don’t ignore puddles, even small ones.
Musty Smells
Often, you can smell a water leak before you see it. Basements often have a musty smell, but they shouldn’t. This is a sure sign that water is getting into your basement in some way. The musty odor is from mold or mildew growth, which is the result of a damp environment. You might also feel the dampness in the air to go along with the musty smell, as the presence of water raises the humidity level in an area. Check your pipes, foundation, and sump pump, if you have one, for leaks as soon as you detect an odor or feel the dampness in your basement.
Mold or Mildew
If you don’t smell the mold or mildew growing in your basement from a water leak, you’ll certainly see it… eventually. Unfortunately, the presence of visible mold and mildew means you’ve had a leak for a while, long enough for moisture-loving bacteria to fester and grow. Some of this mold might even be dangerous to your health, so have it checked out by a professional before you attempt to remove it. Also, be sure to solve the leak issue prior to removing it or it will just grow back.
Crumbling or Cracking Walls
Water causes concrete and drywall to crack and crumble, so if you’re seeing cracks in your walls or crumbling concrete, you probably have a fairly major leak that’s been ongoing for some time. This is especially a problem if water has been allowed to accumulate outside around your foundation. Eventually, the pressure from the water gets to be too much and it forces its way through any gaps or cracks in the foundation. Eventually, it also puts pressure on and weakens your interior walls, causing them to also crack and crumble.
Conclusion
Leaky basements are a problem for many homeowners, even those who spend a lot of time in their basement rooms. Be on the lookout for any sign that water could be getting into your basement so you can resolve the issue right away.
