There is nothing more relaxing than the pitter-patter of rain, unless that rain makes its way into your basement. Water in your basement comes in many forms, but any moisture can wreak havoc on your house. In fact, water damage has been one of the top three home insurance claim causes for the last five years.
Some basement water issues are easy to notice, while other basement water sources are harder to figure out. If you know what to look out for, you can pinpoint if you need basement waterproofing services. Continue reading to learn about the five most common signs of water in your basement in our handy guide below.
Five Common Basement Water Issues
Any water in your basement can lead to long-term problems that can be tricky to fix. Although some signs are obvious, others are subtle. Knowing what to look for can help you prevent bigger issues later on.
Here are the five top signs you have water in your basement.
1. Puddles on the Floor
If you walk into your basement and see puddles on the floor, you may have a water issue. A flooded basement can destroy any items stored there.
Often, the offending leak is from an appliance in your home. Problems with pipes from toilets, washing machine lines, water heaters, showers, and sinks can cause water to puddle on your basement floor.
Although you may only be on the lookout for large puddles, smaller puddles can also be a sign of a bigger issue. Sometimes, water from outside can get into the basement through windows, concrete, cracks, and joints. If you can’t figure out where the water is coming from inside, take a peek around the outside of your home.
2. Mold
Are you noticing visible mold on your basement walls? Mold is a clear sign you have water in your basement. Both mold and mildew love damp places and grow best there.
If you find mold in your basement, you’ll want to fix it as soon as you can. Some mold can be harmful to the health of your family. It can cause problems with breathing and other illnesses.
3. Musty Odor
If your basement has a mysterious smell, you could be looking at water issues. Damp air in a basement is a sign that water is lurking. You can usually attribute the damp smell to mold or mildew that grows in wet environments.
4. Problems With the Walls and Floors
Another common sign that water is in your home is if your basement walls and floors start to look a little off. Check to see if any of your basement floors have patches of discoloration on them. Discoloration can be a sign that water has pooled on your basement floor.
Check the walls in your basement. Do they bow inward?
This bowing happens when the soil around your basement absorbs too much water and puts pressure on the walls in your basement. The pressure moves your walls inward, which you’ll most detect right after a large rainfall.
You may notice that your basement walls have a slight shine to them. This shine is usually the result of condensation on your basement walls. Even a little water can cause big problems in this area of your house.
If you aren’t in your basement often, you may see that the concrete in your basement has chalky white streaks on it. These streaks happen when water evaporates from concrete. The minerals and salt get left behind and cause the streaks you see on the floor.
Cracks are another common sign of water in your basement. If your bowed walls go unchecked, the pressure from the bowing can eventually cause the walls to crack. Floors can crack if the pressure from the expanding water is great enough.
5. Bug Issues
Are you noticing that you have more bugs in your home than usual? If so, water could be to blame. Although bugs aren’t an uncommon thing to have in your house, certain types of bugs can show you have a water issue.
Many bugs love damp, dark locations to call home. If you notice you have more termites or cockroaches than usual, you may have a water issue.
How Basement Waterproofing Works
You can prevent flooding in your basement by taking steps both inside and outside of your home. Some steps are simple while others, like installing a basement waterproofing system, are much more involved.
Basement Home Improvement Tips
There are a few things that you can do to help keep water from getting into your basement. Some you can do yourself, while others a professional will have to complete for you.
One way to help keep water from getting into your home is to make sure the water outside is moving away from your house. Ensure that any soil near your foundation is sloped away from your basement.
You can also check that you don’t have leaves or other debris in your gutters. This will keep water flowing through the gutters and away from your home during rainy weather.
Always check on the foundation of your house. If you notice any cracks, you need to fix them or water can get inside.
Make sure to keep your sump pump in good working order. If you have a broken sump pump, your basement can fill with water fast.
Consider adding a dehumidifier to your basement. This tool can help keep moisture at a minimum in this space.
Professional Basement Waterproofing
Professionals can help you remediate your wet basement both inside and outside of your house. Professional interior waterproofing systems will keep water from pooling in your basement. Systems, like the armored basement waterproofing system, keep your basement dry in even the heaviest of rainstorms.
Get Professional Basement Waterproofing Services Today
If you have any water in your basement, it’s a good idea to get the professionals involved. Having professional basement waterproofing services will ensure that your basement stays dry all year.
If you’re struggling with water in your basement, Armored Basement Waterproofing can help keep even the dampest basements dry. Our family-owned business has been helping people keep their basements dry for over 20 years. Contact us today for a free initial inspection and get on your way to a drier basement.
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