5 Signs of a Wet Basement Problem

Just because there isn’t visible standing water on your basement floor doesn’t mean that it’s free from water or moisture issues. That’s right, in some cases the presence of water may be hidden in wall cavities, under flooring or in hard-to-access areas of the basement, thereby making it harder to identify. But whether you can identify it or not, water in the basement is a big problem that needs addressing. On that note, we’ve come up with this list of five signs you may have a wet basement problem:

5 Signs You May Have A Wet Basement Problem

1. Musky smell: If you’re met by a musty or musky smell when you enter your basement, it’s likely due to the presence of moisture. Check the crawlspace or other areas where moisture may be present.
2. Mold growth: Mold is one of the common byproducts of excess moisture. In other words, in order for mold to grow, there needs to be moisture or water to feed it. If you spot mold growth, it’s easy to know the culprit.
3. Higher water bills: A leaky hot water tank or dripping pipe may go unnoticed to the eye, but not necessarily to your water bill. Hence, if you discover a sharp increase in your utility bill, work to discover the cause. It could be something in the basement.
4. Water stains: Do you spot water stains in drywall or ceiling tiles? There’s a good chance that water is seeping in through holes or cracks in the basement.
5. Visible presence: Finally, just because it must be mentioned, if you see water coming into the basement you obviously know that you have a wet basement problem. Water can enter a basement from underneath it or through its walls if cracks, holes and hydrostatic pressure are present.