A Water Leak in the Basement

Maintaining a dry basement will help avoid possible health problems.

Water can leak through the floor, floor joists and walls into a home's basement. Locating the exact origin of the water in the basement will help the homeowner determine how to rectify the problem. Regions with high humidity often cause damp, moist basement walls to occur which may be misinterpreted as a leak. A damp basement poses a significant health hazard to the residents of the home because it often grows molds and mildews.

Exact Location

Determine the exact location of the accumulated water in the basement. By locating the water's origin, the homeowner can better determine its cause. A leaking pipe, cracked foundation, gaps below an exterior door or window and cracked flooring will all allow water to gather in the basement. The water will often pool away from the leak if the floor of the basement is not level.

Elevated Humidity

The homeowner may also notice an increase in humidity in the basement or house. An increase in humidity often suggests a leak in the basement. The leaking water may be minimal and quickly evaporate into the environment before pooling. Locating the leak may be difficult but check all possible sources of water. Look closely around pipes, at areas beneath a bathroom or kitchen and along the foundation for possible cracks.

Fixing the Leak

To fix foundation leaks, clean out the gutter system around the house to help change the course of the the draining water away from the house's foundation. You may also need to divert the ground around the foundation so it slopes away from the house's foundation. In regions that regularly flood, installing a sump pump in the basement may help prevent water from accumulating because of the basement's leaking foundation during a storm.

Maintenance

Once you fix the leak in the basement you will need to successfully remove any mold or mildew. Consider hiring a professional in mold remediation and water damage repairs to safely clean away the biological growth. Areas of the basement that have sustained substantial water damage will need repairs immediately to restore the structures safety and soundness. Continue monitoring the area of the basement that has sustained leaking for future problems.

References

• Energy Star: Damp Basement
• Energy Star: Mold, Mildew and Musty Odors
• State Farm: Wet Basement Problems

Resources

• Home Doctor: Leak Detection