How Can You Tell if You Have a Wet Basement?

This could be caused by something as simple as an overflowing laundry tub or it could be a result of water seeping in through basement windows, the walls, or the floor. Check for potential points of entry near the point of the stain, but keep in mind that water travels to the lowest point. It may have originated across the room if your floor is uneven.

Excess moisture in a basement can cause an unmistakable smell. It could be standing water or it could be that your carpets, insulation, or drywall have been saturated with water at some point in time.

Mold has spores that float in the air, like pollen, and can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. If your family is getting sick often, check for visual signs of mold in your basement. Mold can take on many colours. It could be colored black, brown, yellow or green, and you won’t know for certain if it’s mold without testing it.

A white or light gray ring that marks the edges of the pooling of water is left behind after water has receded or evaporated. It is the salt deposits that create this marking and can sparkle if enough salt is left behind.

When water gets inside the surface of concrete, brick or stone, salt deposits from the water cause the surface to flake away, peel, or pop off. If you have carpets sitting directly on your concrete in the basement, check for signs of lifting and inspect underneath for concrete degradation.

Wet floors can be a result of ground water seepage coming up through the foundation or a faulty sump pump. It is important to determine the source of the wetness as ground water seepage can degrade your foundation’s structural integrity. If you have a finished basement, check your carpet for wet/dark spots and peeling away from the subfloor. If it’s laminate or engineered hardwood, check for buckling between the planks.

This does not necessarily mean that water is penetrating, but more likely that there are issues with ventilation and insulation. Untreated condensation problems can lead to subsequent problems.

Signs that water is coming in through the seals of the basement windows. Caulking is not the answer here. You need to first address why the water is coming against the windows on the outside and then repair the windows.

Rust around pipes and metal fixtures could be due to interior water leaks, but it’s a good practice to note the damage and track the source.

This can indicate pooling of water. Check the length and height of the wall for any holes or gaps in the structure.

Cracks can mean a shift in the foundation. Not all cracks are of the same intensity, so please have any cracks discovered inspected by a professional.