Finding out that you have a leak in your basement can sometimes be as straightforward as finding a puddle of water on your floor. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. Identifying a leak and immediately pinpointing the location can save you from mold and costly repairs. With the help of this guide, you will be able to pick out some of the most common signs of a leak.
Telltale Signs on your Walls
Efflorescence is a mineral deposit left behind by water evaporating. It usually looks like a white chalky residue left on your walls. When you spot efflorescence, you can reasonably conclude that the environment has been exposed to excess humidity. You may also notice cracks in your drywall or on your foundational wall. There may be several causes for these cracks, but water is one of the most common.
Another sign to look out for is bowing and wet spots anywhere on your walls. If you have an unfinished basement, then you may notice water spots on your concrete walls; in a finished basement, a leak may manifest as a wet bowing spot on your drywall.
Telltale Signs on your Floors
Your basement walls are not the only places you may spot clear signs of a leak; your floor can also show such symptoms. One of the most common signs will be wet spots. This could mean either a damp spot on your floor or discoloration. You may also notice cracks from the excessive strain put on the floor from the weight of the house in conjunction with water trying to get in from the outside.
Mold and Smell
Mold is another clear sign of a space that has too much moisture. It is important to check all over your basement for any signs of mold or mildew growth. You may also be able to tell if you are experiencing mold growth from the smell or negative health effects.
Mold and mildew may give off a musty odor that you will often smell before you even spot the mold yourself. You may also experience congestion and other allergy symptoms when in the basement.
Water Damage and Bugs
Another sign that you may have a leak is water damage beyond your walls and floors. An example of this would be rotting or warped wood. It could also manifest in rust stains on pipes, exposed metal, or areas where rusty water may have come off of rusty metal. You will want to look around to see if there are any spots on your floor where rusty water may have been pooling.
If your basement has them, you will want to check any doors or windows for leaks or cracks. Sometimes a seal is not perfect, or water pressure from the outside forms cracks. The next time it storms, check for any cracks or breaks in the seals. In addition to this, you may notice bugs. Water bugs are attracted to damp spaces. If you start to notice any of these, you may have a leak and might need to reach out to a foundation repair professional immediately.
Take Preventative Measures
There are many reasons for leaks in your basement and just as many signs to alert you of them. Making the conscious effort to regularly check your basement for telltale signs of a leak will save you time and money.. So, make sure to regularly check your basement for any of these signs to protect the structural integrity of your home, maintain your health, and keep yourself from having to make a costly basement foundation repair.
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