7 Signs of Basement Water Damage

Basement water damage is one of the most common problems you can encounter in your home. Basements are great storage places. Many people tend to keep their washing machines in the basements. It’s a way to keep any massive machinery away from places that they may be seen. Basements are generally envisioned as dark and damp places. This makes sense given the fact that a basement is underground. You’re closer to groundwater in the basement, and thus, the tiniest leak can cause you to accumulate water pretty quickly.

Your basement can be affected by water damage very quickly. There are many signs of basement water damage. In the article below, we’ll look at all the signs of basement water damage so you know that your basement is ruined, and you can try to clean up before things go too wrong. 

1. Puddles on the Basement Floor 

When you have a puddle that’s constantly accumulating on a basement floor, the chances of there being a leak somewhere on the pipe are high. Water from the outside can also accumulate near a foundation which may cause the puddle to exist there. The water may have found its way in through cracks, joints, or even through the porous concrete. Check for leaks on the inside before looking for leaks outside. If the water problem exists for much too long, then you’ll likely have to conduct some waterproofing.

2. Moisture in the Air and Odors 

Basements are notorious for being damp and smelling off. If you constantly feel as though the air in your basement is damp, then you may want to check out if there’s the presence of some mold in the environment. Water leaks and foundation creaks could be a significant reason you have high humidity and moisture content in the basement. 

To find out what’s wrong, you can look at the water stain on the walls or the floor. There may also be some discoloration on the walls or some deposits. All of these signs lead to the conclusion that something may be wrong with your basement. You can install a sump pump and internal pumping system to prevent moisture from remaining inside the walls. 

3. Mold or Mildew

Basements are dark and damp, which is the perfect breeding ground for all things like mildew and mold. Mildew and mold grow best in damp and organic conditions. If you go into your basement and find that something doesn’t smell right, then chances are you have a mold problem. You can notice mold stains everywhere. 

However, they may be most noticeable on drywall, carpeting, furniture, or items you store in the basement. Mold problems can cause massive allergies and ruin your overall health too. Once you feel like you have a mold problem, calling in an expert and getting rid of the mold would do you well. 

It would be best to keep your eye out for things like peeling paint and wall discoloration, as that could also indicate a mold problem. 

4. Cracks in the Wall

Suppose there’s water leaking from anywhere in the walls or the basement foundations. When water starts accumulating in your foundation due to it not having a place to go, the pressure from the water can cause cracks in the Wall. 

The water can then leak through these cracks and in between the foundations. When the water is seeping through, there can be an increased presence of mold and mildew. You should try your best to seal these cracks as soon as they rear their heads.

5. Efflorescence

Sometimes when you go into older buildings, you’ll see a white deposit on some walls and surfaces. When water evaporates over time, it will sometimes leave the deposits to dry. These deposits can manifest in the form of efflorescence. 

The minerals in the water can leave white, chalky stains called fluorescence. The white stains are a ubiquitous sign that there’s water damage in your basement. It means that water is leaking in from somewhere, and you should get your piping checked out. 

6. Peeling Paint 

If you have painted your basement and suddenly the paint is peeling in huge chunks, then there’s some moisture in the air. Excess moisture causes the paint to peel. You’ll find that the moisture causes the paint to lose some of its stickiness so that the paint will peel and drop in chunks. 

Leaking or pipes that sweat could also cause the paint to peel. The water damage will not be imminent in this case, but you need to be careful.

7. Wood Rot 

If you have wooden fixtures in your basement and you find that they’re mushy or think they’re leaking, you have a wood rot problem. Water intrusion in your basement can cause the wooden fixtures in your basement to become saturated with water. It can result in wood rot, which could cause many problems for you later. If you feel like the floors are bouncy or uneven, your house may have a wood rot problem. 

Call 911 Restoration of South Bay, LA in Case of Basement Water Damage

If you are affected by basement water damage, contact 911 Restoration of South Bay, LA. Our IIRC-certified water damage experts are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you. We will provide a stress-free service and work with your insurance company for damage coverage. 

Please don’t put your health at risk and leave the restoration work to the professionals from 911 Restoration of South Bay, LA. Visit our website www.911restorationsouthbayla.com or call us on (424) 369-0841 for more information.