Although water damage can exist anywhere inside a home, the basements of many houses are at risk of water damage. This is because they are the lowest points of the house. Water in your basement poses health and electrical hazards. Aside from that, it could also damage the floor, walls, cause permanent structural damage and toxic mold to grow.
Below are some of the signs you should look out for when inspecting your house for water damage.
Wet walls
Wet walls in your basement could be an indication that moisture is starting to seep in from the surrounding soil or the pipes in the walls are leaking. An area of the wall that has been exposed to water can have a swollen appearance and soft to touch.
Musty smell
Sometimes, water damage could be hiding behind the walls or above the ceiling. Even if you can’t see it, your nose will tell you that there’s mold lurking somewhere in your basement. Only professional mold remediation can totally eradicate this harmful fungus.
Rotting wood
Wooden beams, wooden furniture or anything made of wood, are especially susceptible to water damage. They will rot very quickly if they are near the source of leaks. If you notice any wooden item that is starting to rot, you might want to check for moisture problems.
Water stains
One of the telltale signs of basement water damage is water stains on the walls or ceiling. Watch out for water lines or stains on the basement wall or ceiling.
Painting the wall to mask the discoloration isn’t a good idea. You need to fix the source of the problem immediately. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.
Rust
Rusting appliances and fuse boxes in the basement could be a clear sign of basement water damage. Why? Because moisture is key in the rusting process. Check for rusty marks around the base of appliances like water heaters, dryers, washers, furnaces etc.
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