Basement moisture can cause problems throughout the home. The musty smell can travel through ductwork systems. Mold issues could spread into living areas and structural problems may develop if the dampness causes wood to rot. Multiple ways exist to address wet basements but finding the source of the leak is the first step.
Check the Plumbing
Inspect all water and sewer pipes in the basement to see if a small drip has caused the leak. Do not look at only the pipes where the water has collected. Water leaks can travel across plumbing and walls far away from where it began. Contact a plumber for a professional inspection if no problems appear.
Examine the Foundation
Foundation issues may allow moisture to seep into the home. The age of the home does not matter because even a new foundation could have a flaw. As homes settle it is normal for cracks and gaps to appear, but a leak is not a normal or acceptable situation. Water can erode the foundation walls over time and lead to structural problems. Look for white deposits on foundation walls that could signal water exposure. Peeling paint and raised floor tiles also occur due to water exposure.
Water that collects around the exterior of the foundation could be the source of the moisture coming into the home. Any area that does not drain properly must have improved drainage before the interior basement leak repair in Washington DC takes place.
Test the Air
Sometimes water damage is not due to a leak but happens because of condensation. Basement leak repair in Washington DC can still help to repair the damage the condensation caused, but also needs to address the humidity level too. Poor ventilation, damp outdoor conditions, or warm appliances like a clothes dryer or hot water pipes in a cold environment can lead to condensation. A hygrometer can measure the humidity level which should remain at or below 50 percent.
A dry basement adds living space to the home, is a valuable storage area, and protects important features like furnaces and water tanks. A wet basement puts at risk all the ways people use the bottom level of their home. Check out website domain to learn more about waterproofing services and how they can help.