Identifying Water BEFORE It’s Too Late
Dec 23, 2024
No one wants to deal with a flooded basement. No question about that.
Between the cost, time, and headache of removing water, replacing equipment, and losing belongings, a flooded basement is no fun at all. That’s why it’s important to know how to identify signs of water before it’s too late.
So, what are some signs you can look for in your basement to prevent future water damage?
Visible Water
The most obvious sign of water in your basement is… well, water in your basement. Whether it’s just a damp spot on your foundation wall, a puddle, or a steady trickle running down the wall, there’s no mistaking water, especially when it’s in contact with concrete.
Check around windows, appliances, and on walls for signs of wetness. When looking at windows and appliances, keep in mind that you may also find condensation. Condensation doesn’t always mean there’s a leak, but it does imply that there’s some excess humidity in your basement that a dehumidifier should be handling.
During rainstorms and early spring (when snow is melting) will be the easiest times to identify issues in your basement. Water will be in the ground surrounding it, and if it can get in, it will.
Mold and Mildew
If a trip to your basement is infrequent, you may not see wet water, but you’ll certainly smell its leftovers. Mold and mildew have a very distinct foul, swamp-like odor that will quickly take over the space.
If you smell anything like this, look for brown, green, white, or black spots around your basement, especially on wood, cardboard, or fabric. When these materials get wet and stay wet, mold can fester if left untreated and cause both structural and health hazards.
Cracks in Walls
Some hairline cracks are normal in any foundation, especially as it ages. There’s bound to be slight settling over time that leads to tiny cracks.
However, if you notice larger cracks or hairline cracks that are expanding, it may be time to call for help. This can be a sign of exterior pressure (the hydrostatic pressure mentioned earlier) pushing in on the walls, leading to future issues. Some companies offer crack monitor installations, which are on-wall rulers that show whether a crack is expanding, even slightly.
Water Marks
Almost as apparent as water itself are dried water marks. Some types of water, such as groundwater, have minerals and bacteria in it that will be left behind once the water dries up. These are useful for identifying that water was in an area.
On walls, you may see a line if the water rose to a certain level, indicating how high it was (in the case of a major flood). Meanwhile, puddles on the floor may leave behind an orange-brown color from iron bacteria in the water. Seeing these discolored markings are strong indicators that water was present and you should be on high alert.
Contacting a Professional
If you’ve found signs of water in your basement, don’t worry – help is on the way. Across the country there are countless teams ready to inspect, recommend, and provide help for your home. Basement restoration companies have specialists who are trained experts in the craft. Identify your problem, call for help, and get it done. Don’t wait until it’s too late.