A woman cleaning up a fungus growth on a wet wall, a common issue related to basement problems.

Most Common Basement Problems

As unimportant as a basement may seem, it is still an important aspect of any home. Generally, basements are often subjected to many different problems because of their location. It does not matter if your basement is used for simple storage or recreational activities; these problems can potentially ruin homes. These problems could range from minor to more severe issues that may require a lot of money to fix.

Here are some of the most common problems that most homeowners face regarding their basements;

Cracks; some cracks are natural, while some occur as a result of a faulty foundation, and some may happen because of an external force. If cracks are not given attention on time, a small crack can get bigger over time and cause bigger problems. In addition, these cracks allow water to seep into your home, leading to mold and mildew issues, musty smells, damaged walls and floors and ruined furniture and belongings.

Humidity; mold requires moisture to survive, drawing it from the air around it. Therefore, as the relative humidity in your basement or crawl space rises, mold will thrive in the area. In addition, as mold reproduces, it releases millions of allergenic mold spores. In other words, whether your basement is finished or unfinished, those humid conditions can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and other bacteria.

Unpleasant appearance; an unpleasant appearance is something most homeowners find disturbing. Water or moisture in your basement tends to leave stains on the walls. These stains could range in color from white, reddish, or orange (from iron ochre) and dark patches. In addition, moisture causes the paints on the wall to get chipped because water goes through porous basement walls and mounts pressure on the paint from the inside.

Poor plumbing; if you decide to add a bathroom to your basement or any other basement plumbing, it will undoubtedly increase your home’s value. However, because the basement is below the ground, it will mean that this kind of plumbing will require more expertise than basic plumbing would. And if you do not get it right, a whole disaster may just be waiting.

Window leaks; windows are a great way to allow sunlight to brighten your basement and fresh air to circulate through. However, windows are more easily prone to leaks than concrete walls, so it is imperative to take extra care. Ensure that the seal will not crack or allow water to get in. An excellent waterproofing system usually has special drainage channels for windows to prevent flooding.

Sump pump water failure; a sump pump is a device used to remove accumulated water found in the basements of homes. It helps prevent water damage, but if this device fails at the wrong time, some significant damage may occur.

Basement mold growth; as mentioned earlier, a common problem some basements have is mold growth. Molds start to grow in dark and damp areas and are not easily visible. The presence of mold in the home is hazardous to health as it has been linked to several health problems.

Structural problem; Hydrostatic pressure and prolonged dampness can cause cracks in walls, which, if not dealt with promptly, can lead to more severe structural issues such as the basement walls buckling or bowing. In addition, water causes soil erosion around and under your house, leaving the foundations without much support. When these problems are discovered, they should be addressed as soon as possible.

Flooding; Flooding is a major problem that destroys property. Typically, a burst pipe or leaking appliance can leak water into your home from the inside and ruin your belongings, property, and structure. There is also a huge possibility of electrocution and shock after the water waves through the electrical units.

Every part of your home is important, especially the basement. These are some of the common basement problems homeowners face at some point in time. Prevention, they say, is better than cure. Being able to identify this problem will save you a great deal. Therefore, it is crucial to check regularly in order to identify these basement problems before they escalate. Also, preventive and corrective measures should be put in place. And in this case, DIY should not be an option because you may think you have found the problem, not knowing other more significant problems exist. This is why it is always advisable to seek the help of a professional when you spot any of these issues in your basement. These professionals are equipped and experienced to deliver a lasting solution to these problems.