Signs You May Have a Leaky Basement

You may think that the presence of water in your basement is the only way of telling if you have a leak. In fact, this is often not true. There are plenty of signs that act as early indicators that you may have a leak, and you need to attend to any leak as soon as possible. Catching a leak early could save you thousands of dollars and prevent your home from having major structural issues.

Here are a few signs that may indicate that you are plagued by a leak in your basement.

Common Signs You’re Dealing With a Leak in Your Basement

Smell

We all know the smell of dampness – it’s a dank and musty odor that’s unmistakable. The odor can originate from many different causes. For example, mold and mildew tends to flourish in a damp environment, and if you can detect evidence of mold or mildew with your nose this may be a sign that you have a leak.

Rust

The presence of water against metal causes the creation of hydrated ferric oxide, or rust as it is more commonly known. You cannot have rust without moisture, and metal only rusts when moisture is present. Signs of rust in your basement could be a sign that you have a leak.

Staining

You may see a water stain and touch it, only to find the stain is completely dry. This can be the sign of the temporary presence of water, or it could be the sign of a leaky basement. If there is no real explanation as to the stain, then a leak could be the problem. Of course stains that are wet are more likely to be an active sign of leakage.

White powder on concrete

When water encounters concrete there’s a slow reaction that can eventually lead to the creation of a white powder known as efflorescence. This powder is only created when water is in contact with concrete. If you notice this white powder on concrete walls then the chances are high you have a leak.

Mold and mildew

Of course as well as the small of mold and mildew as indicated above, any visible signs of mold or mildew need to be taken very seriously indeed, as the presence of either of these two substances could be a sign that you have a leak in your basement.

If you think you have a leaky basement, then it’s best to call our team at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing for help. We can be contacted at (586) 949-7826 or (586) 776-7270 or via our online contact form. We’ll be happy to come out to your home to determine whether or not you have a serious basement leak that needs to be addressed.