7 Signs Your Home Has a Basement Water Leak

While it’s a common problem, basement water leaks can be distressing to deal with, especially if you don’t know where the leak is coming from. If left unaddressed, your basement runs the risk of being flooded during heavy rain or snow, which can be costly to fix.

Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of a water damage leak and determine what’s causing it as quickly as possible.

In this article, we’ll go over the signs of a leak in your basement to help you address the problem sooner rather than later.

1. Standing Water or Puddles

Puddles on your basement floor could be caused by either inside or outside moisture. Burst pipes or water leaking from a shower, sink, toilet or washing machine nearby could be the culprit. Alternatively, it could be due to standing water outside your home weighing down your foundation.

To avoid a leaky basement, regularly inspect your pipes for leaks and walls for cracks. Insulate cold water pipes before winter to prevent them from bursting. If you see puddles consistently, it could mean your basement requires waterproofing.

2. Damp Air and Musty Odour

There could be water leaks in your basement if a stale and musty odour greets you within seconds of walking inside. Whatever’s in your basement, furniture and old items may be getting wet, causing an unpleasant smell. It can also be due to mould and mildew on your walls.

Consider installing a sump pump and interior drainage system to prevent water damage and musty odours in your basement.

Image source: Canva

3. Presence of Mould and Mildew

Mildew and mould thrive in poorly ventilated areas with high moisture, like a wet basement. If you notice mould spores, water stains, or drywall discolouration along your basement walls or in damp, dark areas like your crawl space, this is a sure sign you have a basement water leak.

4. Cracks in the Foundation Wall

While concrete is a strong material, it is porous and vulnerable to water damage. It can enable water to travel through cracks and cause concrete to erode, which could leave you with cracked foundation walls.

If you see cracks in your foundation wall, have a professional seal inspect and seal them immediately with hydraulic cement to keep water from getting in. This is especially true if you see horizontal wall cracks, as this could be a sign of hydrostatic pressure.

5. Efflorescence

Efflorescence, or chalky white stains sometimes found on your basement floor and foundation walls result from salt deposits left behind by evaporated water. It forms as moisture passes through porous concrete and travels through the cracks in your wall or basement floor.

While this type of water stain isn’t harmful on its own, it is a strong indication of a leaky basement. Consider inspecting the area where your wall and floor meet along with checking the basement floors and walls.

6. Flaking or Peeling Paint

Paint may be flaking or peeling in your walls due to excess moisture caused by rain, melting snow, or groundwater leaks. These seep behind the paint film, saturating the building material underneath and causing the paint to peel away.

Check your gutters and downspouts to see if they are still diverting water far away enough from your home’s foundation. This helps you avoid basement leaks.

7. Wood Rot

When condensation forms on wood surfaces, it can cause the surface to rot. This is also known as wood rot, an infestation caused by wood-decaying fungus that can rapidly spread through your home’s foundation.

Image source: Canva

Wood rot is characterized by discolouration, cracking, or splintering of the affected wooden surfaces and by its distinctive fungal and earthy odour. It could also cause the material to become weak and spongy in texture.

You might find evidence of wood rot in your basement if it leaks. In that case, call a professional waterproofer as soon as possible to mitigate further damages.

Trust Ontario’s Best Waterproofer for Your Basement Leaks

Basement leaks should not be taken lightly. Not only can they cause extensive damage around your property, but they can also compromise your home’s structural integrity. So, at the first sign of a basement water leak, ensure you enlist the help of a professional to fix the problem for you.

At PRO Waterproofers, we’re ready to take on the task of fixing your leaky basement! Based in Southern Ontario, we are a trusted local waterproofing company that has been providing services to residents in the area for over a decade. We can guarantee that your leaky basement problems will be given a lasting solution.

Contact us today to learn more about our waterproofing solutions, or take advantage of our free in-home consultation.