Wet Basement? Fix it now with these 4 Simple Steps

A wet basement can be a major problem for your home. Dampness leads to mold and mildew growth, which looks disgusting, makes your home smell musty, and can even cause health concerns.

In some cases, water around your basement can lead to foundation damage, which is serious business. Put a stop to the problem now with these 4 simple steps, and protect your home.

1. Eliminate Mold and Mildew

The first step for dealing with a wet basement is to put a stop to mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew smells up your home and can be a respiratory irritant, so it’s important to get a handle on this issue first.

Wet & Forget Indoor Mold + Mildew Disinfectant Cleaner kills mold and mildew, cleans the mess, disinfects, deodorizes, and inhibits re-growth in one easy step. No scrubbing or bleaching needed!

Click here to learn how to beat basement mold and mildew with Wet & Forget Indoor.

2. Look for Leaks

Now that you’ve taken care of the mold and mildew, it’s time to figure out where the moisture is coming from. Plumbing problems can be a source of water in your basement, so this is a good place to start.

First, look around the basement floor for any wet areas, and check the pipes above those areas for leaks. Next, check around, behind and underneath any appliances that use water, such as washing machines, well pumps, sump pumps, and water heaters.

If you find water, check the appliance for leaks or call in an expert for an inspection.

3. Check your Rain Gutters

Your rain gutters may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your basement, but they play a key role in keeping your basement dry. Rain gutters and downspouts guide rain water away from your home’s foundation, and keep it from running towards your basement.

The Foundation Repair Association recommends cleaning and inspecting your rain gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and fall, and making sure that your downspouts release rain water at least 5 feet away from your home’s foundation. Click here for details on rain gutter care.

4. Check your Lawn’s Grading

Water runs downhill, so proper land grading is essential for keeping your basement dry. No matter how many times you seal your basement, water that is constantly pooling outside your basement walls will find a way to get in.

Proper land grading will cause any rain water that lands on the ground outside to run away from your basement, rather than towards it, and will help your basement stay dry.

Click here for more information on how to check your property’s land grading.

Use these tips for a dry, comfortable basement your family can enjoy!