The Signs And Causes Of Basement Leaks

Water damage is the second most common type of insurance claim in the United States. Water damage in the basement is the most common type of water damage. Thus, basement water damage is one of the most common and destructive types of damage that can happen to your home. We at White Knight Carpet Rescue in the Madison, Wisconsin area want to help you avoid the dangers of water damage from affecting your home. As a resource to you, we’ve included many of the most common signs and causes of water damage.

Signs

Mold

Mold is a sure indicator that you have a moisture problem. Mold grows and flourishes in the damp corners and crevices of your home. If you see any in your home, you should immediately investigate the source of water from which the mold is growing.

Puddles

Big or small, any puddles in your home are bad news. Mold growth and damage to your home can be caused by puddles of any size. If you don’t know where the puddle is coming from, it’s important that you find out where the flow of water is and stop it as soon as possible.

Swollen Or Discolored Baseboards

This is a likely indicator that your baseboards have suffered from water damage in the past or are suffering from it currently. If you see this in your home, it is likely that there is water back behind your baseboards.

Unusual Odors

Musty and mildewy smells should immediately alert you to the presence of mold. This smell is most common in high humidity areas, but if you smell it at all you should investigate to find the source of the smell.

Causes

Unsecured Window Wells

Window wells are an ideal way for water to come in and flood your basement. If the area your home is built on lacks the drainage necessary water may be heading for your window wells and ultimately your basement.

Cracks In The Floor Or Walls

Clearly, cracks can be a cause of flooding. However, they can also be an indicator of a more serious problem. Cracks in the wrong place or on the wrong materials could damage the structural integrity of your home.

Clogged Floor Drain

If your floor drain is clogged at all, then backups of water in your basement will naturally follow. Regularly check your floor drains to ensure they are draining properly.

Being on the lookout for potential water damage hazards and basement flooding to your home goes a long way to stopping preventable incidents. Fortunately, this is not a difficult task. Keep a close eye out for mold, puddles, swollen or discolored baseboards, and unusual odors in your home so you can stop water damage before it starts. However, if you are too late and the damage has already been done to your basement you should first look to the most likely culprits such as window wells, cracks in the floor or walls, leaky sewer pipes, and a clogged floor drain. In response to this damage, you should also call the pros at White Knight Carpet Cleaning in the Madison area to help you with the cleanup process for any and all water damage and flooding.