Is your basement hiding leaks?
A stinky, damp basement is more than just a pungent odor – it’s an early warning signal that can result in expensive damage and below-par living conditions. Water is a basement’s arch-nemesis, and remarkably, it’s not difficult for water to creep in and wreak havoc on anything from unsightly mold to structural problems.

But how will you ever be able to tell if your basement is harboring a sneaky leak? Watch for these 7 signs that unwanted moisture may be creeping in:

1. Wet Basement Walls: Are your basement walls damp to the touch, or do streaks of water run down them? This is normally an indication of water entering directly through your foundation.
   
2. Damp or Stale Carpeting: Wet or with a chronic musty smell, your basement carpet is probably a casualty of water intrusion from beneath or wall leaks.
   
3. Rusty Appliances or Floor Vents: Rust on metal such as your water heater, furnace, or floor vents? That indicates chronic exposure to elevated humidity or even standing water.
   
4. Floor Cracks: Even hairline cracks in your basement floor can be a problem. If you notice water coming up through them during rain or snowmelt, you have a leak.
   
5. Condensation (Precipitation): Technically not a leak, but condensation on cold basement surfaces that may be confused as one. High indoor humidity is most often the cause and means you need to provide more ventilation or dehumidification.
   
6. Cove Joint Seepage: This occurs when water seeps directly where your floor slab of your basement and wall meet. It’s a normal occurrence, usually a result of rising groundwater or inadequate exterior drainage.
   
7. Efflorescence or Mineral Buildup: Those white, chalky patches on your walls or floors are efflorescence, an unmistakable indication of continuous moisture. They’re behind when water evaporates, leaving minerals behind.