Help! My Basement Smells
You know that unpleasant, musty odor all too well. It’s the reason that basements get the reputation of being dank, gross, and unpleasant places to be rather than the clean, bright, and comfortable rooms we wish they were. But the truth is, basements absolutely can be pleasant places to store your belongings, to have workout or television spaces, or to even have an extra bedroom.
A professional like AA Action Waterproofing can investigate your particular situation and give you a thorough assessment, letting you know exactly what the source of the problem is. Some common problems might be:
- Mold or mildew
- Cat urine
- Standing water
- Dead mice (or other animals)
- Sewer gas
When it comes to mold, mildew, dead critters, and standing water, the issue will usually stem from excess moisture. Whether it’s from humidity, rainfall, a snow melt, or a clogged drain or leaky pipe, all of that water will sit and start to make your basement smelly. But the smell isn’t even half of your concern—if there’s standing water, you might also be facing permanent structural damage to your home.
How To Deal With A Wet Basement
The first step to handling a wet basement is getting the moisture out. Mop it up or use towels to absorb small amounts, use a sump pump or wet vacuum, and get a dehumidifier in the space. You might also consider opening windows and turning on fans to dry the space out.
Next, you’ll want to get rid of anything that’s been damaged, like items you were storing down there or parts of the home even, such as the carpet, furniture, along with your boxes.
Once the area is cleared up and clean, it’s time to get a professional like AA Action Waterproofing in to assess the damage and figure out the best plan of action. You may need foundation repair, mold remediation, and you will definitely want to waterproof your basement to prevent any further damage. Call us today at 888-922-5517 for your free quote.