Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
You probably have encountered a musty smell in a basement at some point. You may not know, however, that that unmistakable dank aroma could be a signal of serious issues. Read on, as the basement waterproofing professionals at Ameri Care Services explore the causes of a musty-smelling basement, what they could mean and how we can help.
What causes a musty smell in a basement?
If you’re dealing with a pest infestation, you need to find and provide treatment at the source. Likewise, targeting the source of said musty smell is always the first step in the process of eliminating it.
Most often, that musty odor is the result of mold or mildew, each of which are caused by moisture. Always be cognizant of where the moisture could be coming from, as there are several sources that can be examined.
Excessive basement moisture could come from any of the following:
- Basement windows and doors
- Exterior doors from the above floor
- Leaky plumbing in the bathroom or kitchen
- Groundwater seepage
If you conclude that there are no leaks behind the walls and the basement still smells musty, it could be that the aroma is coming from a dry floor drain or perhaps the p-trap under the sink in your basement. Given that basement drains typically don’t often see as much use, fluid in the trap can dry up.
That musty smell won’t stay away forever
Remember what we said about finding and treating the source? If you just address getting rid of the musty smell in any basement, the musty odor eventually will return if the root of the problem isn’t completely resolved.
You also need to be mindful of the humidity in the basement. A dehumidifier can be used to pull moisture out of the air and condense it into a removable tank that you can thus remove and empty. Aim to create a basement atmosphere with a humidity level of around 50 percent. That will keep the space comfortable without encouraging any mold growth, which will occur when humidity is over 60 percent.
Waterproofing in Nashville and Murfreesboro in Tennessee
Make that musty smell in your basement a thing of the past. The professionals at Ameri Care Services can help. We offer basement waterproofing. Whether your specific moisture problem involves installing a drainage system, a sump pump, or both, we can provide solutions for the unwanted moisture seeping into your basement through the walls and floor.
Ready to find out more? Schedule a free evaluation with one of our professional technicians today. Just call (615) 893-7111 or complete our convenient online form.