You just got home and you’re greeted with this horrible smell as you walk through the door. It smells like rotten eggs, mildew, and a combination of questionable substances—and it’s coming from your basement.
This isn’t the kind of surprise anyone wants to come home to. But now that it’s happened to you, you’re probably wondering: why does my basement smell? And, more importantly, how can I make it stop?
Common Reasons Basements Smell
Those unpleasant smells coming from your basement are usually there for a reason. But what’s the cause? Though the exact nature of your problem can be determined by a professional, common reasons basements smell include:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Cat urine
- Dead mice (or other critters)
- Sewer gas
And the reasons you’re getting mold, mice, or another basement problem with a strong odor? It probably has to do with an excess of water in this space. This can occur if you have an older home, clogged drains, or blockages in heating and cooling equipment. And it’s also possible that the water contains sewage, typically as a result of broken pipes or river floods. But there is a solution to your problem—and the sooner you address your issue, the better chance you have of preventing any permanent structural damage.
How to Stop Basement Smells
Once you know why your basement smells, you can start taking steps to rectify the problem.
- Dry out your space as best as possible by using fans and opening the windows
- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture
- Throw out any contaminated materials—carpets, furniture, cardboard boxes, etc.
- Clean and disinfect the contaminated area with a diluted bleach solution
- Have foundation repairs done to seal up any leaks or cracks in the walls and floors
- If it smells like rotten eggs, garbage, or feces, have a professional check for sewage problems
- Waterproof your basement to prevent this from happening in the future
It’s important to note that mold growth can lead to health issues as well and should thus be dealt with immediately so you can safely occupy your home.
Wet Basement Repair in MD, DE, PA, NJ, VA, TN, & WV
If you’ve noticed a musty smell coming from your basement—whether it’s caused by a leak or high humidity levels—you’ll probably want your wet basement issues resolved as soon as possible. And with good reason. After all, a damp basement can lead to more than just a rancid smell, causing health issues and weakening the structure of your foundation walls if left untreated.
At Ameri-Dry, we can
inspect your basement to assess the extent of your damage and discuss your wet basement problems with you. We’ll then provide you with
home foundation repairs to seal up any cracks and install basement waterproofing systems that will redirect water away from the house, keeping your space dry.
Contact us today for wet basement repair in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Tennessee, or West Virginia.
