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Why does my Basement Floor have Moisture?

A basement floor with standing water is usually indicative of a pipe break or leak, but what about a basement floor that is just damp? If your basement floor regularly has moisture, it could be due to a damp atmosphere, foundation cracks, or malfunctioning sump pump. A basement humidifier can help pull moisture out of the air to cut down on the dampness along a basement floor. Foundation cracks, on the other hand, can let water into your basement through the floor or the walls that then sits around and runs along the walls, allowing the floor to become and remain damp. But if the moisture seems to be tied to inclement weather, you may have a broken sump pump to thank for your damp basement. When water enters your sump pit and isn’t pumped out the way it should be, it lingers, allowing your basement humidity level to rise and the water itself to spill over. A sump pump should pump all the water out and do so quickly, because only partially pumping the water (like can happen in the float is broken) or pumping it out too slowly (like if the motor is being overworked) can let moisture linger. The result is a dampness that can allow mold and mildew growth, as well as a foul smell. 

If you suspect you have a plumbing problem, like a leaking pipe or broken sump pump, call a licensed plumber to come out and diagnose the issue. A local plumber can tell you if the issue you’re experiencing is something related to your home environment or a plumbing problem. Plumbers can fix a leaking pipe, broken sump pump, failing hot water tank, or something else. Call a nearby plumber today to have someone take a look at your basement.

Additional resources:
The Damage from a Leaking Pipe
My Basement Keeps Flooding
Leaking Hot Water Tank
Water Bill is Higher than Usual
My Sump Pump won't Keep Water Out
Leak Detection: How to Find a Leak
Who can Repair Water Heaters?
Do Plumbers work on Sump Pumps?