If you have a leak in your basement, you should not ignore it. Ignoring a leak in your basement could have serious consequences for your home. Here are the top three reasons you should never ignore a leak in your basement.
#1 Foundation Issues
The top reason why you should never ignore a leak in your basement is because it can compromise the integrity of your foundation. Even a leak that doesn't seem that big to you could have serious consequences if that leak is allowed to persist over a long period of time. The longer the water is able to leak into your basement and soak into the ground and the walls, the greater the chance that your foundation will suffer damage as time goes on. A damaged foundation can be costly to repair and sometimes the damage it not reversible. A tiny leak, left unattended, can end up costing you thousands of dollars if your foundation is compromised.
#2 Mold Growth
Another large and costly consequence of ignoring a leak in your basement is mold. Your basement is already dark and most likely warm enough for mold to thrive. Once you add in a moist environment, you have created the perfect environment for mold to growth and spread. Mold spores are carried through the air and are always looking for the perfect place to call home. You don't want your basement to become an inviting home to floating by mold spores.
Once mold is in your basement, the cost of dealing with it can quickly rise. Although you can kill mold on hard surfaces, such as vinyl and tile, mold can be tough to kill on porous surfaces, such as drywall and carpets. You may have to remove and replace all porous surfaces in your home in order to get rid of the mold.
#3 Lots of Humidity
The smallest consequence is that the humidity levels in your basement are most likely going to rise due to the leak in your basement. When the humidity levels rise, your dehumidifier is going to have to work extra hard to keep the humidity levels in check Your HVAC system may also have to work harder than necessary due to the increased humidity in your basement. All that humidity can also make your basement smell disagreeable.
Failing to fix a water leak in your basement can have both small and serious consequences that can hurt your pocketbook and the overall integrity of your home. If you spot a leak in your basement, you should take care of it right away.
