A wet basement can become a much bigger issue—leave dampness unchecked, and your basement will be ripe for mildew and mold. Heavy rains, leaking pipes, cracked foundations, and defective gutters can all cause wet basements. However, each issue is manageable with the right strategy. Read below for a guide on keeping your basement dry and preventing future moisture damage.

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Step 1: Find the Source

The first step in addressing your basement flooding or basement humidity problem is to determine the moisture source, which you can detect from clues that water leaves behind. Below are a few sources to check if you have a wet basement.

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Step 2: Stop Active Water Issues

Address active water issues once you’ve determined the basement water’s source. Ensure your safety by keeping electrical devices away from the water. Then, proceed with the steps below: 

• Air it out: Open windows unless it’s humid outside, and use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. 
• Relocate items: Remove toys, carpets, furniture, and any items that might obstruct the spot where water is entering the basement. 
• Remove the water: Use a wet shop vacuum to remove standing water. While you can handle small floods yourself, we recommend consulting a professional for a bigger job. You can also pump water out of your basement.
• Turn off the water source: Stop using the pipes from which the leak originated, or turn off the main water valve. Skip this step if the flooding stems from external forces, such as heavy rain.

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Step 3: Clean or Dispose of Water-Damaged Items

You should clean or throw out water-damaged items due to the risk of growing mold. Here’s how to determine what to keep and what to toss:

• Carpeting and upholstery: You can dry furniture fabrics and carpets with fans and dehumidifiers. Steam-clean these items once they’re thoroughly dried, and use a disinfectant to clean the fabrics. Toss rug pads—they’re likely too damaged to save. 
• Food, water, and medicine: It’s not safe to consume food or medicine that’s been impacted by a water leak unless the food is canned. 
• Photos and books: You can save photos, books, and other paper items with a hair dryer if they’re only slightly water-damaged. Dry them quickly to prevent mold growth.
• Toys: Disinfect plastic or wooden toys with a mild soap or rubbing alcohol. Clean stuffed animals or fabric toys in the washing machine and air dry them.
• Walls: Your drywall can absorb water and disintegrate quickly. Dry it with a fan if the wall has minimal damage. You’ll have to replace the wall if it’s crumbling or warped.

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Step 4: Repair the Major Issue

Address the issue that caused the flooding to prevent similar incidents. Repairs will depend on what caused water to enter your basement. We outline some common fixes below.

Change the Exterior Slope

Builders often create a downward slope against the home’s exterior so rainwater moves away from your house. If that system has been compromised and you notice puddling after heavy rainfall, try to recreate the slope with landscaping. You can place soil and vegetation around the foundation on a downward slope. 

Evaluate Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from a house, but they could bring the water into the structure when improperly installed. To correct this, place at least one downspout every 50 linear feet with extensions discharging water at least four feet beyond the wall.

Fix Window Wells

Window wells protect your basement from flooding but may collect rainwater if a builder installs them improperly. Fill a window well from the sill to the footing with a 3/8- to 3/4-inch coarse aggregate and ensure a drain tile extension extends from the footing to the well. You can complete this project if you have DIY experience. A professional will charge between $500 and $1,500 to install a window well. 

Repair Structural Cracks

Severe cracks form when a builder doesn’t properly adjoin the floor joists to the foundation wall, and the soil shifts, leading to water problems. You’ll need to redesign the footing and connect the joists to the foundation. A project like this is difficult to do by yourself, so consider hiring a professional. Structural repairs cost between $2,165 and $7,793, with an average price of $4,975.

Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and Fixr.

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Step 5: Prevent Future Moisture Issues

You can take several steps to prevent moisture from entering your basement, including the following:

• Install a sump pump: A sump pump works by draining incoming water and pumping it away from the home. You can install a sump pump in a sump pit or basin in your crawl space or basement. 
• Insulate your pipes: Prevent pipes from bursting or cracking in freezing temperatures by insulating them.
• Ventilate your basement: Humid air and condensation contribute to a wet basement, which can result in mold growth. Use dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture.
• Waterproof your basement walls: Minimize the risk of water entering your home by waterproofing your basement. You can use hydraulic cement to fill any wall cracks to stop water from entering them.

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Our Conclusion

You can dry out your own basement if you find the source of leaking water and stop an active water situation. Consider calling a restoration company if the flooding becomes severe or if you encounter mold. It’s just as important to prevent future issues by sealing basement walls, installing effective gutter systems, and turning to professionals as needed.

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FAQ About Drying a Basement

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