There are numerous signs that can indicate that your foundation is water damaged. These signs usually don’t occur right away, but eventually you will notice these signs. It is important to be aware so water problems can be caught quickly before further damage occurs.

For Basements or Crawl Spaces:

Block Walls:

Damp spots on an unpainted wall will turn dark grey when wet.

Damp spots on painted walls will darken the paint color, looking stained.

Vertical or horizontal cracks may appear on the walls.

Mold or mildew might start to grow – discoloring the wall.

Efflorescence can appear- looking like a white, chalky substance.

Paint may begin to peel or chip.

Poured Walls:

Discolorations can appear on the wall- from water following the steel support bars (rebar) that are in the wall.

Mold or mildew might start to grow – discoloring the wall.

The wall may begin to crack – in any direction.

The seam where the wall and floor meet might become discolored.

You might get seepage from the cove (where the floor and wall meet).

Paint may begin to peel or chip.

Floor:

Cracks might begin to form anywhere on the floor.

Water seepage might occur, either through cracks or at the wall seam.

White stains or lines may appear on the floor.

Overall:

A musty smell is evident when you first walk downstairs.

Rust may begin to show on appliances, metal furniture or other metal objects.

Clothing, boxes or other stored items warp or begin to smell.

Paneling may begin to warp.

For Slabs:

On the walls:

Mold and mildew may begin to grow on the walls.

Paint may begin to peel or chip.

On the windows:

There might be significant condensation occurring on the windows.

In the heating ducts:

Water might enter the ducts (if they are below the floor ducts). This causes wet air to blow out when the furnace blower turns on.