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After noticing a small trickle of water in the basement after a rainstorm, it’s easy to brush it off. After all, it will evaporate before it can damage your basement. However, leaks quickly create wet basements, which host a variety of health and environmental risks. Below are a few common issues homeowners face due to moisture in their website.

3 Risks That Stem From Wet Basements

1. Bacterial Growth

Because iron is present in most water sources, microorganisms and bacteria cling to it and begin to create a red sludge in wet basements. Not only can it damage sump pumps and stain floors, but it can also create unpleasant smells like the scents of rotting vegetables or sewage. This can also lead to the growth of sulfuric bacteria, which will smell like rotten eggs. Luckily, there are no health effects tied to iron bacteria, but it can create an unpleasant environment for your home.

2. Mold Spores

wet basementIf bacterial growth is not eliminated, it can feed mold spores and encourage spreading. Most people experience side effects akin to allergies: coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion. However, those who are allergic to mold may experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or lung infections. If you notice that you only experience these symptoms at home and they worsen when you’re in the basement, it likely means you have mold in your basement.

3. Insect Colonies

If you have a wet basement, puddles and leaks serve as a water source for mice, rats, cockroaches, and other insects. These creatures can carry diseases. Rodents often carry a variety of viruses, and cockroaches can cause food poisoning and other gastrointestinal distress by secreting bacteria and leaving it on their food sources, which are often found in pantries. Additionally, the waste created by cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks.

 

If you want to reduce your chances of these risks, contact Beaver Basement Waterproofing in Westby, WI, to resolve your wet basement. They offer basement waterproofing, wall straightening, and drain tile installation to help your subterranean level recover from previous damage or prevent a new leak. They also install ventilation systems that reduce moisture in the home by removing it from the house instead of recirculating it. To learn more about their services, visit their website, and call (608) 634-4880 to schedule a consultation.

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