Musty basement

[Dave19642006]

try a humidifier - and then get it checked out for mold.

 

[CubsnClones]

Snow melted quite a bit yesterday and it probably raised the humidity in your basement causing that smell. You might want to check around your windows for condensation and reseal them if necessary. You also might want to invest in a dehumidifier, a little expensive, but well worth the money for damp basements...

Suddenly tonight we have a strong musty smell in our basement. Can't really pinpoint it. I can't find any leaks or wet spots. Any idea what could be causing it?

BTW - I work from home all day in the basement and didn't smell anything before tonight.

 

[clones_jer]

do you have a sump pit? Its probably been dried out for a while now and if the melting caused it to get a little bit wet on the bottom where theres always a thin film of crap that could be the smell.

 

[twistedredbird]

do you have a sump pit? Its probably been dried out for a while now and if the melting caused it to get a little bit wet on the bottom where theres always a thin film of crap that could be the smell.

Ditto!!! I have a very dry sump pump, and in winter it can dry out, so occasionally. A good fix is to run water into it to make it drain, and then you know your pump is working also. Another issue with sump pumps in winter is that mosquitos can reproduce there and if you have mosquitos in winter 9 times out of 10 thats where they are breeding.

Also, run a dehumidefyer. Musty smell is caused by bacteria, so either something is rotting, or something is moldy.

 

[isuno1fan]

Musty basement?

I would move IMMEDIATELY.

 

[Wesley]

Air out the basement with a fan. Then see how fast if it comes back. Did you do your laundry? Old magazines get wet? Dog do something naughty? Did you get Chizzed?

 

[1100011CS]

Ditto!!! I have a very dry sump pump, and in winter it can dry out, so occasionally. A good fix is to run water into it to make it drain, and then you know your pump is working also. Another issue with sump pumps in winter is that mosquitos can reproduce there and if you have mosquitos in winter 9 times out of 10 thats where they are breeding.

Also, run a dehumidefyer. Musty smell is caused by bacteria, so either something is rotting, or something is moldy.

no sump pump/pit. i started the dehumidifier last night. seems to be helping.

 

[1100011CS]

Did you get Chizzed?

i think u nailed it. previous owner did a shoddy remodel job.