Fixing a moisture problem in basement?

Question

Okay. I live in a brick ranch home built in the 60's. Never had a moisture problem. My basement has a wall that all of a sudden developed moisture for a day or two. After running a dehumidifier for a week, everything is dry, but there is a stain on the concrete wall. This section of the basement happens to be the only section that is underground (front of house). What do I need to do or check? I don't have that great of a budget and the bummer is I was thinking of selling my home and re-locating. Help!

Answer 1

Check your eaves trough. It may be plugged, causing water to build against the wall of the house.

Answer 2

Find out on the outside first what is causing the problem...where's your downspouts draining or gutter linking or is ground sloping the wrong way next to the foundation.........usually the best way to stop a leak is from the outside,,,,,,,,,,,,yes I know you will be told you can do it from the inside and you can .........but the truth is dig down on the outside and tar /with an asphalt emulsion and a brush. stick a piece or visqueen over the wet tar and mop it once more.....gooood luck........bye

Answer 3

If you've had an unusual amount of rain recently then you shouldn't worry as the moisture will be temporary.

Check around the outside of the building for anything that could be bridging any damp proof courses, such as piles of soil or rubble (as it's the basement this may not be relevant).

If the moisture is still going to be a problem, one fool proof method is to paint the inside wall(s) with bitumen mastic paint.  On the final coat throw sand at it to make a surface that will grip plaster.  Then plaster over it.  You will need to paint the floor with mastic at the bases of the walls, and ideally over the entire floor, so you will need to put down a floor covering afterwards (if you don't have one already).