What people keep running into with basement
Complaints tagged basement, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
36 recurring problems · 599 people · 18 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 99How to identify a weird bug found in the houseMysterious property damage, unexplained nests, and midnight indoor sightings leave people scrambling to identify unknown pests without knowing where to start. Without an easy way to match a strange bug or larva to its species, homeowners are left guessing whether they are dealing with structural wood-boring insects or harmless intruders.
- 48Water keeps getting in the house during heavy rainHeavy rain overwhelms existing doors, garage thresholds, and drains, allowing water to pool inside the living spaces and garage. This sudden flooding forces residents to constantly manage overflowing entry points and deal with moisture damage from structural vulnerabilities.
- 46Why does my new plumbing still have bad water pressure and risky joints?Poorly installed pipes and high-tension fittings put excessive pressure on joints, creating constant risks of leaks and floods. Even after professional upgrades like Pex, substandard workmanship leaves homeowners dealing with weak water flow and questionable setups like S-traps that require tearing out walls and digging up pipes just to check for defects.
- 39How to tile over an uneven subfloor without tearing it upAn uneven subfloor makes tiles crack and shift if they are laid without a flat surface. Fixing low spots with a feather finish patch or self-leveling compound avoids tearing out the old plywood or linoleum entirely.
- 37Why is there a mystery wet dog or sour smell in the house?An unexplained, lingering odor resembling wet dog, sourness, or sweetcorn transfers unpredictably onto household fabrics in rooms like the bedroom, leaving people unable to trace its source. Because the smell appears in random places despite no obvious cause, it prevents occupants from successfully eliminating it.
- 31How to remove old dried adhesive before laying LVP flooringOld dried adhesive must be scraped away completely before laying a vapor barrier and LVP. Scraping old residue by hand is extremely tedious and can take hours per strip, which stops installers from easily prepping the subfloor.
- 30Is a basement wall crack structural or just cosmetic?Most small cracks result from minor concrete settling, but vertical cracks accompanied by wall bowing indicate active shifting that threatens structural integrity. Missing these signs prevents homeowners from catching foundation failures early, leaving them vulnerable to severe structural damage and costly repairs.
- 26How to clean mold on furniture after rain gets insideRain blowing through open windows can leave moisture on furniture and appliances that triggers unexpected mold growth. Without addressing the underlying moisture, wiping surfaces down with soap is only a temporary fix, and trying to scrub it away while pregnant poses safety worries that often leave people wondering whether to clean or throw out affected items.
- 25How to identify unknown plumbing parts in a buildingUnfamiliar plumbing components near a main drain or water line are difficult to recognize without professional blueprints, leaving buyers and owners unsure if an installation is a standard backflow valve or a failing system that requires immediate replacement. This uncertainty stalls property purchases and prevents safe maintenance decisions until an expert can visually inspect the setup.
- 18Why are my floor tiles cracking and tenting?Cracked and tenting tiles are usually caused by installation flaws or concrete slab movement that places stress on the flooring. This forces homeowners into a frustrating cycle of constantly patching tiles or being forced to completely rip up and replace the entire floor.
- 18How to fix a poorly installed floor transition stripBadly installed transition strips leave uneven lips that catch your shoes and create a brand-new tripping hazard. The resulting gaps also trap dirt, cat litter, and excess moisture when you mop the floors.
- 14How to clean mold under water damaged flooring without DIY experienceWater seeping under vinyl or baseboards traps moisture that causes mold growth on the subfloor. Without handy skills, homeowners facing this issue struggle to know whether they can safely clean it themselves or if they risk leaving hidden damage that requires professional repair.
- 14Why is my ductwork dripping condensation inside the walls?Ductwork running from unconditioned spaces into wall cavities collects condensation on its exterior, causing water to drip into walls. This moisture leads to severe fungal growth and structural damage that often requires tearing out the walls.
- 14Small yellow fluid leak around AC Schrader valveA tiny amount of yellowish-green fluid around the Schrader valve can indicate a minor refrigerant or oil seepage despite a mechanic claiming the system is normal. Because shops rarely use tracer dye to confirm small leaks, owners are left guessing whether the valve needs immediate replacement or if it is just residual fluid.
- 14How to get chemical smells out of carpetChemical spills like nail polish remover leave behind a stubborn, lingering odor that survives professional carpet cleaning and home remedies like baking soda and vinegar. This leaves the room reeking for days despite the carpet looking completely clean, preventing people from getting rid of the persistent fumes.
- 13Basement window level with the ground water leak preventionWhen a basement window sits even with the ground, contractors offer completely conflicting recommendations for keeping water out. This leaves homeowners guessing at the right fix while waiting for an inevitable leak to happen.
- 12Old bedroom paint keeps peeling off in tiny flakes while sandingAn old layer of paint often flakes off in tiny pieces during sanding or prep work, preventing the wall from ever getting smooth enough for a new coat. This constant peeling ruins the surface and traps people in an endless loop of scraping and frustration before they can even start painting.
- 12Should I test old flooring for asbestos if I'm just covering it up?Testing may not be strictly necessary if you plan to completely avoid sanding or major disturbances and simply cover the material. However, if a water leak or future repairs force you to eventually pull up the flooring, the disturbance becomes unavoidable. Deciding whether to test depends on whether you can safely encapsulate it long-term or if you will eventually have to tear it out.
- 9Water spitting out of pump vent pipeWater spits directly out of the top of the white PVC vent pipe and secondary drain line every single time the pump runs. This continuous spilling or dripping is tied to the unit's operation, stopping immediately when the fan is turned off.
- 7How to cool a house without ducts or ugly wall unitsAdding air conditioning to a ductless home forces homeowners to choose between undersized plenums or wall-mounted units that ruin the interior aesthetic. Without proper system options, spaces like basements and movie rooms end up with poor airflow and uneven temperatures that cool air from upper floors cannot reach.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.