Does your basement smell musty? You may think this is just how basements smell – but you might also be dealing with water seepage or leakage, a common problem for homeowners. Over time pressure from groundwater can create small holes and cracks in the foundation of your home, allowing moisture in. Your basement may feel humid, or you’ll notice that musty smell. You may even experience standing water.
Water seepage damage can range from mild to severe. You may have water stains on walls, peeling paint, or cracks in your basement floor or foundation. Left unchecked, excess water can cause rusting to basement appliances. It can also lead to mold and mildew problems which is damaging not just to your property but to your family’s health. And perhaps the most extreme possibility is water reaching your electrical wiring, which can be a fire hazard.
There are a few actions you can take as a homeowner that can help prevent future water seepage problems.
Some of the steps listed above are fairly simple and you can do yourself. Others may require professional help. So what can you do in the meantime? Most homeowner’s policies don’t cover damage caused by water seepage and leakage, but you can add an endorsement to your policy that specifically addresses this issue. If you’re worried about potential water damage caused by seepage, it’s worth your time to research coverage options.
Give us a call
If you’re a homeowner, adding this endorsement to your homeowner’s policy could potentially save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. To discuss adding a seepage and leakage endorsement, give a Sea Mountain Homeowners Insurance Specialist a call. We’re happy to answer your questions.