Hey everyone! I've been living in a townhome-style condo with my roommates since January 2025, and we've run into a perplexing moisture issue in our basement. After moving in, we noticed a terrible smell in one corner, described as rotting flesh, which we initially thought was due to an animal trapped under the deck. Although the smell faded after a while, about a month later, we began experiencing excessive moisture in the same area. We've checked for leaks and had a contractor inspect both inside and outside, but there's no clear source of the problem. Now, we've got drips coming from the ceiling and puddles forming on the floor, leading to warped floorboards and a musty odor, raising our concerns about mold. We've tried using moisture-absorbing bags and contacted our complex manager for help, but so far, no viable solutions. Any advice on what steps we should take next, who to contact, or how to permanently fix this issue before winter hits? We're eager for any suggestions to make this home feel comfortable again! Thanks!
4 Answers
Honestly, everything you’re describing sounds like it could be related to mold or bacterial growth now that the initial smell has faded. You could also have sewer gases leaking in or moisture seeping from the foundation. A smoke test is a good way to rule out plumbing issues. I had a situation like this, and finding a dead animal or moisture source really helped. If the smell lingers, it's worth diving deeper into these possibilities!
You really need to get to the bottom of this. It might involve cutting into some drywall to track down the source of the water. A plumber could be a good option since they specialize in locating leaks. I know it seems like you're handling a lot, but water doesn't just appear out of nowhere, so finding that source is essential. Also, could you explain this "unsealed area" in more detail? That might be the key!
Sounds like you've got quite a mess on your hands! I had a similar issue where dampness and a musty smell led us to find a clogged French drain. It might be worth checking your grading around the foundation and ensuring the gutters are directing water away from your home. Also, if there's a crawl space under that corner, be sure to investigate it for standing water or debris. A cheap moisture meter can really help pinpoint the wet spots. Running a dehumidifier nonstop could also help control the humidity levels until you figure it out. Hope you get this sorted!
Great tips, Felix! A proper ground grading can make a huge difference.
1. Possible dead animal carcass under deck? Decomposing critters smell awful at first, but then fade. 2. Mold or bacteria could be causing the musty smell now. 3. Check for sewer gas leaks if near plumbing. 4. Moisture from foundation could be chronic. You seem to have a timeline: smell from the carcass -> moisture issues came later. That’s critical. Assessing each of these could steer you toward a solution.
Thanks for your input! The unsealed area is a small gap high up in the wall that connects to the main floor. I'm worried it could be the culprit.