Basement dehumidifiers
Not every damp basement has a leak. Sometimes the water is coming out of the air.
Basements stay cooler than the rest of the house. When warm, humid summer air reaches cool concrete walls, cold-water pipes and the floor slab, moisture condenses on them. The result looks a lot like a leak: wet spots, sweating pipes, a musty smell, and mildew on stored boxes. A dehumidifier pulls that moisture out of the air before it settles on surfaces.
How do I tell humidity from seepage?
A simple test: tape a square of plastic sheeting tightly to the wall or floor and leave it for a few days. If moisture forms under the plastic, water is coming through the concrete. If it forms on top, it's condensation from the air. Many basements have some of both, and a waterproofing company can check with a moisture meter.
Signs a dehumidifier would help
- A musty or earthy smell that doesn't go away
- Condensation on cold-water lines, ductwork or windows
- Mildew on stored items, wood or drywall
- A portable unit that fills its bucket every day
What's different about a whole-basement unit?
- Capacity. Units built for basements remove more water per day than most store-bought portables and are designed to run in cooler temperatures.
- Drainage. They drain continuously to a floor drain, sump or condensate pump, so there's no bucket to empty.
- Filtration and controls. Many include a filter and a humidistat so you can set a target and leave it.
- Placement. A central spot with clear airflow, raised off the floor, works better than a corner behind stored boxes.
Fix the water first
A dehumidifier handles moisture in the air. It won't keep up with water seeping through a crack or along the floor edge. If you see puddles or wet lines on the walls, have those sources looked at first. See interior drainage and crack repair.
What affects the price?
- Basement size and how damp it is
- Unit capacity and features
- Whether a condensate pump or new drain line is needed
- Electrical work for a dedicated outlet, if required
The waterproofing company sets the price, and it should do that only after someone has been in the basement, looked at the walls, floor joint and sump, and walked the outside of the house. We don't quote prices. A figure offered over the phone before anyone has seen the foundation is a rough guess, not a quote.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
What humidity should a basement be kept at?
It depends on the space and what's stored there. Ask the company what humidistat setting it recommends, and watch whether the musty smell and condensation go away.
Can a dehumidifier fix a musty smell?
Often, if the smell comes from damp air and surfaces. If it comes from water-damaged materials or a hidden leak, those need to be dealt with too.
Related services
More background: Lycoming County basement water guide.
Wet floor after every storm, or a sump that runs all night?
Call and a Lycoming County waterproofing company will set up a visit.