Idea
Catching water leaks early can save you thousands of dollars. So it’s a good idea to install electronic leak detectors everywhere in your home where there could be water leaks (water heaters, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.).
Routine Care
Check basement for dampness, leaks, or cracks
Leaks and cracks can lead to major basement damage from flooding.
Timing: May (yearly)
How To
After a large rainfall, inspect walls and floors for any signs of excessive moisture, leaks, cracked or broken floors, or cracked walls.
Pay special attention to the joint where the wall meets the floor, as this is where most basement leaks develop.
Benefits
The benefits of this task are relatively high. Doing this task can help prevent serious damage by water and pests, including termites, which can be very costly to eliminate and repair damage from.
Costs
The cost of this task is very low. It is estimated that this task should only take about 30 minutes to complete, and the task is relatively easy to do. Depending on how your basement is finished, you may need a flashlight to do parts of your inspection.
Originally posted at http://www.petermuehlbronner.home-wizard.com/basement/care/check-basement