AboutDavid Deal Expertise Indoor air quality, mold, compliance questions as well. Also, expert on lead, asbestos, radon, and most any other environmental/industrial hygiene issues.
Question We are located in Michigan. We had our drain tile done a few years ago. There is a gap between the wall and floor in 1/2 of the basement. The house was built on farm land but the fill is clay. Ever since they put the drain tile in we have had an odor in the house that is always worse when the weather is damp, rains, or snow melts. The waterproofing company is clueless. Caulking the gap has not stopped the odor from seeping into the home. How do we stop the odor?
Answer I assume the drain tile is a drain system inside the basement for water intrusion control. There appears to be water holding in the drain system. Odor can escape anywhere water can enter. Can you access the drain system for inspection? if so, look for standing water. Correcting this will take input from the waterproofing company.
For teh record, I recommend waterproffing basements first by adjusting the grade so water flows away from the home. If that fails, then dig it out and install a membrane barrier. This approach works everytime, no fail, no issues. Go to HUD.COM and look for the rehab guidence document for basements and foundations to get a good education on all the approached for waterproofing.
