Wall Water Features

Unknown smell in my basement?

My basement recently developed a horrible smell and has given me a throat ache. It smells like mildew from some sort of wet material. We have a hot tub and i think it might be the lid. There is also a fishtank, but we just cleaned it. Furhtermore there is a fountain down there which it could be. The last option is that it is wet inside the walls where the dry-wall is. What do you think? Any experience with hot tub lids, or fountains, of dry wall damage? How about a good over the counter drug for allergic throat pain.

Public Comments

1. If the smell is so bad that it is making you ill, you really do need to get to the bottom of this, not take drugs. If it smells like mildew then it probably is some kind of mold. I'd suggest getting a mold expert to come in and have a look, since as you say it might be from several sources. If you could eliminate those sources that would be good, but hot tubs aren't very portable. If there is any way you can get some fresh air down there, you should do it immediately and try to keep it as aired out as possible. I would also suggest that if you have any pets or children in the house you should try to send them somewhere else until this is resolved. If it is making you ill then it is a very serious situation that needs an expert to come in as soon as possible.
2. you teach me to football
3. Sounds like you've definitely got some sort of mold or fungus problem. The stuff can also grow inside of heater and AC vents too. Mold will grow inside of the walls so unlike the lid to your hot tub or fountain you won't be able to see it. Get someone who specializes in removing the stuff to check your basement out.
4. Man, that's a lot of water and moisture down there. Try running a dehumidifier after you correct the smell.