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External pressure on the basement wall can cause it to bow inward. Soil, heavy with water saturation, is commonly the main culprit. The soil exerts immense pressure on the wall, causing it to fail, at least partially. This is known as hydrostatic pressure—these situations can occur after rainfall or simply due to regular groundwater presence and may be temporary or more permanent.  

Mold and mildew are the things in basements that actually cause the musty odors, but moisture is the underlying issue that causes mold and mildew growth. Addressing moisture and water problems and then removing materials that are moldy are some of the best ways to get rid of the musty odors. Preventive measures after that—like installing air fresheners and a dehumidifier—can help keep musty odors from returning.

While both a channel drain and a French drain serve a similar purpose, a French drain is designed to prevent groundwater from causing flooding issues. This type of drain system goes underneath the soil and is completely surrounded by soil and rock. A channel drain, also called a trench drain, removes surface water before it ever enters the ground—hence the concrete and above-ground installation method.

The best way to fix dampness in walls is to find the root cause and fix the underlying issue. After that, you’ll need to dry the wall with a heavy-duty fan and potentially a dehumidifier. If the wall has water damage, you can remove the damaged drywall, patch it with a new piece, and then paint it to match the rest of the wall.