Answer: First, you have to determine if the cause of your basement dampness is condensation or seepage. Dampness from seepage may be due to water that is trapped in the walls or under the floor allowing water vapor to infiltrate the house. Condensation is due to high levels of water vapor in the air that condense on the colder foundation walls or other surfaces in the basement. It can be the result of the water trapped in building materials or from activities within the house itself, such as showering, cooking, clothes drying, etc.

To assist in trying to determine the possible cause of your problem, cut several one-square foot sections of heavy plastic (a heavy duty garbage bag will do). Dry the surface of sections of the wall and floor below grade level and tape a square of plastic on all sides. Leave them in place for a week or more. At that time, pick up the plastic squares. If the underside of the plastic is wet, the problem may be seepage into the wall or floor. Very minor seepage can sometimes be corrected by sealing the walls and floors. If that doesn’t do it, more involved work may be needed including perimeter

Answer: Ice, technically. But what you’re really referring to is household water that contains dissolved minerals (usually calcium and magnesium) above 1 GPG (grams per gallon).

Water is classified as follows:

• Soft Water – less than 1 GPG
  
• Slightly Hard – 1 to 3.5 GPG
  
• Moderately Hard – 3.5 to 7 GPG
  
• Hard – 7 to 10.5 GPG
  
• Very Hard – 10.5 and higher GPG

To determine your water’s hardness, you can call your local water department if you have municipal service. For wells, contact a local water lab to arrange for an analysis. Hard water is typically addressed by installing a water softener.