Damp Patch at Bottom of Wall
A persistent damp area at the base of an internal wall, often with peeling paint or a musty smell.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Rising damp from a failed DPC
- 2Plumbing leak hidden behind the skirting
- 3Condensation collecting on a cold wall at floor level
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A damp specialist will test the wall with a moisture meter to determine the type of damp, then recommend the appropriate remedy, whether DPC injection, plumbing repair, or ventilation improvement.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £577 – £1,887 | Materials: £370 – £1,475
Enter your postcode for a local price estimate
Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
Find a Damp Proofing Specialist
Enter your postcode above to find local damp proofing specialists, or browse all damp proofing specialists.
Find a Damp Proofing SpecialistWant a More Accurate Diagnosis?
Upload a photo of the problem and our AI tool will give you a detailed diagnosis, estimated cost, and connect you with local tradespeople.
Try Snap and FixStill Not Sure? Ask a Tradesperson
Post your question and get free advice from tradespeople who deal with this every day.
Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
How to Prevent This
Investigate damp patches early rather than just redecorating over them. Improve room ventilation. Check for hidden plumbing leaks behind skirtings.
Related Problems
Damp and discolouration on ground floor walls, typically up to about one metre from the floor, with a tide mark.
A persistent damp, musty, or earthy smell throughout the house or in specific rooms.
A persistent discoloured patch on an interior wall, often yellowish or brownish, that may feel damp to the touch.
Other Damp Proofing Specialist Problems
Damp and discolouration on ground floor walls, typically up to about one metre from the floor, with a tide mark.
A horizontal line of discolouration or salt deposits running along the base of ground floor walls.
A persistent damp, musty, or earthy smell throughout the house or in specific rooms.
Basement walls that are visibly wet, with water seeping through or condensation forming on cold surfaces.