Basement pic: Is this much effluorescent normal? (foundation, drain, color)

[mmyk72]

Just came back from househunting (2nd visit) and noticed that a particular corner of the basement has a lot of effluorescent on the walls. Don't know if it matters but that's where the drain pipe exits. Pic included.

I also took an outside pic. The lot is on a hill so that the front lawn does slope slightly towards the house from the street (not severely and is rather flat right up to the house). The backyard slopes away from the house. Pic included.

Did not see active signs of water - all lot of stuff are stored there and I didn't notice moldy smell. The gutters are supposed to be new. My my best guess is this could be due to water running into the foundation before the gutters got put in. Am I on the right track??

[desertsun41]

Don't be concerned. Effluorescent is merely a cosmetic issue. We used to call it saltpetering or something like that. I wonder how new that home is. It looks like solid poured concrete walls which is ideal for saltpetering to occur which does occur due to curing of concrete.

Oh but the home is older you say? Concrete never ever ever cures 100%. Even the Hoover Dam is still curing and that is how old? When cement cures, it will be warmer then ambient air and this forces out moisture to the outer surface of the concrete. The evaporation of this moisture causes this white mushrooming or flowering effect in a white color to form as you see. The white is basically salt deposits.

Nothing to worry about. Just a cosmetic issue. As far as sealing the basement walls there is a product to fix this but I just don't remember what it is called. One thing I am sure of is Home Junkpo don't carry it. You will have to go to your local brick and block masonry store for this.

Good luck

[mmyk72]

Great. Thanks for your response.

The house is built in 1950. I just submitted an offer and if the $$ is agreed upon, for sure I'll get an inspector. BUT, for now I want to make sure I'm not looking at any deal-killers (major issues). TY!!