Water guides
Articles
Practical guides for St. Louis homeowners, written by the Jones Air & Water team.
- Wooden Cutting Boards in St. Louis Kitchens: Cracks and Damp AirHumid summers swell wood cutting boards and dry winters split them, so here is how to spot early damage and store boards so they last in a St. Louis kitchen.2026-11-09
- Wine Storage in St. Louis Homes: Corks, Labels and Damp AirCorks, labels and cardboard cases react to damp air and temperature swings, so a steady storage spot and a simple hygrometer reading help a St. Louis homeowner decide where bottles should go.2026-11-09
- Holiday Decorations in St. Louis Storage: Boxes and Damp AirMost holiday decorations sit in storage for eleven months a year, so a St. Louis basement, garage, or attic can quietly damage them unless you pick the right spot and packing method.2026-11-09
- Exterior Door Thresholds in St. Louis Homes: Seals and Damp AirA homeowner's checklist for telling swollen doors from failing seals at the threshold, and what to fix first in a St. Louis entry.2026-11-09
- Dryer Vents in St. Louis Homes: Lint, Moisture and Outdoor VentingA clothes dryer can push a surprising amount of moisture into a St. Louis home when its exhaust duct leaks, sags, or ends indoors, and a few simple checks show where to start.2026-11-09
- Weep Holes in St. Louis Brick Walls: Letting Trapped Water OutA homeowner's guide to finding and clearing blocked weep holes in St. Louis brick walls, and knowing when to call a mason.2026-11-08
- Leather Shoes and Bags in St. Louis Homes: Spotting Early MildewMildew on shoes and handbags usually starts in still, damp closets, so this guide shows St. Louis homeowners where to look and what to do next.2026-11-08
- Indoor Plants in St. Louis Homes: Watering, Grouping and Damp AirHouseplants release moisture into the room as well as the soil, and a few placement and watering changes can keep that extra humidity from showing up on St. Louis windows, walls and furniture.2026-11-08
- Garage Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Tools, Cars and Slab MoistureA practical way for St. Louis homeowners to find where garage moisture comes from and keep stored tools, cars and the concrete slab dry.2026-11-08
- Closets and Wardrobes in St. Louis Homes: Airflow and Damp CornersA practical way for St. Louis homeowners to check a damp closet, find the likely cause, and make simple airflow fixes before finishes are damaged.2026-11-08
- Cast Iron Pans in St. Louis Kitchens: Stopping Rust in Humid AirDry, oil and store cast iron pans correctly, and check the cabinet and kitchen air when rust keeps coming back.2026-11-08
- Books and Paper in St. Louis Homes: Shelves Against Outside WallsA practical plan for keeping books and paper dry when a shelf sits against an exterior wall in a St. Louis home.2026-11-08
- Plaster Walls in St. Louis Homes: Hairline Cracks and Damp AirFine cracks in older plaster can come from moisture cycling, framing movement, or both, and a few simple checks can help you tell which.2026-11-07
- Hygrometer Placement in St. Louis Homes: Where to Read Indoor AirA practical guide to placing a hygrometer in a St. Louis home so the humidity reading you act on reflects the room you actually live in.2026-11-07
- Dehumidifier Drain Lines in St. Louis Basements: Hoses and PumpsHow to route, check and winterize the drain line from a basement dehumidifier so collected water leaves the house instead of the floor.2026-11-07
- Ceiling Stains in St. Louis Homes: Telling Leaks From CondensationA brown ceiling stain can mean a roof leak or moisture forming on cold surfaces, and a few checks in St. Louis homes can help you tell which one you have before you paint over it.2026-11-07
- Bedroom Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Closed Doors at NightBedrooms often hold more moisture than the rest of a St. Louis home, so here is how to read the air where you sleep and decide what to check next.2026-11-07
- Sunroom Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Condensation and AirflowSunrooms and porches collect moisture from glass, thin walls and weak airflow, so a few simple checks can show whether the room needs a fix.2026-11-06
- Stored Quilts and Blankets in St. Louis Homes: Avoiding Damp BinsPractical steps for checking, drying, and storing quilts and blankets in St. Louis basements, attics, and closets so they stay fresh until the cold weather returns.2026-11-06
- Peeling Wallpaper in St. Louis Homes: Damp Walls and SeamsHow to tell whether lifting wallpaper seams point to indoor humidity, condensation or a leak, and what to check before you re-glue anything.2026-11-06
- Musical Instruments in St. Louis Homes: Wood and Seasonal AirA plain guide to spotting humidity damage in guitars, pianos and other wood instruments, and choosing a steadier storage spot in a St. Louis home.2026-11-06
- Attics in St. Louis Homes: Ventilation, Frost and Damp InsulationA practical walk-through for St. Louis homeowners who want to know whether moisture is building up in the attic and what to do about it.2026-11-06
- Spices and Salt in St. Louis Kitchens: Preventing Clumps and CakingClumped salt, caked spices and faded flavor often trace back to damp kitchen air and poor storage spots.2026-11-05
- Musty Odors in St. Louis Basements: Tracing the Smell to Its SourceA musty basement smell is a clue that moisture has been present for a while, and a short walk-through with a few simple checks can usually show where it is coming from.2026-11-05
- Hardwood Floor Cupping in St. Louis Homes: Reading the Moisture CluesCupped hardwood in St. Louis homes often traces back to room air, the subfloor, or a recent water event, and a few simple checks can point to the cause.2026-11-05
- Drywall Moisture Checks in St. Louis Homes: Before You PatchDrywall can look dry on the surface while its core stays wet, so a few simple checks can help you decide whether to patch, cut out, or wait.2026-11-05
- Downspout Extensions in St. Louis Homes: Routing Roof Water AwayWhere your downspouts discharge water decides whether it keeps moving away from the foundation or drifts back toward the basement walls.2026-11-05
- Window Wells in St. Louis Homes: Water, Debris and Damp AirA practical walk-through of window wells and egress covers for St. Louis homeowners, covering how water gets in, what to check after rain, and how to tell outside water from indoor condensation.2026-11-04
- Stored Firewood in St. Louis Homes: Moisture Indoors and OutdoorsA practical look at where to keep firewood in a St. Louis home so the wood, the floor and the surrounding air stay manageable.2026-11-04
- Pantry Staples in St. Louis Homes: Flour, Rice and Dry GoodsHumid St. Louis summers can soften, clump, and spoil dry pantry goods, so checking containers and storage spots is a simple first step.2026-11-04
- Crawl Spaces in St. Louis Homes: Vapor Barriers and Damp AirA crawl space can quietly push moisture into the rest of a St. Louis house, so this guide covers what to check, what a vapor barrier does, and when to get help.2026-11-04
- Basement Floor Drains in St. Louis Homes: Keeping Traps WetA floor drain that goes dry can let sewer odors into your basement, and a short monthly routine keeps its trap sealed and its cover tight.2026-11-04
- Tile and Grout in St. Louis Bathrooms: Finding Hidden MoistureBathroom tile and grout can look fine while water slips behind them, so here is how to check, test, and seal them before small gaps become bigger problems.2026-11-03
- Sweating Ductwork in St. Louis Homes: Spotting Condensation on VentsBeads of water on supply ducts in summer usually point to humid air meeting cold metal rather than a leak, and a few simple checks can help a St. Louis homeowner tell which one it is.2026-11-03
- Stored Paint and Cleaners in St. Louis Basements: Keeping Cans SoundBasement shelves can quietly damage paint, cleaners and their labels when humid air settles on them, and a few simple checks can help a St. Louis homeowner catch problems early.2026-11-03
- Refrigerator Seals in St. Louis Kitchens: Checking for CondensationA practical way for St. Louis homeowners to tell normal door sweat from a worn seal, a drain problem, or a humid kitchen.2026-11-03
- Kitchen Cabinets in St. Louis Homes: Swollen Doors and Damp ShelvesSwollen doors, damp shelves, and lifting paint can point to humid air or a slow leak, and a few simple checks will help you tell which one you are dealing with.2026-11-03
- Efflorescence on St. Louis Basement Walls: White Powder and WaterA white crust on a basement wall usually means water has passed through the masonry, so a few simple checks can show whether moisture is still getting in.2026-11-03
- Basement Carpet in St. Louis Homes: Checking the Pad and SubfloorA wet pad or damp subfloor under basement carpet can hide for a long time, so a quick, careful check tells you whether to dry, repair, or replace.2026-11-03
- Vinyl and Laminate Floors in St. Louis: Moisture Under the EdgesVinyl plank and laminate floors often show moisture first at the edges and seams, so this guide covers what St. Louis homeowners can check and what to fix first.2026-11-02
- Range Hoods in St. Louis Kitchens: Moving Steam OutsideA kitchen range hood only helps with humidity when it pulls steam out of the house, so here is how a homeowner can check that it does.2026-11-02
- Mattresses in St. Louis Homes: Checking for Damp BeddingA bed can hold moisture long after the room feels dry, so this guide covers how to check a mattress, dry it properly, and decide when it is time to replace it.2026-11-02
- Laundry Rooms in St. Louis Homes: Dryer Vent Moisture and AirA dryer that sends moist air back into the house can keep a St. Louis laundry room damp, so start by checking the vent path from the machine to the outdoors.2026-11-02
- Curtains and Drapes in St. Louis Homes: Damp Fabric by the WindowHeavy window fabric can trap moisture against cold glass, and a few simple checks show whether curtains are part of the problem.2026-11-02
- Chimneys and Fireplaces in St. Louis Homes: Spotting Damp MasonryA simple outdoor and indoor check can show whether rain or winter damp is getting into your chimney and fireplace before the damage spreads.2026-11-02
- Area Rugs in St. Louis Homes: Damp Pads and Backing ChecksRugs can trap moisture against the floor in humid St. Louis weather, so here is how to check the underside, dry a rug safely, and choose a pad that lets the floor breathe.2026-11-02
- Vacant Homes in St. Louis: Humidity While You Are AwayA plain checklist for keeping a closed St. Louis house from collecting moisture while you are away, and what to check when you return.2026-11-01
- Upholstered Furniture in St. Louis Homes: Damp Cushions and FabricSofas and armchairs can hold moisture deep in their cushions and frames, so this guide shows how to check, dry, and protect them in a St. Louis home.2026-11-01
- Solid Wood Furniture in St. Louis Homes: Swelling and GapsSwollen drawers, opening seams, and cloudy finishes often trace back to room humidity, and a few simple checks can help a St. Louis homeowner decide what to do next.2026-11-01
- Houseplants in St. Louis Homes: Moisture From Pots and SaucersSaucers, pot choices, and watering habits can quietly add moisture to St. Louis homes, and a few simple checks show where it comes from.2026-11-01
- Closets in St. Louis Homes: Airflow, Shoes and Leather CareClosets on outside walls and lower levels often hold damp air, so a homeowner can check the space, improve airflow, and protect shoes and leather before mildew sets in.2026-11-01
- Books and Paper in St. Louis Homes: Keeping Pages Dry and FlatPractical storage steps for St. Louis homeowners who want books, letters, and photos to stay flat, dry, and free of mold.2026-11-01
- Attached Garages in St. Louis Homes: Damp Air and Stored ItemsConcrete floors, stored materials, and vehicles can make an attached garage hold more moisture than the rest of the house, so a few simple checks can show where to start.2026-11-01
- Window Condensation in St. Louis Homes: What Fogged Glass MeansFogged or beaded windows in St. Louis winters usually point to indoor humidity or a failed window seal, and a few quick checks can tell you which.2026-10-31
- Whole-House Humidifiers in St. Louis Homes: Winter Care and ShutdownA plain guide to checking a furnace-mounted humidifier before winter, keeping its water parts clean, and deciding when to shut it off in spring.2026-10-31
- Tools and Metal Hardware in St. Louis Homes: Rust From Damp AirA practical guide to spotting and slowing rust on tools and hardware stored in damp St. Louis basements and garages.2026-10-31
- Sump Pits in St. Louis Homes: Covers, Vents and Humid AirA sump pit can quietly add moisture to a basement, and a homeowner can check the lid, pump, and nearby air with a few simple steps.2026-10-31
- Hygrometers in St. Louis Homes: Placing a Humidity Gauge WellA humidity gauge only helps if it sits where it can report what the rest of the house is doing, so here is how a St. Louis homeowner can place one and read it honestly.2026-10-31
- Dehumidifier Drain Lines in St. Louis Homes: Preventing OverflowA practical check of the bucket, drain hose and water route so a basement dehumidifier keeps running without spilling.2026-10-31
- Bathroom Exhaust Fans in St. Louis Homes: Checking Steam RemovalA bathroom exhaust fan should move steam out of the house, not just out of the room, and a few simple checks show whether yours does.2026-10-31
- Wallpaper Bubbling in St. Louis Homes: Checking for Moisture FirstBubbling wallpaper can come from moisture, old adhesive, or poor prep, so a homeowner should sort out the cause before repairing or covering the paper.2026-10-30
- Spring Humidity Swings in St. Louis Homes: A Homeowner's ChecklistA practical walk-through of what to check outside, inside, and in the places moisture hides once St. Louis spring weather starts swinging between cool and warm, wet days.2026-10-30
- Shower Curtains and Bath Mats in St. Louis Homes: Drying OutA practical look at why shower liners and bath mats stay damp in St. Louis bathrooms and what homeowners can change.2026-10-30
- Pianos and Guitars in St. Louis Homes: Steady Humidity MattersA practical St. Louis guide to reading room humidity and protecting pianos, guitars, and other wooden instruments from seasonal swings.2026-10-30
- Peeling Paint in St. Louis Homes: Moisture or Poor Prep?Peeling or bubbling paint in a St. Louis home can come from moisture behind the wall or from poor surface prep, and a few simple checks can help you tell which.2026-10-30
- Musty Smells in St. Louis Homes: Where to Start LookingA musty odor usually means something damp is holding moisture, so this guide shows a St. Louis homeowner where to check first and what to do next.2026-10-30
- Attic Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Checking Vents and InsulationA practical walk-through for St. Louis homeowners on spotting attic moisture, finding where it comes from, and checking vents and insulation before it reaches the ceilings below.2026-10-30
- Sunrooms and Three-Season Porches in St. Louis: Managing Humid AirEnclosed porches and sunrooms in St. Louis homes trap heat, sun, and moisture in their own way, so here is how to check them and what to change first.2026-10-29
- Stored Boxes in St. Louis Homes: Keeping Cartons DryCardboard boxes can soak up moisture from basement floors and damp walls, so this guide shows St. Louis homeowners how to spot the problem and store items more safely.2026-10-29
- Sticking Doors in St. Louis Homes: Humidity Swelling or Settling?A door that binds only in muggy weather usually has a moisture problem, but a door that sticks all year may point to hinges or a shifted frame, so watch the pattern before you plane anything.2026-10-29
- Pantry and Food Storage in St. Louis Homes: Keeping Dry Goods DryHumid summer air can creep into St. Louis pantries and soften crackers, clump sugar, and stale cereal, so this guide covers simple storage habits and quick checks that keep dry goods in good shape.2026-10-29
- Hardwood Floors in St. Louis Homes: Cupping and Gaps From HumidityCupping and gaps in hardwood floors often follow humidity swings in St. Louis, and a few checks can show whether the cause is indoor air, a spill, or moisture from below.2026-10-29
- Firewood Storage in St. Louis Homes: Keeping Wood From Adding MoistureWhere and how to store firewood in and around a St. Louis home so the wood stays dry and does not add humidity to the rooms and walls nearby.2026-10-29
- Crawl Spaces in St. Louis Homes: Checking Vents and Ground CoverPractical checks for ground cover, vents, and signs of moisture under a St. Louis home.2026-10-29
- Under-Sink Cabinets in St. Louis Homes: Spotting Slow LeaksA dark cabinet under the sink can hold moisture for weeks, so here is how to check it, dry it, and fix the source.2026-10-28
- Spare Rooms and Guest Rooms in St. Louis Homes: Why They Stay DampRooms that sit closed and unused often collect moisture first, and a few simple checks can show you where it is building up.2026-10-28
- Basement Walls in St. Louis Homes: Condensation or Seepage?A plain way for St. Louis homeowners to tell whether damp basement walls come from moist indoor air condensing on cold concrete or from water moving through the wall.2026-10-28
- AC Condensate Drains in St. Louis Homes: Keeping Them ClearA practical walkthrough of where air conditioner condensate goes, how to spot a clogged line, and what to check before water shows up on the floor.2026-10-28
- Water Heater Closets in St. Louis Homes: Humidity Around the TankA damp water heater closet can hide slow leaks and rust, so this guide shows how to tell condensation from a real leak and what to change at home.2026-10-27
- Mudroom Moisture in St. Louis Homes: Wet Boots, Coats and ThresholdsWet jackets, snowmelt and rain-soaked umbrellas can raise humidity near the entry, so here is how St. Louis homeowners can find the source and dry things out.2026-10-27
- Drying a Wet Basement in St. Louis: First Steps for HomeownersA practical order of steps for a St. Louis basement after water comes in, from safety checks to running equipment.2026-10-27
- Dryer Vents in St. Louis Homes: Sending Moist Air OutdoorsA practical walk through checking a clothes dryer vent in a St. Louis home, from the outside hood to the duct run.2026-10-27
- Dehumidifier Set Points in St. Louis Basements: Choosing a TargetA practical way for St. Louis homeowners to pick a humidity setting, watch the results, and adjust without overdrying the basement.2026-10-27
- Concrete Slab Floors in St. Louis: Testing for Moisture From BelowA practical way for St. Louis homeowners to check whether moisture is moving up through a concrete slab, and what to do with the result.2026-10-27
- Basement Window Wells in St. Louis: Keeping Them DrainingA window well that fills with rain can send moisture into a basement, so a few regular checks and a simple drainage test can show whether yours is doing its job.2026-10-27
- Finished Basement Rooms in St. Louis Homes: Where Humidity HidesA finished basement room can feel fine until a humid week arrives, so here is how to find where moisture is collecting and what to check before you spend money on anything.2026-10-26
- Downspouts and Grading in St. Louis Homes: Moving Rain AwayDownspout outlets and the slope of the soil decide whether heavy rain drains away from a St. Louis foundation or soaks toward the basement.2026-10-26
- Dehumidifier Filters and Coils in St. Louis Homes: Simple CleaningA simple cleaning routine for the filter, coil, and air path keeps a dehumidifier working well through St. Louis humidity seasons.2026-10-26
- Damp Carpet and Rugs in St. Louis Homes: Drying Floors SafelyWater that soaks into carpet pad can stay hidden for days, so this guide walks St. Louis homeowners through finding it, drying it, and deciding what to do next.2026-10-26
- Ceiling Stains After Rain in St. Louis Homes: Tracing the LeakA stain on the ceiling is a symptom, so this guide walks through how to find where the water entered before you paint over it.2026-10-26
- Laundry Moisture in St. Louis Homes: Drying Clothes IndoorsWhere dryer and drying-rack moisture goes, how to check your vent, and how to dry clothes indoors with less impact on the rest of the house.2026-10-25
- Kitchen Steam in St. Louis Homes: Using the Range Hood WellA range hood only helps with kitchen moisture if it vents outdoors and runs while you cook, so here is how to check the setup and use it well.2026-10-25
- Houseplants and Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Practical CarePlants add a little moisture to a room, and a few simple habits keep that effect from turning into damp windowsills, soggy soil and condensation in a St. Louis home.2026-10-25
- Garage Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Protecting Stored ItemsA St. Louis garage can hold damp air that settles on stored items and walls, and a few simple checks show where the moisture comes from.2026-10-25
- Dry Winter Air in St. Louis Homes: What to Adjust When Heat StartsHeating season can dry out St. Louis homes quickly, so here is how to check the air, seal drafts, and adjust humidity without overshooting.2026-10-25
- Closet Humidity in St. Louis Homes: Checking Corners and ShelvesA closet that smells stale, feels damp, or shows spots on shoes and paper often has a moisture source worth tracing before you blame the clothes.2026-10-25
- Books, Paper and Photos in St. Louis Homes: Storing Keepsakes SafelyHumid rooms can soften paper, stick prints together and invite mold, so start by checking the room before choosing boxes.2026-10-25
- Questions to Ask Before Buying an Indoor Air Product in St. LouisPractical questions for St. Louis homeowners to answer before choosing a dehumidifier, air purifier, humidifier or ventilation fan.2026-10-24
- Hygrometer Placement in St. Louis Homes: Readings Worth TrustingWhere to set a hygrometer in a St. Louis home, how long to watch it, and how to read the pattern before you change anything.2026-10-24
- Ductwork Warning Signs for St. Louis Homes: When to Take a LookA plain walk-through of what to see, hear, and feel in your St. Louis home's ducts, and when to bring in help.2026-10-24
- Bathroom Fans in St. Louis Homes: Venting Shower Moisture OutsideA practical checklist for testing a bathroom exhaust fan, tracing its duct to the outside, and keeping steamy showers from soaking the ceiling and walls.2026-10-24
- Attic Moisture in St. Louis Homes: Checking Ventilation Before It SpreadsA homeowner's walk-through of the signs, airflow paths and simple checks that show whether an attic is trapping moisture.2026-10-24
- Window and Pipe Condensation in St. Louis Homes: Reading the SignsFogged glass, sweating pipes, and damp sills point to different causes, and a few simple checks help you sort them out in St. Louis homes.2026-10-23
- Sump Pump Checks Before Heavy Rain in St. Louis HomesA plain checklist for testing a St. Louis basement sump pump and its discharge line before heavy rain arrives.2026-10-23
- Sticky Summer Air in St. Louis: Comfort, Cooling and Next StepsHumid summer air in St. Louis makes homes feel warmer, works harder on cooling systems, and leaves moisture in places homeowners often overlook.2026-10-23
- Protecting Pipes From Freezing in St. Louis Homes During Cold SnapsSudden cold snaps can split pipes that run through walls, crawl spaces, and garages, so a short fall routine helps St. Louis homeowners prepare.2026-10-23
- Pets and Indoor Air in St. Louis Homes: Practical UpkeepPet dander, litter dust, and extra moisture can build up in St. Louis homes, and a few steady habits make indoor air easier to live with.2026-10-23
- Dehumidifier Pump Alarms and Clogged Lines in St. LouisWhen a dehumidifier in a St. Louis basement stops or alarms, the cause is usually in the drain path, and most of those problems can be checked and cleared at home.2026-10-23
- Crawl Space Moisture Control in St. Louis HomesA plain walk through how moisture gets into a crawl space, how to check it, and what St. Louis homeowners can do next.2026-10-23
- Why Basements Around St. Louis Get Damp in SummerHumid summer air meets cool basement walls and floors, and that combination explains most of the dampness St. Louis homeowners see before any leak is involved.2026-10-22
- Where the Water Goes: Dehumidifier Drain Routes in St. LouisPortable and whole-house dehumidifiers both produce water that needs a plan, and settling the drain route first saves St. Louis homeowners from leaks, freezing lines, and constant bucket emptying.2026-10-22
- Musty Smells in St. Louis Homes: Tracing the Moisture SourceA practical walkthrough for St. Louis homeowners on checking outdoor, plumbing, air conditioning, and storage sources before deciding on a fix.2026-10-22
- Humidity and Wood Floors, Doors and Trim in St. Louis HomesHow St. Louis humidity swells and shrinks wood floors, doors and trim, and what a homeowner can check before deciding on a fix.2026-10-22