Damp cellar floor is it a problem

[Bumpkin]

We've got a Victorian coal hole cellar with a mud floor and after a couple of severe water leaks, I've taken more of an interest in the state of the dampness.  I've been running a dehumidifier for the past couple of weeks following a small water pipe leak and whilst most of the floor is now bone dry, there are damp patches along most of the wall adjoining the next house, a large damp patch in the middle of the floor that will not dry even with the dehumidifier right next to it and a patch of wet mud in a small hollow in the middle of the cellar.  An expert that lent us industrial drying equipment following a flood from a burst mains pipe said there will always be damp, but I'm a bit concerned in case there is a fundamental problem - any ideas from anyone with similar?

[alice]

When I had a property with a basement there would often be a pool of water in the centre. I was told it was related to the fluctuating height of the water table in the area (se22) and would not become a problem and the only way to get rid of it would be to get the whole place completely tanked. 

[Bumpkin]

Thanks Alice, I think that’s probably the same for us 

[Pugwash]

Our cellar was damp constantly and we were told that there were many underground streams in Dulwich (which eventually end up in the river in Belair Park),  Agree it is connected  to the water table. We had all old plaster removed from walls and replastered, 

[Jenijenjen]

I have spent many years pondering the state of dampness in my basement and had composed a long and rather boring reponse. Have reduced it to bullet points:

• The cause of damp on the common wall with my neighbour was found to be caused by a slow leak their side which they were unaware of. Leak was repaired and dampness subsided.
• An experienced drainage man told me there are no underground rivers in East Dulwich
• My damp patches come and go and are more prevalent in summer when the humidity is high and barely there during the winter.
• I was considering getting a dehumidifier until I read they can suck the water out of walls/floor and make the problem worse.

 

[alice]

The river Peck is partly underground if you live near the park and on its route

[Jenijenjen]

54 minutes ago, alice said:

The river Peck is partly underground if you live near the park and on its route

I believe the part that runs underground is culverted so would not contribute to the water table.

[Bumpkin]

Thanks all, appreciate responses, am going to check again with next door.