Warning Signs of a Leaky Crawl Space/Basement

A leaky crawl space/basement can be a significant problem for homeowners. Water intrusion within the home can cause a host of issues—structural damages, wood rot, mold & mildew growth, attract pests into your home, damage your prized possessions, and more. 

Water Stains on Furniture & Boxes

Basements and crawl spaces are often used for storage. If you start to notice water stains on furniture and boxes below your house, it’s an indication that water is seeping into the basement/crawl space. If you don’t oftenly frequent the basement/crawl space, make it a point to do regular check-ups down there to check for water stains or standing water. All problems, no matter how small, should be immediately addressed to avoid further water damage. 

Standing Water

While it may sound obvious, standing water in the crawl space/basement is a sure sign of trouble. Often caused by small cracks in the foundation wall, groundwater can seep from the ground outside your foundation into the basement. 

In the case of concrete slab basements, water can rise  up through cracks developed in the floor, therefore causing flooding of the basement from below the house.

Water in the basement/crawl space can lead to extensive water damage, warping, and even damage to the flooring which leads to structural problems within the home.

Wet and Musty Smell

One of the easiest ways to identify a leaky crawl space/basement, other than the visible sign of standing water, is through smell. When you come across a wet and musty odor, especially after recent precipitation, it means that your home may be experiencing a moisture related issue. Most musty and wet odors are heightened and most noticeable during the rainy season. Therefore, it’s important to check for these smells after it rains. 

Damp Walls

Another sign of a moisture related issue within the home is damp walls. Dampness on walls can also cause water stains. If you come across dampness on your crawl space/basement walls, know that early detection and repair will fix the problem and prevent damage to the walls of your home. 

What Do I Do?

Having a damp, wet, humid crawl space can be detrimental to the inherently moist crawl space environment and the safety of you and your family.

If you are having humidity or condensation issues in your crawl space, it is important to take the right precautions and have one of our lead technicians evaluate your home to see what the necessary method to take for your situation.

We provide a written report, detailed photos of all our findings, and a set of recommendations that will enhance your crawl space to ensure it won’t happen again. Don’t hesitate, contact us today!