Some Crawl Space Issues

• Sump pump failure in crawl space (sump pump stops working due to age of pump, mechanical failure, jammed float switch, power outage, tripped circuit, etc. ) or sump is not discharging properly due to blockage in the pit or discharge pipe or discharging to close to the foundation of house.
• Downspouts are not keeping the rain water far enough away from foundation allowing water intrusion into crawl space. Need proper downspout extensions to reduce hydrostatic pressure, which helps keep water away from foundation of house.
• Pipe burst, break, or slow leak undetected in crawl space
• Problem with sanitary sewer pipe in crawl space (loose fitting, seal failure, etc.)
• Wax ring seal of toilet fails and causes damage to subfloor and dropping contaminated water into crawl space.

Sprinkler systems or water from outside hose – spraying too close to the house, etc.

Frozen water faucet (outside water spigot) Water supply line burst and causes water to spray in crawl space while hose is being used outside.

Debris removal, especially anything cellulosic that could be a good food source for mold. (cardboard, wood, paper, kraft back on fiberglass batt insulation, natural fibers)

Animal intrusion cleanup (feces and urine from chipmunks, raccoons)

Sewage cleanup from drain line problems: cracks, disconnects, bad seals

Insect damage in structure (termites, carpenter ants), swamp-like conditions from standing water – live with worms, spiders, and flying insects.

High relative humidity resulting in mold growth on floor joists and subfloor

The air and moisture related problems in a crawl space have a definite adverse effect on the living space above it or in half basement layout.

No vapor barrier – At a minimum, heavy duty plastic should be installed covering the floor of crawl space whether it has pea gravel or just soil. Other options include power venting, dehumidification, or Clean Space treatment. Call A&D for advice.

Mold formation due to high moisture content. For example disconnected dryer vent or any other related issues as listed above.

Odor problems and dangerous sewer gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, radon

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