Is It Normal to Have a Little Water in a Crawl Space?

It can be tempting to try and ignore the bit of dampness you find in your crawl space. After all, it’s easy to blame an influx of moisture on an ongoing storm or on weeks of heavy precipitation. Doing so, however, can set you up for long-term damage.  

Check for Leaks 

If you notice dampness or standing water in your crawl space, you likely have some manner of leak on your hands. It’s possible that the leak in question may have originated outside of your home, or it may be coming from your pipes. Either way, you need to inspect your home thoroughly to find the source of the dampness and to patch it accordingly. If you choose to ignore crawl space dampness, you may find yourself contending with significant structural issues later down the line. Some of the most common problems related to leaks in your crawl space include: 

• Mold growth 
• Unpleasant and persistent smells 
• Split floor joists 
• Sagging floors 
• Fogged windows 
• Warped door frames and windowsills  

The Dangers of a Damp Crawl Space 

It is in your best interest to treat these issues seriously and to try and attend to the source of your home’s damage instead of just the symptoms. Attempting, for example, to remove mold from your home without investing in crawl space repairs may result in that mold’s reappearance in a few weeks or months. 

In short, you should not ignore that little bit of water you find in your crawl space after a storm. If you notice signs of a leak in your crawl space, you can reach out to the professional contractors working in your area. Together, you can inspect your home and determine whether or not you have any substantial damage on your hands. If you do, you can request a free quote citing the cost of potential repairs and, in turn, better determine what you want your repair budget to look like.