Sources of Crawl Space Water Damage
A crawl space helps elevate a building, supports the entire structure, conceals insulation and electrical wiring as well as heating and cooling systems. Terrible crawl spaces can, however, be difficult to manage. When not properly maintained, they can house several other pests and foster mildew and mold growth. The amount of rainfall and the water table level in the area can also account for common problems. Keep on reading to learn three sources of water damage to crawl spaces plus how to handle each condition.
Excessive Humidity
Ever-present moisture in the air is one subtle cause of water damage in crawl spaces. Usually, the humid conditions won’t cause puddles or standing water but the affected area will be covered in a thin sheen of water. Within a short period, the excess moisture will cause mold growth and might even turn the area into a microorganism breeding site. The excessive moisture can also attract termites, carpenter ants, and other pests alike.
If you’ve detected water vapor as the culprit, then call a water remediation company as quickly as possible to handle the issue. A service professional should help you install a ventilation unit such as an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier suppose you don't have one already in place. In case the water damage has significantly affected some structures in the crawl space, prepare for repairs.
Leaky or Broken Pipes
Broken pipes can also leak water into a crawl space. Compared with humid conditions, leaks from plumbing fixtures generate pools of water faster. If the standing water is directly below a shower, tub, toilet, or any other water supply fixture in the home, then you have a leak problem. Gray water from kitchens and bathrooms would have a different odor from black water, which contains human waste.
Depending on the type of water sitting in your crawl space and the intensity of the damage, you may have to call a water damage restoration company for professional help instead of cleaning the mess with DIY home materials. Don’t forget to also call your plumber for necessary repairs of the damaged fixture.
Water Seepage
Crawl spaces of homes built in damp areas or locations experiencing lots of rainfall can also sustain significant water damage. Usually, these areas feature a high-water table level. Therefore, when rain falls heavily, the water level also rises, leading to standing puddles in low areas of the crawl space.
Test for a groundwater problem by inspecting your crawl space a couple of times during wet and dry seasons. Compare the results to see if underground water seepage is the source of the problem. For ways to mitigate or remediate the condition, contact a local water damage restoration specialist.
No doubt, crawl spaces can be beneficial to homes when properly constructed and maintained. The area can, however, turn a breeding space for mold, mildew as well as invite pests, thereby posing huge health risks for you and your loved ones.
Need A Water Damage Restoration Company? Contact Tidal Wave Response
The expert service professionals at Tidal Wave Response are ready to remediate water issues in your crawl space. Don’t let humidity, puddles of water, or sewer water damage the structural integrity of structures in there. Contact us the moment you notice anything unusual for professional and immediate help.
