The Top 3 Crawl Space Water Damage Causes: What You Need to Know

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals can help remove and prevent crawl space water damage!

Water damage can be a massive headache, and it's even worse when the damage is in your crawl space.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen it all when it comes to water damage, and we know that water in your crawl space can come from many different sources.

This blog post will go over the top three causes of crawl space water damage and what you can do to prevent it. We put this blog post together because we want to help you keep your home in tip-top shape and avoid water damage before it starts.

What is crawl space water damage?

Crawl space water damage occurs when water seeps into your crawl space. Crawl space water damage can be minor, such as moisture on the floors or walls, or it can be significant, such as flooding. Crawl space water damage is often hard to spot because it's out of sight and out of mind. Hence why it's essential to be aware of the signs of crawl space water damage, which we will review later in this blog post.

The three leading causes of crawl space water damage

Now that we understand crawl space water damage let's look at the three leading causes.

1) Faulty roof

One of the most common causes of crawl space water damage is a faulty roof. If your roof leaks, it's only a matter of time before the water seeps into your crawl space. A leaky roof is often caused by missing or damaged shingles, but a faulty gutter system can also cause it.

If you suspect that your roof is leaking, it's essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

2) Plumbing leak

Another common cause of crawl space water damage is a plumbing leak. If there is a leak in your plumbing, the water will eventually make its way into your crawl space. A plumbing leak can result from many different things, such as a broken pipe or a faulty appliance.

If you suspect a plumbing leak, it's essential to have it fixed as soon as possible. The longer the leak goes unrepaired, the more damage it will cause.

3) Groundwater seepage

Ground seepage is the third and final leading cause of crawl space water damage. Groundwater seepage occurs when water from the ground seeps into your crawl space caused by a high water table or poor drainage around your foundation.

If you suspect that you have groundwater seepage, it's essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

What are the signs of crawl space water damage?

Now that we have gone over the three leading causes of crawl space water damage, let's look at the signs. The sooner you catch the signs of crawl space water damage, the sooner you can take corrective action and prevent further damage.

Some of the most common signs of crawl space water damage include:

• Water stains on the walls or ceiling
• Mold or mildew growth
• Musty odors
• Damp floors
• Peeling paint
• Rusting metal

If you notice any of these signs in your crawl space, it's essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

Preventing crawl space water damage

The best way to deal with crawl space water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips on how you can avoid crawl space water damage:

• Inspect your roof regularly and have any leaks fixed as soon as possible.
• Check your plumbing regularly for leaks and correct them as quickly as possible.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and in good working condition.
• Inspect your foundation periodically and seal any cracks or gaps.
• Improve the drainage around your foundation.
• Install a sump pump in your crawl space.

If you follow these tips, you can help prevent crawl space water damage.

What to do if you have crawl space water damage

If you have crawl space water damage, it's essential to take corrective action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage the water will cause. Here are some tips on what you can do if you have crawl space water damage:

1. Call a professional. Crawl space water damage is not something you should try to fix on your own. Calling a professional with the knowledge and experience to deal with the problem correctly is essential.
2. Remove any standing water. If there is any standing water in your crawl space, it's essential to remove it as soon as possible. The longer the water stands, the more damage it will cause.
3. Dry out the area. Once all the standing water is removed, it's essential to dry out the area. Fans, dehumidifiers, or a wet/dry vacuum are the best pieces of restoration technology to dry a crawlspace.
4. Remove any damaged materials. Once the area is dry, you can remove any damaged materials, including insulation, flooring, walls, etc.
5. Clean and disinfect the area. Once the damaged materials have been removed, cleaning and disinfecting the area is essential to help prevent mold and mildew growth.
6. Repair any damage. Once the area is clean and dry, you can start repairing any damage caused by the water, including fixing leaks, sealing cracks, etc.

If you follow these tips, you can help minimize the damage caused by crawl space water damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can restore your crawl space water damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have mitigated hundreds of homes and businesses that have had crawl space water damage. We understand the importance of acting quickly and will work quickly to restore your home or business to its pre-water damage condition.

We have the knowledge and experience to deal with all types of water damage, no matter how big or small. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to dry out your home or business and prevent further damage.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have crawl space water damage. We are available 24/7/365 and will respond to your call immediately.