Crawlspace Water Damage: 5 Surprising Moisture Origins

12/26/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO can help you prevent and repair water damage!

The professionals at SERVPRO of Athens know how to handle crawlspace water damage quickly.

Water damage can cause many problems for homeowners, from structural damage to the growth of mold and other hazardous bacteria. In many instances, crawlspace water damage is one of the most severe types of water damage a home can experience.

The following article will discuss the five most common causes of crawlspace water damage and how homeowners can prevent this damage from happening in their homes. We have put this article together to help homeowners because helping people is what SERVPRO does best!

What is crawlspace water damage?

Crawlspace water damage is a type of water damage that can occur in the crawlspace of a home and is caused by multiple factors, which we’ll discuss further in this post. However, crawlspace water damage can be highly destructive as it can lead to costly structural repairs, mold growth, and other hazardous bacteria.

5 origins of crawlspace water damage

Now that you know what crawlspace water damage is and why it is a problem, we can discuss the five most common causes of crawlspace water damage.

Plumbing failures

Plumbing failures are one of the most common causes of crawlspace water damage. These include broken pipes, leaking faucets, overflowing toilets, or a malfunctioning sump pump. If your home has a crawlspace, it is essential to regularly inspect your plumbing system to ensure there are no issues with the pipes or other components.

Improper roof drainage

Improper roof drainage is another common cause of crawlspace water damage. If your home's gutters, downspouts, and flashings are not adequately maintained, rainwater can leak into the crawlspace and cause water damage. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that these components are correctly maintained and debris-free to prevent crawlspace water damage.

Groundwater seepage

Groundwater seepage is another common cause of crawlspace water damage. If the soil around your home has a high water table or excessive rain, water can seep through the crawlspace walls and cause damage. Prevent this situation by ensuring your home's foundation is waterproofed and well-sealed.

Improper grading

Improper grading around a home can also lead to crawlspace water damage. If the soil around your home is not graded away from the foundation, water can pool near the crawlspace and cause damage. Therefore, ensuring that your home's grading is adequately maintained and that all runoff is directed away from the crawlspace walls is essential.

Poor installation of foundation vents

Finally, crawlspace water damage can also be caused by poor installation of foundation vents. If the crawlspace has inadequate ventilation or the foundation vents are not properly sealed, moisture can enter the crawlspace and cause damage. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your home's crawlspace vents are appropriately installed and well-sealed to prevent crawlspace water damage.

What to do if you experience crawlspace water damage

When experiencing crawlspace water damage, it is essential to act quickly. The first step is to contact a professional water damage company like ours that can inspect the crawlspace and determine the extent of the damage. From there, we can help you put a plan in place to repair any damage that has been done and prevent any future crawlspace water damage from occurring.

Let SERVPRO help with your water damage!

Crawlspace water damage can be a severe problem for homeowners and lead to costly repairs. However, by understanding the five most common origins of crawlspace water damage, homeowners can take steps to protect their homes from this damage. 

Our SERVPRO professionals have the expertise and knowledge to help you assess crawlspace water damage and create a plan to repair and prevent it. Contact us today for any of your water damage restoration needs.