How to Identify Water Leak in Crawl Space

Damp Spots

If you see any damp spots in your crawl space, it means water is seeping into the structure. You need to locate the source of the water leak and fix it. There could be a pipe with a broken seal, faulty insulation of pipes, or a rusty pipe. If this damp spot is not fixed, it will attract mold in less than 24 hours.

Contact a leak detection company for inspection if you cannot locate the water leak. There are chances that the leak is not actually in the crawl space but in the roof or wall pipes.

Discoloration and Stains

Any odd-colored spots or stains on the wood structure or floor mean there has been an excess water buildup. It can also be damp, but not if the excess moisture has evaporated. Look for a water leak close to the spot, above, or below it. Maybe a pipe is dripping due to a weakened seal?

Mold and Mildew Growth

The discoloration of the wood structure, fuzzy growth on the pipes, and powdery stuff around the vents are all mold and mildew colonies. Crawl spaces are warm, highly humid, and dark. All of these factors contribute to the growth of all fungus types.

If there’s a water leak in the crawl space, it will add to the moisture and attract widespread mold growth. Mold will damage the structure of your house. In no time, the mold in the crawl space will find its way to the walls and floor beds.

Rusty Pipes and Vents

Metal quickly gets rusted when it’s exposed to high levels of moisture. Check all metal objects such as nails, fixtures, pipes, and air ducts. Any signs of rust indicate that there’s a water leak in your crawl space.

A rusty pipe will lose its structure in no time and lead to a burst pipe. In this scenario, your crawl space will be flooded and cause more damage to the entire structure of your house.

Damaged Wood

Wood is highly absorbent. The structure of the house is made from wooden rafters. If there’s a water leak in the crawl space, the wooden rafters will start absorbing the excess moisture. This will make the wooden structure grow soft and lose its strength over time.

Check the wood in your crawl spaces with your fingers. If it has gone soft, you need to take immediate action before the wool breaks. Call home restoration or water damage services to fix the damage in your crawl space.

Softened wood also attracts mold and allows it to penetrate deep inside the fivers. If you see stubborn and deep mold on wet wood, it’s time to replace it.

Poor Water Pressure

Decreased water pressure in the pipes is a crucial sign of water leaks in the crawl space. If you notice that water pressure has gone down suddenly in the showers and taps, it means there’s a burst pipe or leakage in the crawl space.

Locate the source of this leak by thoroughly inspecting your pipes. The leaking water accumulates somewhere and can lead to serious problems such as softened wood, rusty pipes, and mold growth.

Call a leak detection company if you don’t find the source in the crawl space.

Sagging Floor and Ceiling

A sagging floor is a big red flag for your crawl space health. If your floor tiles are uneven or sinking, it means the moisture in the crawl space has damaged the structural integrity of your house.

Check the ceiling of the crawl space as well. If the ceiling is sagging, it’s a sign of water buildup. This water buildup will eventually cause the ceiling of the crawl space, along with the floor above it, to eventually collapse. Fix the water leak before it causes irreversible damage to your home.