A crawl space is a wonderful utility in many homes. However, it is also an area prone to certain issues. Tucked away and rarely visited, problems tend to grow and develop in these spaces.
One of the most common problems you may encounter with your crawl space is a musty smell. When this happens, it is critical to identify and tackle the culprit.
Why does my crawl space smell like sewer?
To address this problem, you can start by finding the cause, which is likely to be one of the following:
- Groundwater: Occasionally, rancid groundwater will enter a crawl space.
- Moisture build-up: Humidity often leads to moisture build-up. This is even more common in crawl spaces, as they often lack ventilation to handle this moisture.
- Leaky pipes: A constant drip from a leaky pipe will slowly add water to a crawl space. The smell should be a dead giveaway if the source of the leak is a sewage pipe.
- Stagnant water: Any stagnant standing water will produce a musty smell over time.
- Mildew and mold: A dark, humid crawl space offers the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to take root and propagate.
- Rodents: If rodents are loose in a crawl space, they contribute to the smell through droppings.
- Dead animals: The smell of a dead animal is not something you want to pollute your crawl space.
Additional Causes:
- Poor Ventilation: Limited airflow can trap odors, causing the musty smell from the crawl space to permeate your home. Ensuring proper ventilation is crucial to mitigate this issue.
- Decayed Wood: Wooden beams or supports in the crawl space can rot due to moisture, adding to the unpleasant odor.
How To Get Rid of a Musty Smell in Your Crawl Space
When your crawl space smells musty, you have plenty of options. You can take the following steps to address the issue while looking into professional services.
Clean the Space
You should thoroughly clean before tackling any other crawl space issues. Remove any animals or droppings you find, and clean out any mold or mildew growing there.
Additional Step: Consider using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate persistent odors caused by organic materials. These cleaners break down odor-causing compounds at the molecular level.
Identify and Fix Drainage Issues
Sometimes, water in a crawl space is the result of other issues. A leaky pipe will directly contribute water to the space. Meanwhile, improper drainage around your home’s foundation may direct water into it.
In situations like these, you need to block the source of the offending water, seal up the leak, or address the drainage issue as best you can.
Enhanced Solutions: Install perimeter drains around the foundation to redirect water away from the crawl space. This additional step ensures long-term prevention of moisture build-up.
Seal the Crawl Space Against the Water
A crawl space often smells musty because of water and moisture. Sealing the space prevents moisture from entering.
A vapor barrier should do the trick. Installing one will stop humid air from getting into the space. You can even do this alongside other waterproofing methods.
Seal the Crawl Space Against Pests
They will get in if pests have a way into a crawl space. Animals can squeeze through small holes and may even chew out a hole themselves. You can block these passages while completing other general crawl space repair tasks.
In addition, look for factors that may draw animals to your crawl space. For example, avoid storing food there.
Install a Sump Pump
If the crawl space smells musty as a result of water, you must remove that water.
A sump pump collects water in your space and pumps it out. Installing a sump pump is particularly helpful for removing moderate or greater quantities of water.
Install a Dehumidifier
While a sump pump is great, a dehumidifier may be enough if you’re dealing with less water.
A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air itself. Doing so prevents moisture from condensing and creating standing water.
Upgrade: Opt for a crawl-space-specific dehumidifier that operates efficiently in small, enclosed spaces.
Addressing Persistent Crawl Space Odors
If you’ve tried the above and still notice a smell in your crawl space, consider additional measures:
- Inspect HVAC Ducts: Crawl spaces often house HVAC ducts. If these ducts leak, they can distribute musty smells throughout your home.
- Check for Hidden Contaminants: Some odors may be caused by hidden contaminants such as petroleum-based chemicals or pesticides. Professional testing can help identify these sources.
Fixing a Musty Crawl Space
If your crawl space smells musty, you don’t have to live with the issue forever. By identifying the problem and working toward a solution, you can eliminate the source of the smell in the future. Remember that Virginia Foundation Solutions is here to help with this process.
Are you wondering what might be causing a musty smell in your Virginia Beach, VA, crawl space? Call 757-340-0917 to schedule your free inspection with Virginia Foundation Solutions.
Pro Tip: Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your crawl space odor-free. Schedule routine inspections to ensure small problems don’t become major issues.