Trench against foundation wall
Groundwater can seep, leak, and rush into crawl spaces. this crawl space has had enough water infiltration to erode a trench around the perimeter of the crawl space.
Open Sump Holes
Open sump holes often clog causing the pump to fail. They do not have airtight lids and are useless in stopping vapor from rising into the crawl space.
Standing Water and Staining
Low spots in a crawl space are the best place to check and see if you have a water problem. Water has collected in the corner of this crawl space. Staining on the walls indicates frequent water and moisture issues. Upclose, you would notice that the white spots are powdery or chalky, this is efflorescence, minerals that have been pulled to the surface of the block by moisture.
Microbial Growth on Joists
Fiberglass Insulation absorbs the moisture in the air and holds it against the floor joists. This joist is a great example of how this occurs and the excess moisture and warm temperatures contribute to mold and mildew growth and wood rot.
Pooling and a 6-mil Vapor Barrier
The 6-mil vapor barrier on the ground has been damaged and displaced by bulk water intrusion. Pooling can be seen in the bottom left of the photo as well.
