Water in Your Crawl Space After December Storms? What Portland OR Homeowners Should Check

Is Your Crawl Space Flooded After December's Storms?

Portland has received historic rainfall this December. Weeks of saturated soil and multiple atmospheric rivers mean water has been pushing against foundations across the metro area. Many homeowners will find water in their crawl spaces for the first time.

Friday's break in the rain offers a chance to check for damage before the next storm system arrives.

Warning Signs You Can See From Inside Your Home

You do not need to crawl under your house to spot the first warning signs. Check for these indicators:

• Musty odors coming from floor vents or near the foundation
• Sagging or soft floors that feel spongy when walked on
• Doors that suddenly stick or do not close properly
• Condensation on windows in rooms above the crawl space
• Mold growth along baseboards or lower walls

These symptoms suggest moisture problems beneath your home that need investigation.

Checking the Crawl Space Safely

If you inspect your crawl space, take precautions. Wear heavy gloves, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and knee pads. Check that no electrical wires or outlets are in contact with water before entering.

Look for these issues:

Standing water at the lowest points indicates drainage failure. Some moisture after heavy rain is expected, but water should drain within 24 hours. Prolonged standing water is not normal.

Damp or wet insulation hanging from floor joists means moisture has been present for some time. Wet insulation loses effectiveness and can harbor mold.

Water stains on foundation walls show the high-water mark from flooding. Multiple stain lines indicate repeated flooding events.

Corrosion on metal including pipes, ductwork, and fasteners signals ongoing moisture exposure that weakens structural components.

Common Causes After Heavy Rain

Clogged or overflowing gutters are often the primary cause. When gutters fail, water dumps directly against your foundation instead of being directed away. After weeks of storms, debris accumulation may have created blockages.

Improper drainage allows water to pool near the foundation. Soil should slope away from your home, directing water toward the yard rather than toward the crawl space.

Foundation cracks let groundwater seep in during saturated conditions. Even small gaps in concrete allow water entry when soil moisture levels are this high.

Overwhelmed sump pumps cannot keep up with continuous water intrusion. If your pump runs constantly or the float switch malfunctions, water accumulates faster than it drains.

The Gutter Connection

Your gutter system is your first defense against foundation water damage. Downspouts should direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation. If they discharge near the foundation wall, water flows directly toward your crawl space.

Check that gutters are not overflowing during rain. Overflow at the foundation line is a direct path to crawl space flooding.

What to Do If You Find Water

Document everything with photos for potential insurance claims. Note the water level and any visible damage.

Do not ignore standing water. Prolonged moisture leads to wood rot in floor joists, mold growth, pest infestations, and structural damage. What seems like a minor issue now becomes a major repair if left unaddressed.

Address the source first. Fixing interior symptoms while ignoring drainage problems means the water will return with the next storm.

For professional gutter cleaning and drainage assessment to protect your crawl space, contact Seasons Cleaning Services.

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