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If it were just "water staining" that would indicate past evidence of water. However, the photos clearly show that the wood is wet--meaning there is most likely a plumbing leak. If the source of the water can be determined, once fixed it might dry up just fine since there doesn't appear to be extensive damage. But...that's just going by the few photos you posted. You really need to talk with the inspector so that he can elaborate on his statement that there is "water staining throughout the crawlspace". It could be a bigger problem than your few photos indicate.
Hello, We just did the inspection for a house we are under contract with. It says "water staining throughout the crawlspace" and it indicates small amount of mold-like organic detected in the crawlspace. See the attached picture. Our current house has only a slab and crawl space is new to me. Would this be a "deal breaker" for a 15+ year old house in North Carolina, should I walk away from the contract? Thanks.
If you can. Yes, by all means. Run.
I think you are saying the crawl space under your floors under the house.
Fixing leaks is expensive anyway you look at it. The roof or cracks/holes in the foundation. You might even need new weeping tiles (dig up with a Bobcat).It could also be caused by a negative grade along the perimeter of your house so that the soil slopes low along the foundation where water can then run easily toward the house instead of away from it.
Jeez, some of these replies...this is nothing to run from. I see issues like this every week. It is just a plumbing leak in the center of a crawlspace, probably a leaking commode or supply line. Fix the damage and move on. The joists are not chipboard either, they are engineered I-Joists and very strong. They are rated for cutting out large holes through the webbing (ducts are often run right through the middle of them), the strength is in the LVL flanges at the top and bottom.
Jeez, some of these replies...this is nothing to run from. I see issues like this every week. It is just a plumbing leak in the center of a crawlspace, probably a leaking commode or supply line. Fix the damage and move on. The joists are not chipboard either, they are engineered I-Joists and very strong. They are rated for cutting out large holes through the webbing (ducts are often run right through the middle of them), the strength is in the LVL flanges at the top and bottom.
Thanks for all your replies. The inspector just replied with detailed info on the water stain. He thinks that the water stains Are due to moisture from underground water evaporation, not from any leak above or flooding. Also, the water stain is mainly seen in the middle of the crawl space near the air handler, so condensation is also a cause. It sounds like this is not too bad as I was originally concerned. Please keep providing your insights on this. Thanks you all.
What is an "air handler?" If you are referring to central HVAC it's possible that the evaporator condensation tray is overflowing because the normal drain lies are plugged. In CA the AC is required to have a main condensation drain line connected usually to the interior plumbing like a bathroom sink drain, and then have a backup line venting to the exterior of the house where the drips would be visible and show that the interior line is plugged.
If I were the buyer I would hire a specialized inspector, or bail on the sale.
While not impossible for condensation to create stains like this, it would be exceedingly rare. The pattern indicates plumbing from above, and since supply/drain lines are right there, go with the obvious. Rising ground moisture would cause widespread staining, and generally not as severe. If it was from condensation/rising ground moisture, you would have mold all over that wood through the crawlspace and in the pictures away from the staining, the wood looks clean. I have literally designed repairs for over a thousand wet crawlspaces in NC. Bring in a plumber first and foremost.
Your inspector told you what to do. Call a mold remediation specialist. The realtor can arrange for them to visit. Looks like a good scrubbing would do. Something leaked. What is above that spot? A bathroom? Is it going to leak again?
Humidity in the crawlspace is within acceptable levels. If it ever isn't, like in the summertime, you can install a dehumidifier. I've had one in 4 out of 4 houses I've owned. Not a big deal.
Troubleshooting stuff like this is on the job description of a homeowner. Are you sure you want to deal with owning a home?
Thanks for all your replies. The inspector just replied with detailed info on the water stain. He thinks that the water stains Are due to moisture from underground water evaporation, not from any leak above or flooding. Also, the water stain is mainly seen in the middle of the crawl space near the air handler, so condensation is also a cause. It sounds like this is not too bad as I was originally concerned. Please keep providing your insights on this. Thanks you all.
You'd really need a significant condensation point for that much water to collect in that spot. Moisture from the air isn't going to condense on wood like that, so it would need to be from a source above that. I really think the source of the water needs further investigation.
I agree with sacredgrooves, call in a plumber to look for leaks. It still looks wet so the leaks are still occuring. It is not a deal breaker but it is something that needs to be addressed. You could request that the homeowners get a plumber to assess it but I would be more comfortable with one I paid myself.
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