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A sewage smell in your crawl space is usually from a damaged or clogged pipe leaking sewer gasses or actual sewage underneath your home, but there are some other common causes. Moisture, from poor or damaged encapsulation or a malfunctioning sump pump, can harbor mold and bacteria, causing a musty smell. Pests can also get stuck in your crawl space and die, which causes a sewage-like odor.

A moisture or vapor barrier helps separate the warm air inside your home from the cold air outside of it. Without it, your walls could collect condensation, mold, or other damage. Check your local building codes to see if including an interior vapor barrier is necessary for your building project or renovation, especially for rooms that are likely to be humid, like bathrooms.

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance policies cover water damage from sudden, accidental damage, like burst pipes and leaking appliances. However, water damage caused by flooding, groundwater seepage, or heavy rain is likely to be excluded from coverage. Check your policy to be sure, as some plans include opt-in flood insurance coverage. Certain companies also allow homeowners to add an optional water backup endorsement to a policy.

Yes, slab leaks are fairly common, especially in older homes and places that are prone to earthquakes which can move home foundations.