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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.

Yes, you can put a bathroom in a bump-out. Some homeowners build a bump-out to enhance their bathrooms with new sinks, vanities, tubs, showers, or linen closets. Depending on the layout of your bathroom and what you’re adding to it, you may need to install new plumbing or reroute your existing plumbing lines.

There’s no way around it—a burst pipe is often a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and the situation can range from semi-serious to dire. If you don’t catch the leak, it can lead to thousands of dollars worth of water damage.

At best, you’ll notice a burst pipe quickly, turn off your water supply, and use a wet vacuum to clean up minor flooding. A plumber can repair the pipe, and you won’t be left with a major bill. At worst, severe water damage can collapse floors, ceilings, walls, and foundations, sometimes leading to major repairs and renovations.

Some states mandate that anyone doing plumbing work hold a plumber’s license, and some municipalities in other states require licensing, so it depends on where you live. However, hiring a certified plumber is usually best, even if it's a higher hourly cost and the license isn’t a state requirement. Certified plumbers are more likely to have the experience necessary to get your repair done properly, meaning a lower risk of issues occurring afterward. You also have some recourse if a certified plumber makes a mistake, as you can report them to the certifying authority.