My crawl space has no hatch I can find. Now what?

Look in closets, under carpet in hallways, behind access panels in the garage, and around the outside of the foundation for a small door or grate. If none exists, a contractor can usually create one, which is worth doing so the space can be checked in the future.

Should crawl space vents be open or closed?

It depends on the design. Traditional vented crawl spaces rely on open vents, while sealed or encapsulated spaces keep them closed and control humidity another way. Do not simply close vents on a space with bare soil, because moisture can build up even more.

How often should I look in?

Each spring and fall is a reasonable routine, plus after any big storm or plumbing leak.

Crawl Space Inspection Checklist Through the Access Hatch

Before you open the hatch

Where hatches are: Often a closet floor, a hallway panel, the garage wall or an exterior opening on the foundation.
What you need: A bright flashlight, a hygrometer you can set just inside, gloves, and a dust mask.
Best time: Late spring or summer, and again a day after a heavy storm.
Who should go in: Only someone comfortable in tight spaces, with another person nearby; otherwise look from the opening.

What to look for from the opening

The smell itself as the hatch opens: earthy, musty, sewer-like or animal.
Ground: bare soil, plastic sheeting, or a sealed liner; any visible tears or gaps.
Water: puddles, wet soil, mud lines on the walls or piers.
Insulation: tight to the subfloor, sagging, or lying on the ground.
Ducts: disconnected sections, crushed runs or flexible duct lying on soil.
Wood: dark staining, white or fuzzy growth, or soft spots on joists near the hatch.
Pipes: drips, condensation on cold lines, or wet soil beneath fittings.
Animals: droppings, nests, tunnels in insulation or gaps at vents.
Vents: open, closed, blocked by soil or plants, or screened.
Hygrometer reading after about thirty minutes compared with the house.

What your findings point to

IfBare soil or a torn cover, and humidity well above the houseGround moisture is the likely driver. Read about ground covers and plan to fix this first.
IfStanding water or mud linesA drainage or plumbing problem. Find the water source before adding any cover.
IfDroppings, nests or a strong animal smellAvoid entering. Arrange professional cleanup and seal entry points.
IfDisconnected or damaged ductsCall an HVAC technician; crawl air may be blowing straight into the house.
IfDry soil, intact cover and modest humidityThe crawl space may not be the main source. Look again at the basement or the main floor.

Common questions

My crawl space has no hatch I can find. Now what?: Look in closets, under carpet in hallways, behind access panels in the garage, and around the outside of the foundation for a small door or grate. If none exists, a contractor can usually create one, which is worth doing so the space can be checked in the future.
Should crawl space vents be open or closed?: It depends on the design. Traditional vented crawl spaces rely on open vents, while sealed or encapsulated spaces keep them closed and control humidity another way. Do not simply close vents on a space with bare soil, because moisture can build up even more.
How often should I look in?: Each spring and fall is a reasonable routine, plus after any big storm or plumbing leak.

General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.