large dirt cracks

[Tony Vargas]

hi
What causes these cracks does it mean there was a water problem in the past ? do you write this up in a report and if so what do you say?

[Rick Cantrell]

"What causes these cracks does it mean there was a water problem in the past ? do you write this up in a report and if so what do you say?"

There was water at least one time, but I cannot say there was a water problem. That depends on several factors, where is it's located, source of the water, likeliness of reoccurring.

[Tony Vargas]

cracks like these were located within 10 to 15 feet of the plumbing lines.
access was in the closet (middle part of house)that is where this picture was taken. would you just report signs of past water were noted around these areas ?

[Jerry Peck]

Expansive clay soils which have dried out, such as due to a drought.

[Gunnar Alquist]

Tony,

Jerry is most likely correct. CA has a lot of expansive clay soils, particularly in the flat areas. The soil will expand and contract seasonally with the rainy season and can cause the foundation to move.

Expansive Soil | Basement & Foundation Problems | GEOLOGY.com (http://geology.com/articles/expansive-soil.shtml)
Expansive Soil Problems and Solutions (http://www.foundation-repair-guide.com/expansive-soil.html)

[Marc M]

Expansive clay soils which have dried out, such as due to a drought.
Correct Jerry.