This kind of sounds like a no brainier, but I thought id ask.

We have a basement with a laundry room and a finished room. In our laundry room which is near our stairs and downstairs room, there is 2 small 'louvered' doors that lead to a crawl space under our bathroom. The 2 doors are the type that have slots in them to allow air flow. In the crawl space you can get to the water pipes and server pipes.. It's a has a dirt floor and is about 3-4 feet high.

My question is should I seal this opening up with a tight door to block odors or air flow? I know it should be a removable sealed door. Also, should I put vapor barrier up? Vent it?

Where do you live, is there a chance these pipes can freeze in an unheated enclosed space?

I live in St Louis.. It's a deep crawl space and the bathroom and two rooms beside the crawlspace is heated.. This crawlspace could be an actual room if we dug a few ft of dirt out.

I could post pics if needed.

It's a foreclosed home that needs work.. So I'm scared people will judge :)

Until you know more about the crawl temps during the coldest months Id be hesitant to seal it off.