What should you do when you find water in your crawl space?
If your crawl space or basement has standing water, it needs to be removed immediately. You can do this with either a wet vacuum or a sump pump. Installing a dehumidifier will further reduce the humidity level significantly and inhibit mold growth.
To restrict the water from accumulating into the crawl space further, you may get a complete tech-system installed by a restoration professional; the system must contain the essentials like a perimeter trench, gravel, perforated pipe, and a sump pump. Do not attempt to install these pieces of equipment in your crawl space by yourself and before installation schedule a thorough inspection first, so that the crawl space is not over-equipped and nothing important has been left out.
There are some steps that you must follow to eliminate water from your crawl space:
Here is where to start.
1 – First and foremost, identify the source of water
Try to enter the crawl space from the access space, make sure that you are equipped with a working flashlight, proper work clothes, plastic sheets to protect your clothes, and inspect each area of your crawl space. Inspect the soil texture and ground also. Look for signs and symbols for standing water and discoloration due to moss, mildew, or wood rot on wooden floors and barriers.
2 – Eliminate the vapor barrier
If a vapor barrier is present in your crawl space, then roll it up and remove it through the access-door.
3 – Dig a trench and fill it with gravel
A trench is dug near the entire interior foundation, a guide like the foundation. The drain pipe is now covered with drain rock filling in the trench, and the leftover soil from digging the trench is then evenly spread near the crawl space.
4 – Restrict mold formation
Mold has a very high affinity for moisture, and it feeds on dead and decaying organic matter like paper, wood, cardboard, etc. Most of the crawl spaces have very high moisture content, and they are rich in organic matter; also, adversely, this invites mold formation. If there are too many vents in your crawl space, it becomes inviting for the insects and pests that lead to mold formation.
Mold and mildew grow exponentially on damp areas. Mold affects health as it causes respiratory problems, and it lowers the property value very significantly.
5 – Install a GFCI Outlet, a sump pump, and a discharge pipe
You need these types of equipment to prevent water accumulation, do not try to install themselves your self. And, seek professional help to prevent life-threatening injuries.
6 – Install a new vapor barrier.
Get a new vapor barrier of 6 mils to prevent the absorption of water from the ground. You must place the new six mil vapor barrier over the ground of the crawl space to prevent vapor transfer from the ground.
The bottom line: deal with water in your crawl space to ensure a healthy home
- Never choose to work yourself, unless the inspection results favour this.
- Always wear personal protective coverings, safety goggles, sturdy boots or shoes, gloves, and helmet to protect yourself from any injuries.
- Always check for the presence of any electrical pieces of equipment, the combination of water and electricity is very risky.
- If you are inexperienced in these steps, call a professional for the installation of the outlet and sump pump.
When you discover water in your crawl space, let any professional restoration service help. From preliminary inspection to complete water eradication services, their experts will be giving you the attention that you deserve.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and a sweet toy fox terrier. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
This blog celebrates all things home.
