Water in crawl spaces is a common issue in many homes. However, you should not ignore any signs of moisture in your crawl space because water in these tiny spaces can lead to greater structural damage and create a home for mold, mildew, and pests. In this blog, we will explain the common causes of excess moisture in your crawl space and how to address the issue,
Common Reasons for Water in Crawl Space
If your crawl space is filled with water, your priority must be to control the underlying cause of the water. Water can seep into your crawl spaces from various sources. Some of the most common ones are heavy downpours, groundwater, or plumbing leakages.
Here is a list of some of the other causes of flooded crawl spaces:
- Poor grading
- Clogged gutters
- Foundation cracks
- Faulty sump pump
- Damaged window wells
- Clogged drain tile
Tips to Fix Water in the Crawl Space
Crawl space conditions can vary with changing weather conditions. Some level of moisture is common in crawl spaces, but excessive water seeps inside, you may observe multiple side crawl space flooding, mold growth, pest infestation, bouncy floors, and increased energy bills.
To avoid these negative outcomes, explore some of the tips and techniques on how to fix water in the crawl space below:
1. Identify the Source of Water
Spend some time looking around your home to detect possible sources of water intrusion. Did you observe water buildup from broken drain pipes or groundwater pooling in your crawl space? Did you find water leaking from the foundation cracks?
Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the cause of the water, especially if it is caused by groundwater or foundation leaks. In that case, consider scheduling a professional inspection by a reliable waterproofing company. Once the underlying issue is detected, you can implement effective measures recommended by the experts, which can range from a simple gutter cleaning to crawl space waterproofing.
2. Utilizing Sump Pumps for Efficient Water Removal
A sump pump continuously evacuates water from your crawl space. A battery backup sump pump will work in all kinds of weather, removing water from your crawl space and allowing it to drain away from your home.
3. Install a Drain System
Having a drainage system, also known as drain tile, installed is an effective way to keep water from flooding your crawl space. Drain tile allows that seeps in through the walls or floors to be continuously redirected, usually to a sump pump, and removed without damaging your home.
4. Repairing Foundation Cracks and Leaks
For severe leaks, just draining water away from your crawl space is not sufficient — you may also need to fix foundation cracks and leaks in order to avoid water intrusion from the gaps and holes. Waterproofing experts will use the appropriate sealants and waterproofing techniques, such as PVC patches, to ensure that cracks are sealed long-term.
5. Install a Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier can be a great addition to your crawl space. Vapor barriers are thick plastic sheets installed on the walls, floors, and ceilings of your crawl space. Once installed, they act as a shield against moisture infiltration from ground level and hinder pests’ entrance into your crawl space. The barrier reduces indoor moisture levels and inhibits mold growth.
6. Check Gutters and Downspouts
If your crawl space has gutters and downspouts, you need to pay extra attention to both of them. Even if the gutters are functional, your crawl space may flood if your downspouts are clogged. The downspouts might be clogged, disconnected, or may be facing away from your home. If your downspouts are in perfect condition, your gutters may be clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris. Any clogs in your drainage system lead to a water spillover. As a result, the soil around your home’s foundation soaks up the water and causes seepage inside your crawl space. Cleaning and repairing your gutters and downspouts will help to redirect heavy rain away from your home, keeping your crawl space dry.
How to Prevent a Flooded Crawl Space?
It’s important to address leaky crawl space issues as soon as possible. A dry crawl space offers many benefits, including decreased pest problems, improved air quality, reduced energy bills, and improved structural integrity.
Here is a walkthrough of practical preventative measures to avoid flooded crawl spaces:
Ensure Proper Drainage
A proper drainage system can protect your crawl space from water intrusion. Routinely check and maintain all drainage parts, such as gutters, downspouts, sump pumps, and drain tiles, so that they function well to drain water out of your crawl space and prevent water accumulation. You may seek professional help from reliable waterproofing contractors to implement proactive drainage measures and prevent your crawl space from flooding.
Seal Foundation Cracks
Even a small hole can allow water to seep into your crawl space. If you spot water seepage from the foundation cracks, seal smaller cracks with waterproof masonry sealants and bigger ones with hydraulic cement to stop leaks in your crawl space. Fixing foundation cracks is important for preventing water infiltration and maintaining the structural integrity of your home.
Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Make sure that you clean the gutters and downspouts regularly to direct water away from your crawl space and prevent flooding. Clogged gutters filled with leaves, dirt, and debris prevent water from reaching downspouts, which in turn causes water to seep into your crawl space.
Grade Land Away from Foundation
If the ground level is flat or slopes towards the home around the foundation, you may not be able to prevent flooding in the crawl space area. To prevent crawl space flooding, the ground around your foundation should slope away from your home. This grading technique prevents water buildup around your home’s foundation and stops water infiltration into your crawl space area.
Conclusion
American Eagle Professional Services, Inc. will fix residential or commercial wet crawl space by applying remedies like crawl space encapsulation, waterproofing, and mold remediation. For exceptional customer service, visit us at 605 Main Street, Suite 204, Stevensville, MD 21666, or call us at 1 (410) 263-9682.
