With more than 20 years of practical experience in renovating, repairing, and enhancing residences, Lee has been offering home improvement guidance for many years.
Project Summary
- Processing Time: 2 to 3 days
- Overall Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Proficiency Level: Expert
- Projected Expense: $100 to $500
Excess water in your home’s crawl space is not merely a nuisance; it can significantly impact your property’s worth. Accumulated water or persistent humidity can lead to mold issues. In severe cases, moisture in a crawl space can cause wood to rot, compromising structural integrity and necessitating costly repairs. Additionally, moisture can attract pests like termites, carpenter ants, and other insects that can harm your home. Furthermore, water accumulation can lure in unwanted animals, such as rats and raccoons, that you would prefer to keep away.
You have the option to address the issue of water accumulation in your crawl space independently. However, given the extensive nature of the task, you might consider hiring a water remediation service to handle it for you.
When to Address Water Issues in the Crawl Space
Water can accumulate in the crawl space for extended periods, sometimes lasting months or even years, creating a misleading sense of security for homeowners. However, over time, stagnant water can lead to significant damage to the foundation of the house, causing wooden beams and joists to decay and fostering the growth of different types of mold. When it comes time to sell the property, addressing these issues will become necessary. Prospective buyers will likely face difficulties securing a loan for a house that has water issues in the crawl space.
Water remediation projects are most effectively carried out during the dry season. Although the tasks are performed in controlled settings, such as indoors or beneath the house, water accumulation beneath the structure can persist, hindering the progress of the work.
Determine the Origin of the Water
When you encounter stagnant water on the surface, it’s crucial to determine if the water originates from groundwater, which may be seeping up from the earth, or if it’s from an above-ground source. Water from above ground typically results from leaks in plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, or water supply lines located beneath the house’s flooring.
Identify the entry point to your crawl space. This may be an external hatch in the wall surrounding the crawl space or an opening in the floor, typically found in a closet or utility room. Bring a reliable flashlight, durable work attire, and plastic sheeting to safeguard your clothing as you navigate the area. Once inside, thoroughly examine the entire space, including the ground and the structural components above. Be on the lookout for indications of stagnant or pooled water on the ground, as well as any discoloration on the wooden posts, piers, and overhead structural elements, which may suggest mildew or wood decay.
Subsurface Water Resources
Issues with below-grade water often intensify during specific times of the year, particularly during the rainy season. If your regular inspections reveal an increase in standing water during these times, it is probable that water is seeping into the crawlspace from below ground, either from rainfall runoff or an elevated water table.
In numerous regions across the nation, the water table is elevated, and the rainy season often leads to the accumulation of water in stagnant puddles in the lower sections of the crawlspace.
Water Sources Above Ground
If the standing water appears to remain unchanged by the seasons or weather conditions, it may indicate the presence of above-ground water sources. This situation is often the result of issues with plumbing, specifically in the drainage or water supply pipes located beneath the floor in the crawl space.
If you observe water pooling or forming puddles directly beneath a bathtub, shower, toilet, or any plumbing fixtures, or under drain pipes, it likely indicates a plumbing issue. The positive aspect is that a plumber can resolve these plumbing concerns, which is generally more affordable than addressing groundwater problems.
Problems Related to Interior Water
Basic humidity problems occur when moisture vapor rises from the soil into the crawl space. In such cases, you might not notice any standing water, but you could find extensive signs of mold or mildew on the wooden structures of the home.
This issue can be quite serious in crawlspaces lacking vapor barriers and proper ventilation. However, the remedy is often straightforward: installing a vapor barrier on the ground, which is a far more cost-effective solution compared to addressing significant groundwater issues.
Safety Factors to Keep in Mind
Performing tasks beneath your home can expose you to various dangers. You may encounter dust, dried animal droppings, black mold, and asbestos, among other pollutants that can be inhaled in that area. It is essential to always use respiratory protection while in the crawl space.
The crawl space may contain various sharp items, as construction workers occasionally leave behind nails, blades from utility knives, shards of glass, and metal scraps. It is important to equip yourself with sturdy gloves, knee pads, durable pants, and long-sleeved shirts or jackets for protection.
Prior to Starting
If the crawl space is not accessible from the outside, you’ll have to transport materials through the house and down an access door. Ensure that all surfaces you walk on are covered with plastic or contractor’s paper for protection.
