What To Do If You Notice Water in Your Crawl Space

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Keep mold from growing in your crawl space by adding a vapor barrier

The crawl space under your home is probably not an area you visit very often. However, it should be inspected periodically to see if moisture problems have developed. A wet crawl space is something every homeowner in Biltmore, NC, should be concerned about. Keep in mind that “wet” can mean anything from slightly damp ground to standing water.

Determine the Cause of the Moisture

Start with the most obvious potential causes of moisture. Hopefully, you can identify the problem at this juncture. If not, continue investigating other, more obscure possibilities. Here are several things to look for:

• Weather-related flooding
  
• Clogged roof gutters or poorly positioned downspouts
  
• Running water near the crawl space opening
  
• Clogged drainage pipes
  
• Broken water or sewage pipes
  
  

Many of these causes can be determined by visual inspection. If necessary, get help to inspect areas inaccessible to you.

Take Appropriate Action To Remedy the Problem
Determining why the moisture problem exists is the first step in remediation. Next, you’ll need to apply the correct solution.
In many cases, a wet crawl space problem can be resolved by directing water away from your home’s foundation. Proper sloping and drainage are essential to ensure your crawl space stays dry. If your home is closely located next to a neighbor’s home, proper drainage along the fence line can also minimize the chances of runoff water seeping into your crawl space.
In the event of a flood, you may need a sump pump to remove standing water and direct it to an area away from your home. Less commonly, a break in the water line leading to your home or in the sewage line leading away from the home may require city crews to make repairs. Depending on the severity of the problem, the services of a professional cleanup and damage repair company may be needed.
A wet crawl space should never be ignored or minimized. Inspecting this area of your home on a regular basis can help you spot problems before they become serious and require costly repairs.