Why you should never ignore water in your crawl space

 

If you’re a homeowner, then you know that there are a lot of things to keep track of such as:  repairing the roof, keeping the gutters clean, and checking for water in the crawl space. Believe it or not, water in the crawl space is one of the most common problems homeowners face – and yet it’s often one of the most ignored. Why is that? Well, part of the reason may be that many homeowners don’t even know what to look for when it comes to water in the crawl space. So if you’re curious about why the water in your crawl space should never be ignored, read on! We’ll discuss some of the key signs to look out for and outline some important steps you can take to prevent this from becoming a larger problem.  Here’s what we’ll cover:

Is it normal to have some water in a crawl space?

Will a crawl space dry out on its own?

How do you deal with standing water in a crawl space?

How much water in the crawl space is to much?

How do I dry out my crawl space?

 

Is it normal to have some water in a crawl space?

Yes, it is normal to have water in the crawl space. However, too much water can lead to serious problems. Some of the more common reasons you might find water in your crawl space are through cracks in the foundation or through gaps around vents and pipes. Once water has made its way into the crawl space, it can cause serious damage to the structure of the home. In addition, water in the crawl space creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive.  When water damage occurs, it is important to take immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent further water intrusion. If water is not cleaned up quickly, it can lead to mold growth, which can cause health problems. As a result, it is important to contact a water clean-up and restoration company as soon as possible if you suspect that your crawl space has been flooded. They will have the necessary equipment to extract the water and dry out the area, preventing further water damage.

Will a crawl space dry out on its own?

A crawl space is an area of your home that is often forgotten about. But if water damage has occurred, it is important to take action right away.  If you find water in your crawl space but it is still contained below the vapor barrier, the water should absorb into the soil below.  When it finds its way above the vapor barrier is when you could have problems. If you find water in your crawl space on top of the vapor barrier, you’re probably wondering if it will just magically disappear. Unfortunately, water doesn’t work that way. The water will either evaporate on its own or you’ll need to take action to remove it. If the water is from a clean source, like a broken pipe, you can try to remove it with a wet/dry vacuum. But if the water is from a dirty source, like flood water, or a broken drain pipe, you’ll need to call in a professional water extraction and clean-up company. They have the proper equipment and experience to remove the water and restore your crawl space to its original condition. If the water is left you are at risk of microbial growth and even structural damage. So don’t wait around – if you have water in your crawl space, take action now to get rid of it!

How do you deal with standing water in a crawl space?

The easiest thing you can do for standing water in your crawl space would be to call a trusted restoration company to help.  Depending on the source of the water and your insurance coverage, this may be covered under your homeowner insurance policy.  

It’s important to deal with it as soon as possible. Water can cause serious damage to your home, and it can also create an environment that is ideal for mold growth. The first step is to remove the water from the area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump. Once the water is gone, you’ll need to dry out the area completely to prevent mold and mildew growth. We highly recommend using a restoration company for the drying process as they will have the equipment as well as the expertise to make sure it’s done correctly.  An area that looks dry can still hold enough moisture to cause you problems and you wouldn’t know until the water damage starts to show.  It’s always good practice to do the job right the first time.

Water-damaged crawl space can be a serious problem, but it can be fixed with quick action and the help of a professional restoration company.

How much water in a crawl space is too much?

So how much water in a crawl space is too much? Generally speaking, any water that is pooling in your crawl space is cause for concern. If you notice water stains on the walls or floor, or if there is a musty odor, it’s time to take action. The best way to deal with a wet crawl space is to call a water clean-up and restoration company. They have the equipment and expertise to quickly and safely remove the water and prevent further damage.

How do I dry out my crawl space?

If you’ve just found out that your insurance will not cover the drying of the water in your crawl space, know that we can still help you with drying out your crawl space.  If you’re confident in your skill and have the motivation to do it yourself here are a few things to be aware of.

The first thing you need to do is figure out where the moisture is coming from. If your crawl space has an unresolved water issue, it will be difficult to keep it dry. Once you identify and address the source of the moisture, you can begin to take steps to dry out your crawl space.  If the water has any sewage in it you will need to take extra safety and even removal steps which should only be done by a licensed company.  

Next, you need to extract any standing water.  Your wet/dry vac may be useful here.  Even on those smaller water jobs, it’s not uncommon to have to dump your wet dry vac over 100 times.  If there is a lot of water it may make more sense to rent a sump pump and pump the water out to your yard.  Be careful to know your city ordinances though, in most cities you can’t pump the water off your property, AKA the street or neighbor’s property even if it is an empty lot.  In some instances where you have a continual issue, you will want to install a permanent sump pump.

Now that the water has been removed you may think you’re done, but you’d be wrong.  It is very important to fully dry the area otherwise you risk mold and mildew growing, which as you may know, may cause health problems for you and your family as well as structural damage to your home.  So, you must get this step right.  In fact, this is where we would suggest the importance of using a restoration company.  We have the experience and the equipment to do this right.  You need to have fans and dehumidifiers on the water-damaged areas.  The amount of each will vary depending on the square footage and the environment and damage occurring in your crawl space.  Without the testing equipment to check for a fully dry space, you’ll be guessing and hoping for the best outcome and those outcomes usually don’t turn out well.

The next step we would suggest is to make sure you have a high-quality vapor barrier installed on the ground of your crawl space.  This will help to prevent moisture from seeping up from the ground.  If you have any holes or tears you will need to address them before it happens again.

Finally, make sure that you have adequate vents in your crawl space to allow for the proper airflow to prevent future moisture problems.

To sum it all up

If you are seeing water in your crawl space, it is important to take action right away. Ignoring the problem will only lead to further damage and a more expensive fix down the road. Armor Restoration can help with water in your crawl space. We have years of experience dealing with these types of problems and we know how to get them taken care of quickly and efficiently. Don’t wait until it’s too late – call us today for a free consultation!