How to Get Rid of Standing Water Under Your House
Learn to handle standing water in the crawl space or basement and improve your home's living conditions and value.
When was the last time you checked the crawl space for standing water? Left unchecked, this issue can wreak havoc like water that gets in at the floor level. Typical signs of standing water include wood rot, termite infestation, mold growth on wooden surfaces, and cupping wooden floors.
Here, we show you the major causes of standing water in the crawl space and what you can do to prevent the problem.
What’s the Source of Standing Water?
Unfortunately, there isn’t one particular reason why water is standing in your crawl space. You may have to a bit of detective work to uncover the sources, which could be one or more of these:
- Ground Moisture.
Check your crawl space floor. Exposed dirt tends to allow moisture and water from rainwater or poor drainage into the basement. This happens when the vapor barrier is damaged or installed in an improper manner.
- Open Foundation Vent.
Another way that water enters the crawl space and pools is through the vents. Moisture will come through the foundation vent if your home slopes toward it.
- Foundation Cracks.
Cracks and crevices in your foundation can also act as entry points for water. Do a quick check to see where water is coming through. Water that seeps through cracks will always leave visible signs.
- Leaking Pipes.
Old, damaged, or weakened lines also account for many instances of standing water in the crawl space. Ask your plumber to inspect your plumbing line and system for leaks. With the faucet turned on, you should be able to determine if there’s a leak.
- Clogged Drains.
If you have a low-point drain installed somewhere in the crawl space floor, check them as well as these systems can easily get clogged if they’re installed without a filter.
Should I Worry About Water Under My House?
Standing water under your Virginia Beach, Virginia, home can lead to issues that can affect the health and the structural integrity of your home. Mold can grow and cause serious health problems including allergies and asthma. Water under the house is also an instant magnet for pests and bugs that may enter your home through cracks.
Preventing Standing Water
There are a couple of things you can do to deal with standing water now and prevent a recurrence in the future. Here are the most critical.
- Waterproofing Your Basement And Crawl Space.
Water and moisture remain the biggest threat to the below-ground areas. Waterproofing solutions such as interior drainage systems, specifically basement gutters and floor drains, can help stop water ponding. A dehumidifier will also prevent condensation.
- Crawl Space Encapsulation.
Installing a plastic vapor barrier around the crawl space area will help keep water, moisture, and pests out. Your crawl space will be completely isolated from the outside, and stay dry and problem-free.
- Install A Submersible Sump Pump.
This is the best remedy for water ponding due to a burst pipe or flooding. Anytime water gets into the crawl space or basement, the sump pump actuates automatically and starts ejecting the water.
- Seal Wall Cracks.
Cracks and crevices act as passageways for water. Check for cracks and identify spots that might crack with time and ask your waterproofing expert to seal these areas.
- Improve Your Grading.
When rainwater isn’t diverted properly, it will run back toward your home and enter the crawl space during a heavy rainstorm. Proper grading will ensure water flows out and away.
- Install & Maintain Gutters And Downspouts.
These fixtures play a critical role in preventing overflows from the roof and water ponding in your crawl space. They take water from the roof to a designated discharge point.
Removing Standing Water
If the water that’s collected on your floor is scant, you can mop it up. But if quantities are greater, you’ll need a robust solution like a sump pump that can quickly empty the crawl space of standing water.
The waterproofing experts at Groundworks are eager to help you resolve the problem of water under the house. Schedule a free crawl space waterproofing inspection and get a free quote along with recommendations to keep water out.