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So, You Have a Flooded Crawl Space. Now What?

flooded crawl space
flooded crawl space
ByMariel McClung
Table of Contents

A flooding crawl space is a common occurrence for many homeowners. They might not give it much thought, but that is because they don’t know the damage that can occur due to the water.

Why Do Crawl Spaces Sometimes Flood?

Don't let a flooded crawl space ruin your foundation. Learn how to handle the problem and prevent future issues with these tips from our team of professionals.

There are times when a crawl space may flood, and it is for obvious reasons. This would include when there is heavy rain or when there is a heavy snow melt. Flooding from nearby lakes, streams, or rivers also commonly causes this problem.

At other times, it may not be as obvious why the crawl space is flooding. It could be due to the height of the water table on the land where your home was built. Poor drainage or improper construction techniques when grading the property can also lead to this issue.

Consider the possibility that it is an internal problem rather than an external problem. If there are plumbing leaks, you may end up with water in the crawl space. Even a small leak could lead to moisture and the possibility of high humidity and its associated damage.

Finally, natural disasters often lead to flooding in crawl spaces. This could be anything from an earthquake to a tropical storm or hurricane. These types of natural disasters don’t occur frequently, but they can wreak havoc on the home when they do take place.

So, You Have a Flooded Crawl space. Now What?

When your crawl space floods, it’s essential to take action quickly. Doing so can limit the damage and could even save your life.

First and foremost, it is essential to eliminate any electrical hazards associated with this problem. Shutting off the power to the home is vital until the water can be removed.

In some cases, a main breaker may shut off all electricity within the home. Be aware that live electrical wires will still come into the panel that feeds the main breaker. You should be safe if the incoming line is well above the water level, and don’t remove the panel cover.

After the electricity is shut off, remove the water from the crawl space. If there is a small amount of water, you can remove it using a wet/dry vacuum or sump pump.

Clean up flooded crawl space

If you use a sump pump to remove the water, you must run an extension cord to the pump from an exterior source since you’ve already shut down the power. Be cautious when standing in water and plugging in the pump, as there is an electrocution hazard.

In some locations, the local fire department will remove water from the crawl space using their pumps and hoses. Some will do this as a one-time courtesy, and others will have a minimal charge for doing the work.

Once the standing water has been removed from the crawl space, thoroughly dry the area. Open any windows and doors to provide natural ventilation. A dehumidifier and fan can also speed up the process. For more information, check out our blog: Do You Need A Crawl Space Dehumidifier?

Your crawl space should be dry at this point, but your work is not done. It is time to discern why the flooding occurred so it can be corrected immediately.

Standing water in the crawl space is frustrating, but don’t allow it to get the best of you. If you take the steps we outlined above and correct any issues that could lead to flooding in the future, it can be considered a one-time problem.

Tips on How to Prevent a Flooded Crawl Space

Downspout extensions will carry runoff away from the foundation before release.

If you enjoy doing work around the home, there are things you can do regularly to prevent a problem with crawl space flooding. These can be set up as routine maintenance tasks so they are not overlooked.

One of the big problems associated with crawl space flooding is roof runoff. In many homes, the roof runoff runs to the gutters and downspouts. Unfortunately, most downspouts empty directly next to the foundation. Downspout extensions will carry runoff away from the foundation before release.

Regularly cleaning your gutters is one step in keeping water out of the crawl space. In addition, install downspout extensions to divert the water to an acceptable distance from the home, where it can drain naturally.

Take a close look at the grading around your home. Is water draining back toward the foundation? Poor drainage could lead to pooling water and excessive water in the soil near the foundation. It’s only one step away from getting into your crawl space at that point.

Installing a drain tile system can also keep water from being a problem in the crawl space. The drain tile system collects water from under the crawl space, diverting it into a sump pit where a sump pump can pump the water out and away from the home.

One other option that is often overlooked is flood vents. These openings in the crawl space walls are designed to allow water to enter and exit freely. Flood vents do not keep water from getting into the crawl space, but they prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup that can damage the foundation walls.

These openings in the crawl space walls are designed to allow water to enter and exit freely. Flood vents do not keep water from getting into the crawl space, but they prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup that can damage the foundation walls.

Many of these solutions can be implemented by a professional, and it’s a good idea to consider hiring AMC911 for the project. We can install the downspout extensions, drain tile system, flood vents, and more, and we do so professionally. Contact us today for more information and a professional assessment of the situation.

WRITTEN BY

Mariel McClung

Mariel McClung is AMC911’s Vice President and full-time mother. Mariel studied Marketing at The College of William & Mary and is the operational brain behind AMC911.

Find a Trusted Foundation & Crawl Space Repair Specialist in Hampton Roads

Choosing the right company for foundation repair, crawl space encapsulation, and masonry repair is crucial. Many contractors in Hampton Roads claim to be experts, but not all have the experience, reputation, and warranties to back their work.

The best foundation and crawl space repair specialists are Class A licensed, highly rated by the Better Business Bureau of Hampton Roads, and have strong customer reviews on Google. Look for a company with over 20 years of experience, community involvement, and reliable product and service warranties. A local company with deep ties to the area is always the best choice.

Expert Service with AMC911

Voted Best Foundation Repair Company in Hampton Roads, AMC911 has been the trusted choice for foundation and crawl space solutions for over 30 years. Locally owned and operated by Brian and Mariel McClung since the late ‘80s, we have built a reputation for quality, reliability, and outstanding customer service. Nearly 40% of our business comes from referrals, proving our customers trust our work.

We specialize in:

Foundation & Structural Repair – Floor leveling, pier installation, and crack repair

Crawl Space Repair – Encapsulation, HVAC solutions, and waterproofing

Drainage Solutions – French drains, sump pumps, and surface water management

Chimney Repair – Fixing leaning, cracked, or separating chimneys

Masonry Repair & Restoration – Brick, stone, and concrete repairs, plus new construction masonry

AMC911 has consistently been voted “Best Foundation Repair Company” in all cities of Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Williamsburg, Suffolk, Gloucester, Smithfield, and the Eastern Shore. AMC911 is the ONLY company in Hampton Roads to be voted #1 in ALL CITIES in the history of the Virginia Media “Best of” Contest.

AMC911 has also been recognized for its commitment to integrity, winning the Better Business Bureau of Hampton Roads’ “Torch Ethics Award.”

Schedule a Courtesy Inspection Today! Every inspection includes a detailed evaluation with photos. Contact AMC911 Foundation & Crawl Space Repair now!

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