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?
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.
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
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.
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.
