Is your crawl space feeling damp and wet all the time?
It’s never great to discover damage to your home. But, when you find water damage in the crawl space, you must immediately act. Leaving it may worsen the damage, and the repair cost could be staggering.
Many people have no idea how to deal with water damage in their crawl space. So, there’s some confusion about what to do when you see water where it shouldn’t be.
That’s why we put together this guide on what to do when you spot a leak or other problem in the crawl space. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about a crawl space and what you should do if you notice there’s water damage in it.
Identify the Source of the Water
Start by examining the crawl space inside and outside for signs of water. Look for areas of standing water, evidence of seepage, cracks, water stains, etc. If you suspect the source of the moisture is on the outside, it may be caused by driveway runoff, bulk water from storms, or improperly functioning gutters/downspouts.
To diagnose the source of the inside, inspect the air conditioner and furnace, check for plumbing leaks, and look for condensation on pipes. If the source of moisture is internal, then it may indicate a plumbing issue, a humidity problem, or a burst pipe.
If you can’t quickly determine the cause of the water, it may be necessary to hire a plumber or contractor. Hiring a contractor can help you assess the issue and repair the source of the moisture. Make sure to hire contractors from a licensed company with an extensive experience like the one on this link https://www.blackdiamondcontractor.com.
Taking Immediate Action to Pump Out the Water
Begin by gathering all the necessary supplies to pump out the water, such as a pump, a garden hose, and a sump basin. If possible, locate and seal any sources of leaking water, such as cracks or condensation. Once you have all the required equipment, begin applying suction to the wet area with your pump.
Utilize the garden hose and direct the water away from home and into a sump basin or safe disposal location. Once completed, determine whether the water was caused by a leaking pipe or condensation, and fix the problem accordingly. Taking immediate action can help you avoid a flooded crawl space.
Preventing Future Water Problems
Inspect plumbing, including toilets and wastewater drain lines. Inspect the foundation for cracks and make sure the landscaping slopes are away from the house for proper drainage.
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris, and seal any unsealed vents that are located around the perimeter of the crawl space. Lastly, it may be a good idea to have a moisture or vapor barrier installed in your crawl space to prevent future water damage.
Protect Your Crawl Space Today
Signs of water in the crawl space should not be ignored as this could eventually cause mold and structural issues. It is therefore important to identify the source of water, make the needed repairs and install waterproof materials. If you suspect water is in the crawl space, contact your local home inspector to help assess the situation.
Now that you know what to do about water in the crawl space, why not check out some of our other blog posts? There are plenty of topics in there we’re sure you’ll find just as informative as this one.
