Don't just ignore this issue.
A: You've discovered a problem with your crawlspaces, but you don't know where it came from. To figure out what caused the flooding, you need to look for signs of leaks. If you're unsure where to start, here are some ideas:1. Look at the foundation. Is it cracked? Does it appear loose? Are there cracks in the concrete slab? Do you see any pipes that may be leaking?
A: Standing rain or snow melt can enter the ground through cracks in the soil, creating puddles that drain away slowly, leaving behind wet soil, which may cause damage to foundations. If you're concerned about moisture entering the ground, check for any cracks in the soil near your house.
To solve the problem of having too much rain, you'll need to look at all possible causes of the excess rainfall. Some solutions include installing an underground silt basin, adding a vapor barrier to the roof, and repairing any drainage issues.
Related: Slab vs Crawl Space
Check out where the water is coming from.
The first thing you need to do when you find water leaking into a crawl space determines the source(s) of the water. There are several possible sources of flooding, including surface water, groundwater, functional plumbing problems, and severe humidity issues. After finding the start of the case, you can decide how to keep water out of your crawl space with effective fixes.
Crawl spaces can contain many dangers, especially if the area is flooded. Before dealing with water in the crawl space after heavy rain or a leak, look to ensure there aren't any wires or electrical outlets in the water. Also, wear heavy gloves, knee pads, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or coat, and closed-toe shoes to help protect from rocks, glass, nails, and any other sharp or hazardous debris in the space. Remember that heavy, invisible gasses can also sit in a low-lying area like a crawl space. If possible, air out the crawl space with one or more fans before entering.
Rainfall doesn't usually cause any issues for homes with gutters and downpours. However, if your gutter system has become clogged with leaves, grass, dirt, etc., then rain can seep into the ground through cracks in the slab and move into the basement. If your downspouts point in the wrong direction, they could be blocked by debris or frozen pipes, allowing rain to leak into the basement.
Water leaking into the crawl spaces from the surrounding soil is a widespread problem. It tends to occur most often during the rainy season and may be exacerbated by melted snow and ice.
Crawling space flooding usually seems like the most severe problem, but if you have any plumbing issues, check out the rest of the house first. Leaks from the dishwasher, washer or even the water lines for the fridge are often easy to fix, too.
Moist conditions aren't likely to lead to significant water puddles, but severe humid conditions can cause mold and mite growth. These pollutants can lower your house's air quality, and they're also a sign that the moistness in the crawl spaces might be causing rot in flooring, support beam, and any other woody material.
Ensure gutter drains are clear of debris and that downspout outlet aren't located near the crawl space.
Check the downspouts around your house and make sure they aren't damaged, loose, or directing the water towards the home. Make any necessary repairs and correct the direction of the flow to prevent the downspouts from contributing to the flooding.
Next, examine your gutter. If they're not regularly maintained, grass, leaves, and dirt can get stuck inside and cause a blockage. When this occurs, water doesn't have any place to drain, accumulating in the gully until it overflows onto the roof. Rainwater can also collect around the foundation of the house and seeps into the crawl space. To avoid these problems, install a guttering system and ensure the gutter is clear of debris. You should also conduct regular checks to ensure no damage to the guttering.
Drain the water from the floorboards.
To remove water from an underwater basement, you need a submersible (or, even better, a sump) pumping system. However, if the basement is only damp or has a few small puddles, relying on a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water would be sufficient.
After the water has been removed from the floor, place one or more fans in an attempt to circulate the moistened areas of the house. Ensure sufficient airflow through the house to expedite the evaporation process. You may want to use a dehumidifer if available.
Repair troublesome grading around the foundation
One reason for crawlspaces flooding is that the soil surrounding homes tends to slope away from them. Water that collects near foundations often seeps through the ground and into the crawl spaces.
If you have minor damage to the exterior of your house caused by rain, you can fix these yourself using DIY landscaping techniques. However, if there are major structural problems with your home's foundations, you should contact a licensed contractor who can assess the situation and provide recommendations for fixing them. Some contractors may also be able to advise you on ways to prevent future flooding.
Repair plumbing leaks.
To spot a potential problem, look for signs of leaks, including dripping faucets, pipes, appliances, or even leaking toilets.
If a pipe causes the leak, close the closest isolation valves if available. Otherwise, call a professional plumber to help you fix the leak.
Install a sump pump.
If you live in an area prone to water damage from heavy rainstorms, one of the best things you can do is install a sump pump or have a sump pump installed. Sump pumps help prevent basement water damage caused by excessive moisture.
Sump pumps prevent flooding by pumping excess rain away from your house. When the sump gets full, the sump pumps start working and automatically remove any extra rain from your basement.
You need to add a vapor barrier and dehumidifiers.
A sump pump is a great way to deal with water damage caused by flooding in a basement, but it's also essential to take care of any moisture that gets into the air. Moisture can cling to exposed surfaces and cause rot and mildew growth. If you want to keep your house protected against these issues, you need to install a vapor barrier. This will trap the moisture inside the basement, so it doesn't get into the rest of the house.
You will need a device that works well enough to get rid of excess water vapor without constantly monitoring the system. Additionally, you may want to consider installing a dehumidifier (check our crawl space dehumidifier reviews) to help eliminate water vapor from the air. A good idea would be to buy one that senses when the relative humidity reaches a certain level and then turns itself off.
