What Should I Do if There Is Water Accumulation in the Crawl Space

Houses with crawl spaces are common in North America, used to elevate the house, prevent moisture, and facilitate wiring. But once flooded, it will become a "disaster area" for mold, termites, and structural damage.

 

1. First time drainage

Sump Pump: Start or install the pump immediately to drain the accumulated water.

Temporary drainage pipeline: If the pump is not enough, a drainage pipe can be used to direct the water to the yard or drainage ditch.

2. Thoroughly dry

Commercial dehumidifier: Due to the narrow crawl space, the inlet is relatively small. When using a high-capacity flood dehumidifier, the air inlet of the machine can be connected to an air duct and directed towards the inside floor or walls. At the beginning, the machine needs to be operated for 24 hours.

Air Mover: A low profile air mover should be placed in crawl spaces to blow air and accelerate the drying of floor bottoms and walls.

Open the ventilation opening: Increase natural ventilation when weather permits, and use mechanical fans for more effective ventilation.

3. Prevent the spread of mold

Complete drying within 48 hours; otherwise, mold will rapidly grow.

Professional antifungal agents (antibacterial coatings, bleach-containing solutions) can be sprayed, but safety precautions should be taken during operation.

4. Check for damage

Wooden beams/floors: whether they have been affected by moisture, deformed, or moldy.

Insulation cotton: Once soaked in water, it usually needs to be replaced because it cannot dry completely.

Wiring conduit: Check for moisture and short circuits.

5. Follow-up prevention

Install permanent water pumps and a Sump Basin to automatically drain in case of heavy rain.

Vapor Barrier: Cover the crawl space floor with thick polyethylene film to isolate moisture.

Sealed crawling space and equipped with an under house dehumidifier: keep relatively dry with humidity below 55%.

Revamp drainage ditches and ground slopes to keep rainwater away from houses as the terrain rises and falls.

 

Houses must have a crawl space, but there is also an invisible risk of being flooded. Preparing for waterproofing and dehumidification in advance can save a lot of trouble and unnecessary repair costs. If the area where the house is located has abundant rainfall, it is necessary to regularly inspect the structure and materials for damage or mold. According to the consumption situation in the space, renovate the drainage and moisture-proof system.