How Do I Fix Water Problems in My Crawl Space?
Many homes from Virginia Beach to Colonial Beach and Midlothian experience water finding its way into the crawl space.
What causes water intrusion in a crawl space?
Water intrusion can happen due to:
- Poor grading around the home
- A high water table
- Improper drainage around the home
- Clogged gutters
If left unaddressed, crawl space moisture can lead to:
- Mold growth
- Wood rot
- Sagging floors
- Musty odors
- Higher energy bills
- Poor indoor air quality
How do you fix a wet crawl space permanently?
1. The Cleanout
We’ll start by removing any debris, fallen insulation, and existing vapor barrier. These old 6-mil construction-grade vapor barriers don’t do much to protect your crawl space from moisture.
2. The Prep Work
A trench is dug around the perimeter of your crawl space.
In some cases, you may need a lateral line that runs through the middle of the space.
3. The StarPipe Drainage System
The Drying Company uses a custom-engineered drainage system, StarPipe.
- It has slots on each side for maximum water collection
- Features a drainage track on the bottom
- Its unique star-shape holds the sleeve in place
- Prevents soil intrusion and clogging
Due to its unique design, StarPipe does not require gravel or drainage rock, making installation cleaner and more efficient.
4. The Sump Pump System
The drainage system is routed to a sump pump basin.
Depending on the conditions of your crawl space, The Drying Company offers three sump pump options:
The SmartSump
- 1/3 HP pump
- Designed for tight crawl spaces
- Compatible with UltraSump
The SuperSump Plus
- 1/3 HP pump
- Large basin for easy upgrades
- Compatible with UltraSump
TripleSafe Sump Pump System
- 1/3 HP
- 1/2 HP
- UltraSump battery back-up pump
Your solution advisor will work with you to determine the best fit for you and your home.
5. The Electrical
A dedicated outlet will be installed for your sump pump system.
6. The Discharge Line
The sump pump’s discharge line is run to a location on your property away from your home, designated by you.
7. The Vapor Barrier
After the crawl space drainage system is complete, a new vapor barrier is installed.
We recommend a minimum 12-mil liner.
6-mil liners are thin, tear, and are displaced easily, doing a poor job of protecting the crawl space from the earth’s moisture.
Heavier duty liners such as 12-mil or 20-mil:
- Can be sealed to walls and piers
- Stay in place
- Create an effective moisture barrier
- Are durable enough to withstand service professionals working in the crawl space
Completing the System with Encapsulation
Installing drainage is key to protecting your home, but leaving vents open still allows humid air, pests, and outside moisture back into the space.
Encapsulation:
- Protects the wood substructure
- Helps to prevent mold growth
- Improves indoor air quality
- Reduces energy consumption
- Makes floors warmer
- Reduces drafts
- Adds value to your home
Encapsulating your crawl space turns it into a controlled environment, protecting your home while giving you peace of mind.
What Our Homeowners Have To Say
“We had our crawlspace sealed up and a dehumidifier put in. Very large difference in how warm our floors are and no more musty smells. Very good work, very communicative, very worthwhile.”
— Joe Doran (Google Review)
Repair Your Wet Crawl Space Today!
If you’ve noticed musty odors, cold floors, high humidity in your home, or poked your head in the crawl space door and immediately closed it, it’s time to address the issue.
Schedule a free crawl space inspection today and protect your home from the ground up.
Call The Drying Company at 757-566-8622. We specialize in wet crawl space repair!
