Have you ever had water in the crawl space or basement?  When you find water anywhere in your home your initial reaction is panic, because we know that water causes property damage. It can also lead to mold issues that can damage your home and cause health problems for you and your family. Now take a look at what causes it, how to prevent it, and when you need to call a plumber.

Q: What Causes water in the crawlspace

A: Flooding

Surface water flooding is one of the major causes of water in the crawl space. When the ground is overwatered, the absorbency will hit it’s maxed capacity forcing the water to pool. When this happens, water will find its way into open space, ie a crawlspace or basement. If this happens in your home you should contact a professional ASAP as you 1- you don’t want to damage your home and 2- have all those toxins in your living space.

A: Slope or Grading

Ideally, a home will sit a little higher up on the ground so that runoff water will run away from the home. If this grading/sloping of a property is done incorrectly, then water will end up pooling by the walls of the home and seep in. It is a good idea to get your grading/sloping checked out every few years as erosion can play a big factor in this as well. Or if you would like to calculate you slope your self, click here!

A: Gutters and Downspouts

When your gutters or downspouts back up, you may notice that when it rains, water will flow over the side of your house. Where does that water go? These systems are designed to move the rain away from your home. When this system is interrupted, it can lead to the exact opposite. Forcing water into your home. Get your gutters cleaned annually.

A: Window Wells

Window wells are sometimes overlooked on a home. However, these can be major issues if they become damaged or defective. If a window well is defective, this can cause water to flow right on into your home and cause a huge mess.

A: Water Lines or Water Heater

Water line brings water into your home, it is their main purpose! However, if on springs a leak, this will put the water where you DON’T want it. Much like your water heater too. The sole purpose is to heat your water. If you have a water heater leaking, you will have a major problem.

Yes, there are a ton of answers (and counting) to what can cause water in a crawl space. We just have to find the root of the cause!

A few simple steps you can take to prevent water in your crawl space

Gutters Working Properly

Allow rainwater to flow away from your house by making sure your gutters and downspouts are properly installed.

Slope and Grading of Property

You want your lawn to slope away from your foundation

Vapor Barrier

Install a vapor barrier, typically it’s a plastic or foil sheet, and will prevent moisture in your crawl space.

Crawl Space Sump Pump

Install a crawl space sump pump, these work like a basement sump pump by capturing excess water and releasing it away from the home.

Power Fan

Install a power fan if you can keep the air moving in the atmosphere than you can keep water from forming on the pipes and ductwork.

Water Plug

Hydraulic Cement, also known as “water plug,” is a patching compound that can be used to fight basement moisture which seeps through small cracks in foundation walls or rises through fissures in the basement floor.

When to Call a Plumber

Every homeowner should get the correct professional advice before spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary repairs.  Water damage can be costly and dangerous to your health.  Getting a correct evaluation of the problem is important to not only your finances but your health as well. You don’t want water in your crawl space to go untreated because it will lead to much more property damage and untreated mold can lead to health concerns for you and your family!! Here at Carter’s My Plumber, we pride ourselves in giving you the professional help you need!! We can locate the source of the problem and take preventative measures to beat this problem!! Give us a call today at 317-859-9999 or visit us at cartersmyplumber.com