3 Reasons You Might Find Water in Your Crawl Space

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Wet crawl space in Ceres, OK.

Common Causes For Water Inside A Crawl Space

A wet crawl space can create more problems than you might expect. It makes water damage less visible, but it also creates the perfect conditions for mold growth. The moisture also weakens the Ceres, OK, house's structural materials, creating greater damage as a result. Learn about the most common causes for water inside the crawl space so you can prevent an incident.

1. Overwatered Plants

You can accidentally flood the crawl space by doing something as simple as overwatering plants, especially those close to the house's foundation. Whether you use too much water or leave the hose or sprinkler running beyond the necessary time, the excess will seep into the house and reach the lower sections first. You can easily turn off the water to resolve this issue. You can spot this problem if you see water pooling near the affected area.

2. Poor Sloping Grade

Another factor that can result in a wet crawl space is the lack of proper grading around your house. Ideally, you want the grading to slope away from the building and towards the outer yard or the streets. This feature ensures that any incoming water flows away from the foundation, preventing flooding. Check the grade after winter, intense rainfall or an overwatering incident. If the slope is altered or missing, build it up between six to eight inches away from home.

3. Defective Plumbing

Another reason why you might find water inside your crawl space involves defective or broken pipes. Even if the leak or burst pipe is in the house's upper floors, the water will always trickle down. If you find water in the crawl space or lower area, conduct a detailed search to find the source and fix it. Hire a plumber if you are unable to find it. 
You should deal with a wet crawl space fast before mold growth and water damage threatens your home. Identify these occurrences to avoid this situation and contact emergency remediation services if you find water in that area or anywhere else.