Water in Your Crawl Space

Leaking water inside your home is never a good sign, especially if it largely goes unnoticed in your crawl space. 

Water infiltrating your crawl space is a warning sign that there are serious issues allowing moisture into your home’s structure. 

Ohio Basement Authority specializes in identifying the causes of water intrusion in crawl spaces and implementing effective, lasting crawl space encapsulation solutions to protect your home. Our experienced team is well-versed in the unique challenges homeowners face, ensuring that your crawl space stays dry, healthy, and structurally sound. 

After reading this page, you’ll understand how water enters your crawl space, the importance of promptly addressing the underlying causes, and how Ohio Basement Authority can help. 

The presence of water in your crawl space can lead to various problems, including: 

• High humidity 
• Mold growth 
• Musty smells 
• Pest infestations 
• Wood rot 
• Sagging floors 
• Wet insulation 
• High energy bills 

There are several ways water can infiltrate your crawl space: 

• Open Vents: Open crawl space vents allow outdoor air into the crawl space, which introduces moisture that condenses on surfaces. 
• Seasonal Weather: Extreme rain, snowmelt, or flooding can overwhelm the structure, leaking inside through walls, corners, the ground, and open vents. 
• High Groundwater: A high water table surrounds the crawl space exterior with water. 
• Poor Drainage: Negative grading, downspout issues, clogged drains, and a lack of moisture barriers allow runoff inside. 
• Plumbing Leaks: Leaking pipes, water heater issues, and pinhole leaks in supply lines allow water to collect in the crawl space. 
• Failing Waterproofing: Older, incorrectly installed systems or drainage problems within the crawl space allow water intrusion through walls and floors. 

Remedying water issues in a crawl space entails several crucial steps: 

• A thorough inspection to determine the causes and formulate a repair plan. 
• Block off crawl space vents and replace access doors to prevent intrusion. 
• Place interior drainage throughout the perimeter to catch leaks and groundwater. 
• Install a sump pump at the lowest point to collect and remove water. 
• Cover the dirt floor with drainage matting to direct water to the drainage systems. 
• Affix insulation panels to crawl space walls to control interior temperature. 
• Encapsulate the crawl space with a vapor barrier to isolate it from the earth. 
• Install a dehumidifier to control humidity levels. 
• Schedule annual maintenance inspections for ongoing crawl space protection. 

Water in your crawl space can lead to several problems, endangering your home and family. However, it can be fixed with industry-leading solutions. Ohio Basement Authority’s crawl space encapsulation systems are tailored to your home and backed by long-term, transferable warranties. They address persistent water problems in your crawl space, promoting healthier air quality and preserving your home’s structure. 

If you suspect your home has water in the crawl space, contact Ohio Basement Authority today for expert repair solutions. We offer free inspections to determine the source of the moisture and the best repair plan.