Water in Basement or Crawl Space

A damp or wet basement or crawl space is more than just an inconvenience — it can lead to serious problems like mold growth, wood rot, structural damage, and even health concerns for your family.

If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs below, you have a drainage issue that needs attention as well as an water intrusion issue that needs attention.:

• Wet or damp basement floors or walls
• Leaking or moisture-stained walls
• Pooling or standing water
• White, chalky residue on concrete (efflorescence)
• Musty odors
• Excessive condensation

Addressing these issues early can help prevent costly repairs and protect your home long-term.

Ponding Water or Wet/Damp Crawl Space

If water is collecting in flat areas or the soil is staying saturated in some spots, it may be surface depressions causing the problem. These depressions allow water to puddle, creating a mess. A swale could be helpful, or certain portions could be filled in and graded so that the water drains out of the low spot and away from the home. If this doesn’t work, an underground catch basin or drain may be necessary.

If you notice that your lawn is muddy in one spot and dry in the next, it could be the type of soil that is causing drainage problems. There are three basic soil types: sand, silt and clay. If your soil is heavy in clay, it won’t drain very well. If it’s sandy, it will let water slip right through. If it is sandy right against your home, the water will run down the sides of your foundation causing wet areas in the walls to your basement.

The best trick is to dig a small hole, fill it with water and watch how it drains. If it takes 12-24 hours to drain, you have a problem. (It should only take about 4 hours.) Improve your soil with a coarse aggregate like sand or pea gravel and organic matter.