Crawl Space Problem #2 - Standing Water | Why It's There and What to Do

[@charleswalls3877]

Well done. Very comprehensive. Covers from start to finish. Thanks

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you so much!

[@richardwaller9853]

Finally someone who knows and understands the root problems of water intrusion of basements and crawl spaces. Applaud! Applaud! I’m no engineer. I’m a homeowner builder and retired carpenter. I’ve built homes in FL, MI, and TN. Perimeter and interior drainage placed at base of Footer is very beneficial with the use of sump pumps or gravity drainage to exterior of structure. Get rid of water intrusion THEN encapsulate and treat for mold and mildew. Without eradication of the water infiltration issues mildew and mold will always be an issue, as well as the integrity of the structure. Thank you for bring us this Video and thorough explanation.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Wow thank you so much for all of your kind words. We really appreciate you watching.

[@ryanf.7933]

SE Virginia here. Crawlspace dirt is 12-16" below outside grade. Never seems to dry out during summer.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you for letting us know, and thanks for watching.

[@vinylrules4838]

Yes, my dirt in my crawlspace is lower than the outside dirt of the foundation wall. Unfortunately the street is also higher than my foundation. We would have standing water only when we have excessive amounts of rain. The crawlspace floor was always extremely damp. Last summer we installed a French drain and that has stopped any standing water. But the dirt crawlspace floor remains damp. I recently finished pouring concrete footers to jack up a non-supported load bearing wall (stupid architect and city approval back in the early 1950's) along with additional footers to support the middle of the floors. Next project is to remove the footer forms and level out the excess dirt. Then my termite company will re-treat my crawlspace. Once that is complete, I can install a dehumidifier (already purchased) to lower the moisture of the wood so I can treat the fungus. Lots of work ahead, but far cheaper than hiring a crawlspace contractor. Thank you for your videos to educate us dyi guys!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

You are very welcome, please send us pictures. I would like to see before and after if you don't mind.

[@vinylrules4838]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja I haven't taken any pictures, but I need to take some before I get further into it. It has been slow going since I work so much overtime.

[@felixgarcia8102]

Fort Collins Colorado, need to do Radon mitigation in crawlspace so doing research what else I should at same time. Crawlspace is about 4 ft below outside soil level. I have not seen any indications of any water or humidity issues. Only concern maybe plumbing issue causing water collection on top of encapsulation plastic. So what if any water proofing should be done ?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Please reach out to our DIY specialists and they can help. Thanks for watching. diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact-us/

[@codybroken]

Yes the dirt inside my house crawspace is at least 18" below the outside grade.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We see it more often the dirt inside the crawl space is lower than the dirt outside.

[@KCkohler]

Quick question if I put a April air 100 in my attic should I put more then one output vent in the house or is one enough? I was thinking If the one room is dehumidified well the rest of the house would equalize but idk.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Typically, one is enough unless it's a really big area that you're trying to dry out. It is our experience too that the wet air can gravitate to the dry air

[@timothydeluca8669]

I would like to thank you very much. You are very helpful and ìnfòrmative ?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@crazybobc1]

Great information. I'm looking forward to next weeks video. Can Hydraway be buried outside a block foundation or should it be inside the crawl space?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

It is versatile enough to work in any situation, but many times, we find outside can lower but not totally stop from entering inside. If you can do both, that would be great, but I'd choose inside if only option.

[@rogersmith8052]

Do you have a contractor you recommend for West Plains,MO. Thanks. R Smith

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Not Familiar with that area but we can assist you every step of the way on our DIY Store - [e-mail]

[@larryeltzroth6701]

My crawl is 4 block high. We have a high water table and water is coming in from the outside too. House built in 2003. The tar on the outside block is gone. To fix the problem correctly they will put an extra pump with battery backup and put drains down on the outside and inside the crawl. Water is coming in from the footers. They are charging me 30k to permanently fix the problem. The cost scares me. Your thoughts.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

There is a lot to go into this. Feel free to submit a Ask a Ninja form to go over everything and get expert information - crawlspaceninja.com/ask-a-ninja/

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Thank 6ou for sharing.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks for watching

[@philipoakley5498]

Water through the vents is very common here in UK, especially older buildings (that means 50+ years), as there will have been lots of exterior accumulation of detritus and soils and garden & path remodelling. Always interesting to see how these problems develop in different places with different weather, climate and histories.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks for your input. We love hearing about other experiences around the world!

[@josephjack3611]

What would you do about standing water due to low dirt level and footer drain is high so water isn’t flowing out through footer drain connected to crawl space due to low dirt level?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

You would need to get a deep sump pit and sump pump.

[@jenksand]

Hey Michael, thanks for the video. I'm in New Zealand and have an issue with hydrostatic pressure in my basement. It's impossible to get to the exterior of the offending wall, but I had an idea to drill and thrust a slotted 100mm pipe below the house footing to allow the water to drain out...then apply a slurry mix of Dricon or similar internal waterproofing product (the crystals bite into the cement block apparently). House is on a hillside, so it only affects one side of the house, which means I should be able to discard the water effectively into the existing underground storm water...have you heard of this before... I thought it was my own brain wave, but needed an expert opinion.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Hello and thank you for reaching out. I am not familiar with your building practices and soil conditions in New Zealand but of course I am sure you will be careful not to compromise the footer. I have not seen that method before because most of the time we have the ability to dig around the walls or do an interior system at the footer without going under or through. So sorry I wish I had some tips for you. Thanks for watching and I hope one day to visit your beautiful country.

[@goudhaantje3569]

My concrete foundation is waterproof and if the water is not too high no damage can occur. 30 years no issue. Good ventilated. We used to have 10 inches sometimes.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks for sharing, and thanks for watching.

[@doziboy803thethird6]

Agreed had a installer put a enclosure and didnt take care of my water issue. Mold everywhere. I have a huge job on my hand.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

So sorry that happened to you, thanks for sharing and watching.

[@jesseraines6778]

Bro you are diving deep into every question in the back of my mind keep it up... thanks .

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Glad to hear it

[@maxmanx1294]

The illustration for the hydrostatic pressure is really helpful!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks - not mine :)