10 May. 19
How To Protect Your Crawl Space From Water Leaks
A leak in your crawl space might seem like it’s not the most important thing to worry about. After all, you might not ever go into your crawl space, so why does it matter? But a leak in your crawl space can lead to lots of problems. It can damage the structural wood in the space, causing mold and rot. It can also affect fiberglass insulation, which is very absorbent and could be ruined by even a small leak. Too much moisture in your crawl space can attract pests and rodents too. Preventing leaks in your crawl space can protect it and help you avoid these issues.
Prevent Groundwater Leakages
Leaks from groundwater when it rains can become a problem for your crawl space. If you want to prevent groundwater leakage, a sump pump system is essential. It will help to deal with both groundwater and water resulting from plumbing leaks. A sump pump will pump away any water as it builds up, protecting your crawl space from flooding when it rains. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, it’s a smart investment.
Use a Flood Alarm
As well as having a pump in your crawl space, installing a flood alarm is also a good idea. The alarm will let you know if water is detected, and some can be connected to your home alarm system so that you can even get a phone call if a problem occurs. Many sump pump systems or drainage systems for your crawl space have alarms included so that you don’t have to install them separately.
Seal Your Crawl Space
Another way to prevent leaking water from getting in from outside your crawl space is to seal it adequately. With the space sealed, you can ensure excess moisture can’t enter, whether it’s caused by a leak or by excess humidity. You could seal your crawl space by yourself if you’re willing to try the DIY option, but you might find it better to use a professional service. They can seal the space and do anything else necessary to protect your crawl space.
Care for Gutters and Downspouts
Leaks in your crawl space can often come from outside, so ensuring good drainage is essential. Many problems are caused by blocked gutters or downspouts, and keeping them clean should be one of the main steps that you take to prevent leaks and flooding. Downspouts can also be aimed in the wrong direction so that the water doesn’t drain away from the property correctly. Taking care of gutters and downspouts can help to prevent crawl space leaks.
Use a Leak Detection Service
If you can’t stop a leak before it occurs, catching it as soon as possible should help you to protect your crawl space instead. If you suspect that you might have a leak, a professional service, like LeakHero, will help you to find the leak location. The sooner that you detect the source of leaks, the sooner you can get it fixed and prevent damage.