Standing water in the crawl space can result in many expensive foundation repairs. Even increased moisture levels can cause various problems, from mold growth and wood rot to compromised structural stability and air quality. Luckily, there are waterproofing solutions that can help you avert these unpleasant issues and ensure the health of your home.
Installing a sump pump is one of these solutions. This device is the heart of the waterproofing system. It will collect excess water that is threatening to damage your foundation and pump it out of your home.
A Reliable Sump Pump System
To keep your crawl space dry and protected against water damage, you need a reliable sump pump system that will not fail you in the time of need. At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we offer our state-of-the-art AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump. With this pump, you can ensure a dry crawl space at all times. Unlike standard sump pumps, it is equipped with cast-iron housing that will best distribute heat from the motor. Our system also features a reliable liner and a sump alarm. If there is a plumbing leak, our alarm will alert you so you can take action. You can also install a battery backup sump pump to be sure that your pump will work even if there is a blackout.
The AquaStop Compact has a unique lid that provides an airtight seal, preventing nasty smells from spreading through the crawl space.
While homeowners often go down to their basements, this is not the case with crawl spaces. These areas can remain unsupervised for days, weeks, or even months. This means that if there is a leak, the crawl space will remain wet for a long time. This gives mold and rot plenty of time to spread all over the place and cause damage.
Luckily, with our AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump, you can avert this problem. With our sump pump, you will be at ease knowing that your crawl space is protected against water damage.
A floor drain is also a part of our sump pump system. Its purpose is to collect water from plumbing leaks and send it to the sump pit. Thanks to our battery backup sump pump you can remain protected even when the power is out. This pump can pump out thousands of gallons of water on a single charge and will keep your crawl space safe if a storm causes a blackout.
The AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump is completely compatible with our crawl space vapor barrier system. Another waterproofing option you could consider is our crawl space drain system.
Why Is My Crawl Space Wet?
If you have checked your crawl space and noticed that it is damp or that there is standing water in there, you are probably wondering what’s caused this problem. Finding the cause is just as important as drying out your crawl space. If you do not fix the underlying problem, chances are it will occur again, further compromising your home’s health.
Hiring a professional who will inspect your crawl space and find the cause of the flooding is recommended. That is the fastest way to get to the bottom of the problem.
There are three most common causes of water in the crawl space:
- Surface water – If your gutters have been damaged or are overflowing, water from the roof can easily end up in your crawl space. In addition, grading issues can cause this type of problem. When a structure is built at the lowest point of the property, rainwater will flow toward the house every time there is a storm and flood the crawl space.
- Groundwater – When it rains, water saturates the soil around and underneath your home. If you have a dirt floor in your crawl space, water from the soil can end up in your crawl space and damage it. The same thing might happen when large amounts of snow begin to melt.
- Plumbing issues – Crawl spaces are rather popular among homeowners because they can house utility lines and pipes. However, when one of these pipes bursts or starts to leak, it can flood the crawl space in a short amount of time. Since most homeowners do not check their crawl space every day or even every week, this sort of problem can go unnoticed until it escalates and heavy repairs are required. Encapsulation can’t help here either. Water from the pipes will only sit on top of the liner until it eventually evaporates. In the meantime, it will increase humidity levels in the crawl space, causing mold growth and wood rot.
Problems Caused By a Wet Crawl Space
Standing water in your crawl space is always bad news. Here are several ways it can affect your foundation, home, and quality of life.
Higher Energy Bills
Damp air from the crawl space won’t remain there. Instead, it will get inside your living space and bring moisture with it. One of the problems with damp air is that it takes more energy to heat and cool it. Therefore, your HVAC system will have to work overtime, which will reflect on your energy bills.
Mold
It is safe to say that no one wants mold in their home. Unfortunately, if you have a damp crawl space, this problem can easily arise. Mold thrives in moist conditions since it feeds on dead organic materials such as wood, paper, and cardboard. Since every crawl space contains a lot of organic materials, a damp foundation can quickly become covered in mold.
In addition, mold eats dead insects. If you have unsealed crawl space vents, the space below your home is surely crawling with bugs.
What is even worse, mold releases airborne spores. These will make their way upstairs, contaminating the air in your living space as well. Breathing in mold spores can cause serious respiratory problems. On the other hand, a moldy crawl space can affect your home’s market value. After all, no one wants to buy a house with a moldy foundation.
Dust Mites and Pests
A wet crawl space is an ideal environment for dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions. These can often be found in homes with dirt crawl spaces. Dust mites are tiny parasites that usually live in your bedding, carpet as well as furniture. They leave droppings that float in the air and can cause allergic reactions. Apart from dust mites, your damp crawl space can also attract termites, spiders, mice, rats, raccoons, snakes, and many other pests you surely do not want in your home.
Installing a Sump Pump
A sump pump is placed in a sump pit, which is a basin in the crawl space floor. This pit collects water that gets into the crawl space, as well as water that accumulates in the ground below your home. When there is enough water in the basin, the pump will activate and drain all that water before it can cause any harm to your foundation. So, when should you install this pump? Well, the best time to do it is before you even notice any water damage. There is no need to wait for a flooding incident that will harm your foundation in some way. Water damage is a serious problem, and it is best to be preventative about this sort of thing. Since crawl spaces are much more prone to moisture problems than, for example, basements, installing a sump pump is something you should definitely consider.
Reasons You May Need a New Sump Pump
Standard sump pumps can malfunction, just like any other appliance in your home. Here are some problems you may need to address.
The Pump Will Not Operate
Having a sump pump that will not activate is just like having none at all. If the pump is not working, it means that its engine is not running. When this happens, it is important to check the power cord and see whether it is disconnected. If not, the problem may be in the receptacle.
The Pump Won’t Eject Water
When the engine is running but the level of water in the sump pit is not dropping, the pump’s impeller might be loose or clogged. If it is loose, you will need to tighten the fasteners. If it is clogged, remove the screen cover and clean the impeller.
The Pump Operates, Then Shuts Down
This problem often occurs when there is something wrong with the engine. If this happens, call your local contractor and have them take a look at your pump.
The Pump Runs Non-Stop
A sump pump that is in good condition will shut down when the water is removed from the sump pit. However, if your basin is empty and the pump is still running, you may have a problem with the level switch. You need to turn off the power, examine the impeller and shaft rotation. Also, you can try tightening fasteners and replacing the key. However, calling a professional who will inspect the pump for you is always a better option.
Pump Cycles Frequently
If there is an excessive water flow or the check valve is broken, your pump will cycle frequently. One possible way you can fix this is to clean the gate of the valve and readjust control floats. If that doesn’t work, you might need a bigger pump.
Pump Is Loud
Several problems can lead to a noisy pump. If the impeller is rubbing the inlet plate housing, you will hear loud, grinding noises coming from your pump. Hammering sounds can also suggest that the impeller is loose. Another potential reason why your pump is very loud is the improper position of the pump. It needs to be positioned firmly to the ground, otherwise, it won’t stand still and will produce loud noises.
With AFS specialists, you can rest assured that your new pump will serve you for years to come. Our experts will provide a complete installation and you can be at ease knowing that our state-of-the-art sump pump system is designed to last.
A Reliable Sump Pump System
To keep your crawl space dry and protected against water damage, you need a reliable sump pump system that will not fail you in the time of need. At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we offer our state-of-the-art AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump. With this pump, you can ensure a dry crawl space at all times. Unlike standard sump pumps, it is equipped with cast-iron housing that will best distribute heat from the motor. Our system also features a reliable liner and a sump alarm. If there is a plumbing leak, our alarm will alert you so you can take action. You can also install a battery backup sump pump to be sure that your pump will work even if there is a blackout.
The AquaStop Compact has a unique lid that provides an airtight seal, preventing nasty smells from spreading through the crawl space.
While homeowners often go down to their basements, this is not the case with crawl spaces. These areas can remain unsupervised for days, weeks, or even months. This means that if there is a leak, the crawl space will remain wet for a long time. This gives mold and rot plenty of time to spread all over the place and cause damage.
Luckily, with our AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump, you can avert this problem. With our sump pump, you will be at ease knowing that your crawl space is protected against water damage.
A floor drain is also a part of our sump pump system. Its purpose is to collect water from plumbing leaks and send it to the sump pit. Thanks to our battery backup sump pump you can remain protected even when the power is out. This pump can move out thousands of gallons of water on a single charge and will keep your crawl space safe if a storm causes a blackout.
The AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump is completely compatible with our crawl space vapor barrier system. Another waterproofing option you could consider is our crawl space drain system.
Types of Backup Pumps
Our AquaStop Triple Complete Sump Pump System contains three pumps. The primary one is set at the lowest level and is designed for your everyday needs. The second one is more powerful and is in charge of removing large volumes of water. It will also activate in case the primary pump fails. Finally, there is a backup sump pump which is set at the highest level and will activate in case the power goes out.
Having a backup sump pump is always recommended. This way your crawl space will remain protected if something goes wrong and your main pump doesn’t activate. There are several different types of backup pumps.
- Generated-power pumps: This backup works just like the main pump, but instead of being powered by the power grid, it is powered by a generator.
- AC-powered pumps: These pumps feature a deep cycle battery and a battery charger. They will work until their battery dies. If your crawl space is not prone to flooding issues, this is a good option for you.
- Water-powered pumps: Ironically, this pump is powered by the flow of the water it needs to pump out. When the water in the pit reaches a certain level, the float lifts and opens a set of valves. This creates a flow of water that generates enough power to run the pump.
- Battery-powered pumps: Most homeowners prefer battery-powered pumps. This is a simple, yet effective option. While you will need to make sure that the batteries are recharged after a night of hard work, you won’t need any other accessories.
Maintaining a Sump Pump
All the devices in your home need to be properly maintained to work, and your sump pump is no different. A technician from AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists can come to your home for an annual service and maintenance of your waterproofing system. Here’s what they will do:
- Test and clean your sump pump system: There are several moving parts in your sump pump that can wear down in time. Your technician can check your sump pump’s float switch and detect any possible problems. They will also clean the intake valve and impeller, and check to see whether they are working properly. If everything is in order, they will clean the sump pump liner and remove any sediment or silt that may be present. This will prevent future clogging problems.
- Test and replace batteries: Our sump pump system comes with an alarm, but it is important to remember to change the batteries once a year. However, if you schedule annual maintenance with AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we will do this for you. Our technician will also test the backup battery to see if it’s holding a proper charge.
- Service your dehumidifier: As a part of our annual maintenance service, a technician will also check our AquaStop Air System™ dehumidifier if you have one installed. They will clean the pre-filter, and replace the air filter.
- Check the discharge line: If the water isn’t moving freely through the discharge pipe it can damage your pump. We will check whether there are any clogs.
- Maintain your crawl space liner: If professionals from the AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists have encapsulated your crawl space, we will inspect the AquaStop liner and check if everything is in order.
Why Is My Crawl Space Wet?
If you have checked your crawl space and noticed that it is damp or that there is standing water in there, you are probably wondering what’s caused this problem. Finding the cause is just as important as drying out your crawl space. If you do not fix the underlying problem, chances are it will occur again, further compromising your home’s health.
Hiring a professional who will inspect your crawl space and find the cause of the flooding is recommended. That is the fastest way to get to the bottom of the problem.
There are three most common causes of water in the crawl space:
- Surface water – If your gutters have been damaged or are overflowing, water from the roof can easily end up in your crawl space. In addition, grading issues can cause this type of problem. When a structure is built at the lowest point of the property, rainwater will flow toward the house every time there is a storm and flood the crawl space.
- Groundwater – When it rains, water saturates the soil around and underneath your home. If you have a dirt floor in your crawl space, water from the soil can end up in your crawl space and damage it. The same thing might happen when large amounts of snow begin to melt.
- Plumbing issues – Crawl spaces are rather popular among homeowners because they can house utility lines and pipes. However, when one of these pipes bursts or starts to leak, it can flood the crawl space in a short amount of time. Since most homeowners do not check their crawl space every day or even every week, this sort of problem can go unnoticed until it escalates and heavy repairs are required. Encapsulation can’t help here either. Water from the pipes will only sit on top of the liner until it eventually evaporates. In the meantime, it will increase humidity levels in the crawl space, causing mold growth and wood rot.
Problems Caused By a Wet Crawl Space
Standing water in your crawl space is always bad news. Here are several ways it can affect your foundation, home, and quality of life.
Higher Energy Bills
Damp air from the crawl space won’t remain there. Instead, it will get inside your living space and bring moisture with it. One of the problems with damp air is that it takes more energy to heat and cool it. Therefore, your HVAC system will have to work overtime, which will reflect on your energy bills.
Mold
It is safe to say that no one wants mold in their home. Unfortunately, if you have a damp crawl space, this problem can easily arise. Mold thrives in moist conditions since it feeds on dead organic materials such as wood, paper, and cardboard. Since every crawl space contains a lot of organic materials, a damp foundation can quickly become covered in mold.
In addition, mold eats dead insects. If you have unsealed crawl space vents, the space below your home is surely crawling with bugs.
What is even worse, mold releases airborne spores. These will make their way upstairs, contaminating the air in your living space as well. Breathing in mold spores can cause serious respiratory problems. On the other hand, a moldy crawl space can affect your home’s market value. After all, no one wants to buy a house with a moldy foundation.
Dust Mites and Pests
A wet crawl space is an ideal environment for dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions. These can often be found in homes with dirt crawl spaces. Dust mites are tiny parasites that usually live in your bedding, carpet as well as furniture. They leave droppings that float in the air and can cause allergic reactions. Apart from dust mites, your damp crawl space can also attract termites, spiders, mice, rats, raccoons, snakes, and many other pests you surely do not want in your home.
Crawl Space Sump Pump
FAQs
If your sump pump is malfunctioning in some way, you will need to inspect it thoroughly. Since the sump pump is an important part of your waterproofing system, it may be better to leave the inspection to the professionals. Here are several steps your contractor may take during the inspection.
Restart the Pump
Just like you would restart your computer, your contractor will restart your pump. They will need to unplug two switches since one is in charge of the float switch and the other one of the motor. If your pump doesn’t turn on when they plug everything back in, there is a problem with it.
It is important to check whether your pump is functioning properly from time to time so that there are no nasty surprises when it is time for it to activate. A malfunctioning sump pump can cause plenty of problems, from standing water in your basement to mold growth and wood rot.
Flush the System
The simplest way our inspectors can test your pump is by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump is in order, it should activate, pump the water out, and then deactivate. If this doesn’t happen, your pump is not in order. To find the cause of the problem, inspectors can take several steps. First, they will inspect the float. The water needs to travel smoothly on the float road. Afterward, they will clean the filter.
Your contractor will also check the discharge pipe. Debris, rodent nests, mud, stones, or mulch can all block the pipe and prevent water from moving through it. The last thing they will do to find the cause of the problem is to inspect the check valve.
There are many things that can jam your pump and cause it to malfunction. Things like dirt, pebbles, and small rocks are present in your crawl space and they can create problems. Cleaning the pump from time to time is highly recommended since a dirty filter can prevent the pump from working properly and cause the motor to burn out.
Your contractor will also check the discharge pipe. Debris, rodent nests, mud, stones, or mulch can all block the pipe and prevent water from moving through it. The last thing they will do to find the cause of the problem is to inspect the check valve.
A sump pump is placed in the sump pit, a basin in the ground. While some homeowners believe that the sump pump is the one that collects the water, it is a job for the pit.
The Purpose of the Sump Pit
During the heavy rains or when large amounts of snow begin to melt, all that water quickly saturates the soil around your home. The same water then accumulates below your house, threatening to enter your crawl space.
The purpose of the sump basin is to collect that water before it gets a chance to cause any damage. When the level of water in the pit reaches a certain point, the sump pump will activate and remove the water. Excess water will run through the discharge pipe and leave your home for good.
The Size of the Sump Pit
When it comes to the sump pit, there is one important thing you need to consider – its size. It shouldn’t be too big or too small, otherwise, you will have a problem. It needs to be large enough so that a sump pump and a battery sump pump can fit comfortably in there. When they are in place, there should still be enough room for water to collect.
On the other hand, if the pit is too big, it will be too deep in the ground and will collect water that is not threatening to harm your home in any way. Draining the water that is far below your home is pointless, and a huge waste of time, energy, and money.
Installing a Sump Pump
A sump pump is placed in a sump pit, which is a basin in the crawl space floor. This pit collects water that gets into the crawl space, as well as water that accumulates in the ground below your home. When there is enough water in the basin, the pump will activate and drain all that water before it can cause any harm to your foundation. So, when should you install this pump? Well, the best time to do it is before you even notice any water damage. There is no need to wait for a flooding incident that will harm your foundation in some way. Water damage is a serious problem, and it is best to be preventative about this sort of thing. Since crawl spaces are much more prone to moisture problems than, for example, basements, installing a sump pump is something you should definitely consider.
At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists we offer state-of-the-art products designed to keep your crawl space dry and moisture-free. We offer a free, no-obligation crawl space inspection and quote, so do not hesitate to contact us. Our services are available in Huntsville, Birmingham, Nashville, Chattanooga, Columbus, Biloxi, and nearby areas.
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