Crawl Space Drainage System

Ending crawl space moisture problems begins with drainage pipe and other moisture control products

Do you have a wet crawl space? Have you noticed standing water on the crawl space floor, water signs on your walls, or muddy soil in a dirt-floored crawl space?

If you answered “yes” to the questions above, you probably need a crawl space drainage system. In a dirt-floored crawl space, groundwater leaks into the crawl space through the soil, creating a muddy mess. When water leaks into a crawl space with a concrete floor, it comes through cracks in the floor or through the gap between the floor and the foundation wall.

In rainy weather or during flood conditions, water can leak into the crawl space through openings for crawl space vents and crawl space doors. Plumbing leaks in the crawl space and condensed moisture are other sources of crawl space moisture.

No matter how water leaks into your crawl space, it’s important to drain the water out so that this area can stay dry. A dry crawl space won’t attract mold and mildew, two types of fungi that can cause wood rot while also creating indoor air quality problems.

Key parts of a crawl space drainage system

The type of drainage system used in a crawl space depends on conditions in the crawl space. At least some of the following components will be necessary.

• Drain pipe. CrawlDrain™ drainage pipe from Ohio Basement Systems is the best type of drain pipe to use in a crawl space with a dirt floor. Thanks to its unique “d” profile, CrawlDrain™ can collect water from foundation walls and from a dirt crawl space floor (see photo). If the crawl space has a concrete floor, either BasementGutter® or drain lines are recommended.
• Crawl space sump pump. Unless your crawl space drain lines can be pitched to drain water outside the foundation, a crawl space sump pump will be necessary. Crawl space drain lines will carry water to a sump pit installed in the crawl space floor. From this collection point, a sump pump will automatically discharge water to the exterior once water reaches a certain level in the sump pit.
• Drainage matting. This dimpled plastic mat material is often installed over a dirt-floored crawl space to create a drainage space that helps water find its way to your drain lines.
• Waterproof membrane. This durable moisture barrier is installed during the crawl space encapsulation process. It helps to direct water toward crawl space drain lines, while also keeping the crawl space interior dry.
• Crawl space vent covers and doors. To prevent water from leaking into the crawl space through open vents and standard crawl space doors, it’s best to seal these openings with gasketed, waterproof covers such as the vent covers and doors available from Ohio Basement Systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crawl Space Drainage Systems

There are a variety of methods you can use to avoid crawl space moisture problems. How can a crawl space drainage system help with moisture?

Why Do Crawl Space Moisture Problems Exist? 

There are actually many reasons you might end up with crawl space moisture problems. These can come from the crawl space walls, the crawl space floor, or the home above the crawl space. Regardless of why you’re experiencing moisture in your crawl space, it’s important to tackle the problem at the root.

Why Is a Dry Crawl Space So Important? 

If you have excess moisture in your crawl space, you can end up with mold and mildew concerns. Plus, air may circulate through the rest of your home starting with the crawl space because of the stack effect. If you have wet, moldy air in your crawl space, you can end up with that same air through the rest of your home.

Is a Crawl Space Drainage System the Only Solution? 

Although a crawl space drainage system can be incredibly helpful for avoiding crawl space moisture concerns, it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. Crawl space encapsulation is an incredibly useful and helpful method of avoiding crawl space moisture, so consider doing both at the same time.

How Do I Make Sure I Get Rid of My Crawl Space Moisture Problems for Good? 

If you have high moisture levels in your crawl space, it’s important to contact an expert to get rid of them for good. Removing crawl space moisture isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. Request a free quote from an Ohio Basement Systems expert to start.