Getting to know your Crawlspace
A crawlspace is a hollow area in a home that exists between the ground and the first floor. Its height can be 1, 2, or 3 feet. Your crawlspace is a place that contains the guts of the house like ducts, plumbing pipes, and electric wiring.
Advantages of crawl space
There are many advantages of crawl space:
- The crawl spaces are inexpensive in comparison to basement and slab foundations.
- Access to wiring and plumbing pipes is easy.
- Installation and repair of pipes are convenient and easy.
- Crawl space is situated between the ground and first floor and keeps the house a little above the ground.
- The crawl space provides protection from damage through floods and pests.
Water damage in crawl space
Crawl space water damage starts when it is in contact with a source of water. Here are the reasons for water damage in crawl space.
Water and sewer lines
The sanitary system is installed in the crawl space of the house and the owner can overlook or miss the water damage here. The pipes in the crawl space can freeze and burst in winters leading to water damage.
Rainfall and melting of snow
Melting of snow and rainfall can also cause water damage if the gutters are clogged. This can lead to the entrance of water in the crawl space.
Groundwater
Flooding can also lead to the entrance of water in the crawlspace through the soil under the foundation. Water can make entry through cracks in the foundation walls.
Ways to prevent water damage
There are many ways through which water damage can be prevented from entering and damaging the crawlspace. These ways are discussed here.
Plumbing fixtures usage
The plumbing in the house should be used properly in order to prevent water damage in the crawlspace. The residents should prevent the entrance of those things in the kitchen sinks and toilets that should not be sent into the drain. Fats, oils, starch etc. should not be put in the sink. Hairs shall not be put into the drain in the bathroom. In the toilet, throw only the toilet waste like toilet papers.
Gutter cleaning
Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned regularly in order to prevent the flooding of crawl space. If the gutter is clogged, the water will accumulate around the foundation and lead to water damage of the crawlspace.
Pipe insulation improvement
In the summer there is no danger of pipe bursting but in winter it happens as the pipes either freeze or burst. If insulation is added in the water supply and sewer line, it will help to protect the crawlspace from water damage.
Landscaping check
Landscaping of the house also has water around the foundation so the residents that the soil around the home drives away to a distance of at least five feet. This will prevent crawl space from getting damaged with water.
Other things that are to be checked are
- Drain tile fixing
- Foundation crack repair
- Installation of a sump pump or curtain drain
These techniques will help to prevent water damage to the crawl space.
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