Basement Water Damage
Water in basements, sunken dens and other below-grade spaces, where it collects fast and dries slowly.
Crawl Space Water Removal
Crawl space water removal is the process of pumping out standing water from under a raised home, drying the soil surface, framing and subfloor, and addressing the moisture source. In the Houston area, crawl spaces are found mostly under pier-and-beam homes, which are more common in older neighborhoods. If you have water under your house or floors that feel soft, call for an assessment.
Why does water under the house matter?
A crawl space is out of sight, so water there can go unnoticed for weeks. But the floor you walk on is built directly over it. Standing water and high humidity underneath can soak joists, beams and subfloor, and moisture can move up into the living space.
Pier-and-beam construction is common in older Houston-area homes and some newer ones built for drainage reasons. These homes often have plumbing, ductwork and insulation running through the crawl space. That puts leaks, sweating ducts and wet insulation in the same tight space.
Crawl spaces are cramped and can have wiring, pests and sharp debris, so they're not an easy place for a homeowner to work.
Dealing with this right now? Call and we'll help you sort out the next step.
Call Now: (855) 231-6948Common causes of crawl space water
Heavy rain and poor drainage
Water flowing under the house when the yard slopes toward it, or when the crawl space sits lower than surrounding soil.
Plumbing leaks
Supply and drain lines under the house can leak for a long time before anyone notices.
Broken or disconnected ductwork
Condensation from AC ducts in humid air, or ducts that have fallen, add moisture.
Freeze-damaged pipes
Exposed plumbing under raised homes is more vulnerable in a freeze. See burst pipe cleanup.
Flooding
Rising water can fill a crawl space before it reaches the floor above. See flood damage restoration.
Signs of crawl space water or moisture
- Soft, bouncy or sagging floors
- Cupping or buckling hardwood floors
- Musty smell inside the house, especially near floor vents
- Insulation hanging down or falling from under the floor
- Condensation on ducts or pipes under the house
- Increase in pests such as insects that like damp conditions
What to do if you suspect water under your house
- Don't crawl into a space with standing water. Electrical wiring and equipment may be present.
- Look through the access opening with a flashlight and take photos if you can do so without entering.
- Check for obvious sources such as a running toilet, a known leak or recent heavy rain.
- Call for an assessment and water removal, and a plumber if a pipe is leaking.
What crawl space water removal usually involves
The exact steps depend on your home, the water source and how long materials were wet.
Inspect
Checking water depth, source, and the condition of framing, insulation and ductwork.
Pump out water
Removing standing water with pumps suited for tight spaces.
Remove wet materials
Pulling down soaked insulation and debris.
Dry the space
Dehumidification and air movement to dry soil surface, joists and subfloor. See structural drying.
Recommend source fixes
Plumbing repair, drainage correction or other steps to prevent a repeat, completed by the appropriate trade.
Need help with crawl space water removal?
Call now. Tell us what happened and what you're seeing.
Why crawl space water shouldn't be ignored
Long-term moisture under a home can weaken wood framing and subfloor and create conditions where mold may grow. By the time floors feel soft, the moisture has often been there a while.
Drying a crawl space before moisture migrates into flooring and walls is usually easier than repairing structural wood later.
Related services
Structural Drying
Removing the moisture you can't see from walls, framing, subfloor and cabinets, confirmed with readings.
Mold Remediation
Addressing mold growth that follows leaks and floods, starting with the moisture problem that caused it.
Burst Pipe Cleanup
Split supply lines, failed fittings and freeze-damaged pipes. How to shut the water off and limit the damage.
Water Damage Repair
Putting rooms back together after drying: drywall, ceilings, insulation, flooring, trim and cabinets.
Water Extraction
Pulling standing and soaked-in water out of carpet, pad and hard floors so drying can actually work.
Crawl Space Water Removal across the Houston area
We help homeowners in Houston and these nearby communities.
- Pasadena, TX
- Pearland, TX
- Sugar Land, TX
- League City, TX
- Missouri City, TX
- Friendswood, TX
- Baytown, TX
- Deer Park, TX
- Webster, TX
- Channelview, TX
Our guide to signs of hidden water damage includes the floor and odor clues that often point to moisture under a raised home. Browse the homeowner guides.
Crawl Space Water Removal questions
How do I know if my home has a crawl space?
Homes with a crawl space sit up off the ground, usually with an access door or opening in the foundation skirt. Slab homes sit directly on a concrete pad.
Is it normal to have some water under my house after rain?
Small amounts of damp soil can happen, but standing water or water that stays for days usually points to a drainage or plumbing problem that should be addressed.
Can crawl space moisture affect the air inside my home?
It can. Air from under a raised home can move into the living space, bringing moisture and odors with it.
Need crawl space water removal help?
Call now and describe what's going on. We'll help you figure out what needs to happen next.
Call Now: (855) 231-6948