Water emergency? Shut off the main valve, then call (678) 736-4060
(678) 736-4060

Flooded Crawl Space & Basement Cleanup

Water under the house is easy to ignore and expensive to leave. Here's what causes it and how to get it pumped, dried and fixed.

Call now: (678) 736-4060

Crawl spaces and basements are the low points of a house, so water ends up there: from storms, from plumbing leaks and from groundwater pushing through the soil. Left alone, it raises humidity throughout the home, soaks insulation, rots wood and feeds mold.

Common causes

Heavy rainGutters, downspouts and yards that slope toward the house
Plumbing leaksSupply and drain lines running under the house
GroundwaterWater rising through the soil after long wet spells
HVAC and water heatersCondensate lines and failed tanks in the crawl space

How cleanup works

  1. Pump out standing waterSubmersible pumps remove water from the crawl space or basement floor.
  2. Remove soaked materialsWet insulation, torn vapor barrier and debris come out.
  3. Dry the structureDehumidifiers and air movers dry joists, subfloor and walls; moisture levels are checked daily.
  4. Treat and inspectAntimicrobial treatment and a check for mold and wood damage.
  5. Fix the causePlumbing repairs, drainage, a sump pump or sealing so it doesn't happen again.

Keeping it dry for good

Once it's dry, the long-term fix depends on where the water came from. Drainage improvements, a sump pump and a sealed crawl space (encapsulation) are common. Our sister site West GA Foundation Pros explains crawl space encapsulation and drainage in detail.

Safety: Don't go into a flooded crawl space or basement if water is near wiring, the electrical panel or gas appliances. Outside flood water and sewage are contaminated, so leave those to professionals.

Frequently asked questions

Is a little water in the crawl space normal?
No. A crawl space should be dry. Even small amounts of standing water raise humidity in the whole house and can lead to mold and wood rot.
How long does it take to dry a crawl space?
Usually several days with commercial dehumidifiers, depending on how much water there was and the weather.
Will my insurance cover a flooded basement?
It depends on the source. A burst pipe is often covered; groundwater or outside flooding usually isn't without flood insurance.

Water in your home? Get a local pro on the way.

Call and we'll connect you with an independent local water damage restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and many local companies answer around the clock.

Call now: (678) 736-4060
Call (678) 736-4060