A common problem in the Pacific Northwest is standing water in a crawl space or a basement. In the wet climate in the northwest, even a missing vapor barrier over crawl space soil can lead to several gallons of water evaporating from the soil into the crawl space and up into the home and finally out to the atmosphere through the attic and roof ventilation system. Any experienced home inspector can tell you that, long term, standing water in the crawl space can cause serious mold or rot concerns inside the home and in the crawl space and the attic.

People do not realize how much water is actually contained in a puddle of crawl space water. For example, let us assume that a crawl space has a pool of standing water that is about 20 feet long, 15 feet wide and 4 inches deep. Sounds like plenty of water, but that amounts to 750 gallons of water that will, day in, day out, be evaporating up into the home. When that puddle of water is described in those terms, it sure gets a person’s attention.

What can be done about it? Well, that depends. Sometimes solving the problem involves controlling gutter and downspout water or re-grading soil around the home. Other times it might involve putting additional gravel in the crawl space or even installing a pump. If it is possible to do so, it is always best to avoid using mechanical means to drain the water. Gravity is more reliable and there are no bearings to wear out!