Misconception: A Sump Pump Will Dry My Crawl Space
Will a sump pump by itself dry your crawl space? Many contractors we encounter are telling homeowners that installing a sump pump will keep the crawl space dry. Is that true? The term dry can mean different things so is it referring to standing water or humidity?
What Sump Pumps Do
The sump pump is a mechanical device designed to direct water to a certain place. Normally crawl space sump pumps are placed in a sump pump basin that is buried in the ground. This placement allows the sump pump to be low in order for water to enter the basin via gravity. The sump pump basin helps protect the sump pump from soils and other debris to keep it running longer.
So, does the properly installed sump pump keep your crawl space dry? The sump pump can only address water that is directed into the basin for discharge. This has no affect on relative humidity or moisture in the wood or on the plastic. The sump pump cannot move groundwater on the opposite end of the crawl space unless it is directed to the sump pump.
Directing Groundwater to the Sump Pump
If your crawl space floods after heavy rains you should consider installing a water management or waterproofing system. The water management system directs water out of the crawl space. The waterproofing system keeps the water out of the crawl space. In our experience, most homes will need both.
Crawl Space Water Management
Crawl Space Ninja refers to a water management system as a french drain, sump pump basin, and sump pump properly installed in the ground to direct water from the crawl space. The water management system also needs a properly installed crawl space vapor barrier. This is to keep flood waters flowing to the water management system.
Crawl Space Waterproofing
Crawl Space Ninja refers to waterproofing as the outside yard drainage system. The yard drainage was installed during the construction of your home. Contractors most likely applied a tar on the foundation wall and a footer drain around the outside perimeter.
Addressing the Flaws in Traditional Crawl Space Waterproofing Systems
The problem is the tar cracked and leaked instantly and the footer drain has probably clogged over time. This poorly installed foundation waterproofing system is now allowing outside ground water to enter the crawl space. Installing outside french drains and downspout extensions will help redirect roof and groundwater away from your foundation. This will normally not fix the flooded crawl space but is an important step along with the water management system.
Does a Sump Pump Dry the Air?
Back to the question of what does “dry” mean? If your crawl space has a humidity problem the sump pump is useless. Checking wood moisture levels to determine a potential mold issue is vital to eventually improving indoor air quality. Sump pumps move standing water out of the crawl space but do nothing against mold causing high humidity.
The Role of Sump Pumps in Crawl Space Moisture Management
If you are having your crawl space repaired to keep it dry. Make sure the sump pump, water management system, waterproofing system and a properly installed dehumidifier are part of the over all scope of work. Don’t allow contractors to install a system that will not address all the needs of your crawl space.
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What Next?
Contact us if you need help fixing your crawl space or yard drainage by clicking here.
Do you need help with controlling humidity in your home and you live in Alabama, Georgia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky? If so, please contact us to schedule your assessment. Also, let us know in the comments below if you’d like to suggest a future blog post.
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