The Options to Get Rid of Mold & Water Under a Home

Sources of Water

• Water under a home is commonly caused by leakages. Check your appliances, faucets and water pipes for leaks. Condensation on water pipes is normal and will not be the cause of the problem. A good indicator of a major leak is a higher than normal water bill. If a leak is not the culprit, poor drainage is the next logical problem. A high water table is rarely the issue due to the building permitting process. Heavy rains and flooding can temporarily raise the groundwater level, but this is more closely related to a drainage issue.

Accompanying Problems

• Standing water under a home also contributes to the growth of mold. When left for a long period, mold can permanently damage or stain rough and smooth surfaces. If mold grows on fiberglass insulation under a home, it cannot be cleaned. The only option is to properly dispose of contaminated material and replace the insulation. If left for a long time, standing water can begin rotting floor joists and other wooden support structures. Dangerous mold strains can also develop in the right conditions.

Remediation Process

• If the water was only due to a leak, use a wet-vacuum to remove the water, and clean with a biocide to prevent mold. If the problem is standing water from flooding, install a sump pump to drain the standing water and keep the environment dry. A GFCI receptacle must be installed with the sump pump. A drainage perimeter can also be installed around the outside of the house. In areas inundated with water, both of these options are used together to mitigate the water. The drainage perimeter must be trenched around the house. A drain tile or pipe is then placed in the trench and covered in gravel, which channels water away from the foundation.

DIY Vs. Professional Services

• You may choose to install drainage devices yourself to save money on professional services. If your crawlspace has plenty of room to work and you are an experienced handyman, doing the labor yourself may take a little more time than a professional organization but will save you money on labor costs. Hiring a professional usually means timely, guaranteed and experienced work but could run thousands of dollars. Choosing between these options is an important decision to make and may depend on the extent of water mitigation that you need.