Will Adding Dirt in the Crawl Space Eliminate Water Seeping Up Through the Ground?

Adding Dirt

• Adding dirt to the crawl space will have the added effect of absorbing some of the additional water that seeps up through the ground into the crawl space, but this will not be enough for you to eliminate all of the problems associated with moisture buildup. The dirt will absorb the water, but if the water tables don't recede, it will also continue to retain the moisture, creating the potential for mold as well.

Liners

• One solution that some professionals in the home improvement industry advocate is the use of a plastic liner that is designed to keep the moisture from seeping all the way up through the dirt. These plastic liners vary in size and thickness. Craig DeWitt, Ph.D., of RLC Engineering in Clemson, South Carolina, notes that the most common size and type of soil cover used are 6-millimeter polyethylene sheets. Other types of liners, such as roll roofing and ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM rubber, can be used instead of the polyethylene sheets. Liners sit on top of the soil that you add and must be anchored into place with heavy objects such as bricks or cinder blocks that can prevent the liner from moving.

Pumps

• One way to eliminate the excess water further without necessarily having to put in too much additional time or effort is to install a sump pump in the lowest point beneath the house. This installation will require that you dig down into the dirt to submerge the pump so that it can effectively help get rid of excess water. You will also need a power source available to make the pump work.

Ventilation

• Ventilation is also another component of dealing with a moisture problem. In some communities, local codes require that crawl spaces be properly ventilated. Some engineering companies, such as RLC Engineering, recommend against ventilating a crawl space, arguing that it can have a detrimental effect in warm, humid climates. The engineering firm also notes that proper drainage is key to ensuring moisture elimination.