How Do I Get Water Out of My Crawlspace After a Big Rain?

Crawlspaces are out of sight, out of mind. However, after a big rain, they can become a significant problem. When rainwater gets into your crawlspace, it’s the perfect storm for mold, structural decay and pest infestation. The question isn’t whether you should act, but how quickly. Whether you live in a flood zone or just had a heavy downpour, knowing how to get water out of your crawlspace fast and safely is key to preventing long term damage. So, how do you get water out of your crawlspace after a big rain? This article covers practical steps and professional grade solutions to keep your crawlspace dry for good.

Why Is Water in My Crawlspace?

Water in your crawlspace is usually caused by one or more of these:

• Poor Drainage: If the ground slopes towards your foundation, rainwater flows right into your crawl space.

• Foundation Cracks: Hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil pushes water through even tiny cracks.

• Leaky Pipes: Undetected plumbing leaks create a constant moisture source.

• Unsealed Vents: Open vents let rainwater and humid air in, causing condensation.

According to the EPA, moisture issues affect indoor air quality and often trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

Immediate Steps to Remove Standing Water

When faced with standing water in your crawl space, acting fast minimizes damage to your home’s foundation, structural elements and indoor air quality. Follow these steps to address crawl space flooding effectively.

1) Inspect the Crawlspace Safely

Safety first. Before entering a flooded crawl space, turn off the power to the area to avoid shocks. Wear protective clothing, including waterproof boots, gloves, long sleeves and a dust mask. Use a flashlight to check the crawl space and look for hazards like fallen insulation, electrical wires or visible mold.

2) Remove Water with the Right Tools

The method you choose depends on the amount of water. If there’s just a little water, a wet-dry vacuum will do the trick. For more water, a submersible pump is the way to go. Make sure the pump’s hose drains water far away from your foundation so it doesn’t flow back. Watch the pump while it’s working and move the hose as needed until all the water is gone.

3) Dry the Crawlspace Completely

Removing water is just the first step. You need to dry the area to prevent mold. Place fans throughout the area to improve airflow and speed up the drying process. Use a high quality dehumidifier like the Abestorm Guardian SN55 to reduce humidity to safe levels, ideally between 30% and 45%. If necessary, use a small heat source, such as a lamp, to accelerate the process.

Pro Tip: Our Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifiers are designed specifically for enclosed, damp environments. They work efficiently even in extreme conditions while using minimal energy.

4) Dispose of Damaged Materials

As the space dries, remove any items that have been soaked, like insulation or stored goods. Wet insulation loses its effectiveness and can grow mold. Throw away any contaminated materials in sealed trash bags. This step is important to prevent lingering moisture and bad odors.

Fixes to Prevent Future Crawlspace Flooding

Preventing future crawlspace flooding requires implementing permanent solutions that address the root causes of water intrusion. After addressing immediate water removal, consider these permanent fixes to keep your crawlspace dry.

1) Install a Sump Pump System

One of the best ways to stop crawlspace flooding is to install a sump pump. The pump collects water from the lowest point and moves it away from your home. For extra safety, choose a model with a battery backup so it works during power outages. Compared to the cost of major repairs, a sump pump is a cheap investment in your home.

2) Seal Foundation Cracks and Vents

Water often enters through cracks or vents. Repair cracks by cleaning them and filling the gaps with polyurethane foam, which expands to seal the area. It’s also important to seal crawlspace vents to keep out moisture and humid air. Many older homes still have vents that let in damp air, which can cause mold problems.

3) Exterior Drainage and Grading

Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. Keep your gutters clean and extend the downspouts so that water drains at least 5–10 feet away from the house. These two simple steps can go a long way in keeping your crawlspace dry.

Check out our tips on how to maintain your dehumidifier for Long-Term Performance.

4) Vapor Barrier or Encapsulation

Installing a vapor barrier adds a protective layer between the ground and your home. Use thick plastic sheets to cover the floor and extend them up the walls, sealing the seams tight. For the best results, consider full encapsulation which seals the entire space to keep it clean and dry.

Shop our premium moisture control products in the Abestorm Best Sellers Collection.

What Happens If You Ignore Crawlspace Water?

Not addressing crawlspace moisture is more than just an aesthetic issue. Here’s why it’s urgent:

• Structural Damage: Wood beams and joists start to rot when exposed to constant moisture. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of your home.

• Mold Growth: Mold thrives in wet environments and starts growing within 24-48 hours. The spores easily spread into your living space, triggering allergies and asthma.

• Energy Inefficiency: Humid air takes more energy to heat and cool. This means higher utility bills, up to 25% according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

• Pest Infestation: Damp crawlspaces attract termites, rodents and insects. These pests cause more damage and pose serious health risks.

Why Mold Prevention Is Key

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor humidity above 60% promotes mold growth which can spread in as little as 24-48 hours after water intrusion. Mold compromises structural wood and poses serious health risks like respiratory issues and allergies.

Our Abestorm SNS90 ensures your crawlspace stays under 50% humidity – a safe threshold for mold prevention.

Why Abestorm for Crawlspace Solutions?

Abestorm is trusted by professionals for high-performance dehumidifiers that last. Unlike standard home dehumidifiers, our commercial-grade units can handle high humidity loads in confined spaces. Here’s why:

• High Moisture Removal Rate: Removes up to 120 pints/day.

• Compact Design: Fits tight crawlspaces effortlessly.

• Smart Control: Wi-Fi-enabled monitoring and alerts.

• Durability: Corrosion-resistant housing for long-term use..

Unlike generic brands, Abestorm products are purpose-built for extreme conditions and carry long-term warranties, professional-grade construction, and outstanding performance.

Conclusion

Water in your crawlspace after rain is a big problem but it’s 100% solvable. Remove standing water, dry the area with a professional grade dehumidifier and then invest in long term solutions like drainage systems and vapor barriers.

Ready to prevent future water damage? Shop Abestorm Best Sellers today and keep your crawlspace dry, safe and healthy!