Water Management & Drainage Systems

Water intrusion and accumulation in your crawlspace is the #1 source of crawlspace-related issues. From weakening foundations, footers, and substructures to mold, fungus, and wood rot, water in all its forms is the primary cause. Water can accumulate inside your crawlspace and through your home via various sources, including faulty mechanical systems such as leaking plumbing and HVAC.

Water intrusion from exterior sources such as rainwater from roofing and gutters or water sources channeled toward your home from landscape grading and topography.

What Happens When Water Enters My Crawlspace?

Highly saturated soil around your home and crawlspace can create hydrostatic pressure where water pushes into the lower areas of your crawlspace through the soil itself. And let’s not forget the flooding we encounter in the Lowcountry. Most homeowners don’t spend much time in their crawlspace; it can often be a dark, dank, and unpleasant place. In turn, this water accumulation and its origin too often goes undetected. Water entering and collecting your crawlspace is a silent destroyer, causing sagging floors and foundation issues, raising relative humidity levels in the air, and raising the wood moisture content of the substructure.

All of this leads to mold and fungus growth and wood rot. Pooling water and saturated soils can trap inside your crawlspace for extended periods with nowhere to go, wreaking havoc on your home. Every home that is experiencing water accumulation in the crawlspace is going to be negatively affected. Any water accumulation and its sources should be identified and stopped immediately. Think of it as a leaking roof on your home. The longer you wait to make necessary repairs, the greater the issues and damage to your home. Proper water control and management measures are essential to prevent these problems.

From minor isolated water accumulation issues to full-impact design systems, the professionals at Clean Safe Crawlspace are experienced in identifying water accumulation and its sources. Clean Safe Crawlspace has assisted hundreds of clients with water management in their crawlspace, identifying the root cause and designing a water management plan that resolves the issue with a budget-friendly approach.

Mold and Mildew Growth

Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, compromising indoor air quality and posing health risks to occupants.

Structural Damage

Wooden beams and floor joists become susceptible to rot and decay, weakening the home's integrity.

Energy Costs

Damp insulation is less effective, increasing energy costs as HVAC systems work harder to maintain temperature.

Pest Infestations

Pests are attracted to damp environments and may infest the crawlspace.

Corrosion and Rust

Moisture can corrode metal fixtures and promote rust.

What are French Drains?

If you encounter an issue with water intrusion in your crawlspace, various options and systems are available to mitigate and manage the accumulating water. One of the best, most reliable ways is with a French drain system. A French drain system catches excess water entering your crawlspace and redirects it through gravity toward an installed sump pump, where it can be removed entirely. The system can be highly beneficial for a crawlspace in areas with heavy rainfall/a high water table.

A French drain consists of a trench dug to the desired depth and grade, allowing the water to be redirected, a perforated pipe with a fiber sock filter designed for the application of a gravel-filled trench, and a perforated pipe to capture and channel water in the crawlspace toward a desired location, usually toward a sump pump or exit point of the crawlspace where it can be removed. They’re never a bad idea if you live in a flood-prone area.

A correctly installed system works efficiently with very little maintenance. Water will always seek the path of least resistance through the pipe system out of the crawlspace or toward the pump, where it’s automatically removed. French drains work silently 24 hours a day, keeping your crawlspace dry. That’s peace of mind.  

A French drainage system efficiently prevents water accumulation and potential flooding, safeguarding the foundation’s and wooden components’ structural integrity beneath the home. They help to remove a water source that contributes to moisture in the space and high wood moisture content, reducing the risk of mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations and ensuring the longevity and health of your crawlspace and home.

What are Sump Pumps?

A sump pump is a water pump designed to work in wet locations. Along with a French drain, They are an integral part of a water management system. Pumps in their basins are actuated by a float switch to cycle as the basin fills with water automatically. It’s usually installed in the home’s crawlspace at the lowest possible grade level. The pump and basin are placed below grade to a predetermined level to receive and collect the optimal amount of intrusive water. The pump mechanically removes the excess water through piping from the basin and out of the crawlspace. Pumps and basins are designed specifically for this purpose. They most often have automatic float switches, all in a self-contained unit.

High water alarms can be added to the unit, alerting the homeowner of a possible pump failure to ensure your crawlspace remains dry. Sump pumps and basins can provide years of worry-free service and require little maintenance when correctly installed. From years of experience, the skilled Clean Safe Crawlspace technicians are knowledgeable in installing, repairing, and replacing sump pumps. They can recommend a system tailored to meet the needs of your crawlspace.   

A quality drain and pump system installed in your crawlspace can add the next level of protection to your home. They can protect your home from flooding due to burst pipes or storm systems that bring floodwater. If your home is in an area with potential flooding, the answer is likely yes; you should consider a sump pump for your crawlspace. Excess water in your crawlspace can introduce various issues that negatively affect your home’s foundation and your family’s health. A quality installed system allows the homeowner to rest easily, knowing they are protected.

The Benefits of Having a Sump Pump in Your Crawlspace

A sump pump in your crawl space offers several essential benefits, especially the ones below.

  • Proactive Defense: Sump pumps provide a proactive defense against water intrusion, efficiently removing excess moisture and preventing potential flooding, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or high-water tables.
  • Protection of Structural Integrity: Protect the structural integrity of your home's foundation and wooden components.
  • Health and Indoor Air Quality: Prevent mold growth, mildew, and wood rot growth, which can compromise indoor air quality and your health.
  • Energy Efficiency: Enhance energy efficiency by maintaining the effectiveness of insulation and reducing the load on your HVAC system.
  • Alert System: Some sump pumps have water alarms alerting you to crawlspace flooding.

The Clean Safe Crawlspace System

The skilled professionals with Clean Safe Crawlspace will thoroughly inspect your crawlspace, identify the causes of water accumulation, and design a system to provide years of reliable service. We install our crawlspace French drains along the interior of the foundation wall of your crawlspace. A trench is dug according to the design to the optimal depth, allowing water to redirect through gravity toward a sump pump basin or alternate outlet.

The trench is a depth and width that will accommodate the commercial grade perforated drain piping with a Silt filter sock, non-woven drain fabric, and stone aggregate or both. Care is taken to maintain a constant grade during the system’s installation so that it works correctly and efficiently for years of service.   

Why Choose Us for Crawlspace Drainage Systems in Summerville, SC?

Choosing Clean Safe Crawlspace for your sump pump and French drain system installations means choosing a team that genuinely cares about your home. We’re not just experts; we’re your neighbors who understand the unique challenges your crawlspace may face. Our skilled professionals will treat your project like ours, making your home safer, more durable, and healthier for you and your family. Your trust in us drives us to provide the best drainage solutions possible.

Clean Safe Crawlspace isn’t just a name; it’s a testament to a legacy built on three decades of expertise and a shared commitment to ensuring your home’s health, safety, and longevity. What sets us apart is the foundation of our company – a dedicated father-son team with 30 years of experience in protecting homes from water intrusion. With a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, we bring a unique blend of tradition and innovation to every project.

When you choose Clean Safe Crawlspace, you’re not just hiring experts; you’re inviting a family of professionals who genuinely care about your home’s well-being to ensure it stands the test of time.

Contact us today to get started.

With open and honest communication, competitive pricing, and a commitment to meeting your timeline, we put your satisfaction at the forefront. And we back our work with comprehensive warranties, so you can trust that your investment is protected.

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