Crawlspace Water Removal and Drying

• A musty or sewer smell inside the house
• Higher than normal humidity or condensation on windows
• Floors that feel soft, cupped or cold
• Insulation hanging down or lying on the ground
• Your water bill jumped or the well pump runs more than usual
• Standing water you can see from the access hatch

• Plumbing leaks. A supply line or drain under the floor can leak for weeks before anyone notices.
• Burst pipes after a freeze, especially lines with missing insulation.
• Groundwater and river flooding. Much of the Skagit Valley sits on a high water table, and crawlspaces near the Skagit, Samish, Nooksack and Snohomish rivers take on water in wet winters.
• Sewer or septic backups under the house. These need sewage cleanup, not just drying.

1. Inspect. We check the water source, how far it spread and whether it may include sewage.
2. Extract. We pump or vacuum out standing water.
3. Remove wet materials. Soaked insulation and damaged vapor barrier come out so the framing and subfloor can dry.
4. Dry. Dehumidifiers and air movers dry the joists and subfloor. We take moisture readings until the wood is back to normal.
5. Replace. We put back insulation and vapor barrier once the space is dry.

If the water came from a leaking pipe, a plumber repairs the line. If groundwater keeps coming in, we'll tell you what we saw so you can talk to a drainage contractor.

We document crawlspace jobs with photos, moisture readings, a scope of work and Xactimate estimates when applicable, and can share them with your adjuster. Coverage depends on the cause of the water and your policy, and your insurer decides it.