All the information you want to know about pumping out a crawl space
On this page you will find all the information you need if you want to have a crawl space pumped out. Many houses in the Netherlands have a crawl space. Various pipes run through this space and in fact it can be seen as a workspace for professionals who install cables and pipes.
The subsoil usually consists of sand and mud. It is common for there to always be a layer of water visible in crawl spaces. When the groundwater rises, there will be more water in the crawl space than usual. Only in these situations does it become problematic. Anyone who wants to have work carried out in the crawl space will be told by the expert that this space must be free of water.
Flooded crawl space
A crawl space that is flooded occurs in many buildings. Anyone who regularly checks the crawl space will be able to determine whether there is an unusual amount of water. There are many important pipes and cables in the crawl space and if work needs to be done, experts will not be able to do anything for you as long as the crawl space is still flooded. In that case, you can call on us to temporarily clear the crawl space of water so that the necessary work can be carried out.
Pump out crawl space or not?
A layer of water can be seen in most crawl spaces. That doesn’t have to be a problem, but when exactly do you decide to have the crawl space emptied? It would be best if you measured the water level from the start. If the setting is too high (10 to 20 cm higher), you can seek the help of an expert. A line will have to be drawn somewhere. Maintain a certain safety margin so that the problem can never get too out of hand. If in doubt, it never hurts to have a specialist come on site as this can save a lot of costs in the future.
- All the information you want to know about pumping out a crawl space
- The cause of water in the crawl space
- Consequences of a flooded crawl space
- What you should do as soon as you notice that the crawl space is full of water:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Is it harmful to have water in the crawl space?
- 2. How long does it take to pump out the crawl space?
- 3. Can mold develop due to water in the crawl space?
- 4. Can the water from the crawl space be permanently removed?
- 5. Is it bad if there is a layer of water in the crawl space?
- 6. Can any type of pump be used to pump water from the crawl space?
- 7. Can any type of crawl space be pumped out?
- 8. Is pumping out a crawl space harmful to the environment?
- 9. Does emptying a crawl space make sense?
- What is our experience with emptying crawl spaces?
- Call an expert to have the crawl space pumped out
The cause of water in the crawl space
High groundwater level
When it has rained a lot in the Netherlands, the overall groundwater level will be much higher. The consequences will be noticeable to most Dutch people if they have a crawl space. Over time, the groundwater level will drop again, reducing the risk of problems.
Heavy rainfall
The more it rains, the higher the groundwater level will be. If it has rained for a long period of time, you will definitely see that there is more water in the crawl space.
A burst water pipe
It goes without saying that a broken water pipe leads to problems. The water goes everywhere and often in enormous quantities at the same time. As soon as you notice that the water pipe is broken, it is wise to turn off the main water pipe as quickly as possible. If you do not know where this tap is located, you may be able to find out from your neighbors.
Consequences of a flooded crawl space
A flooded crawl space has all kinds of consequences. These can have major and minor consequences. Moreover, its impact is not the same for everyone. Because someone who is on holiday will not experience any inconvenience, but someone who is at home or has a catering business, for example, will want to have this problem resolved as quickly as possible.
We have listed for you as much as possible the possible consequences. We regularly update this list so that everyone can be helped on their way in an appropriate manner. Read this information carefully and, above all, remain calm when dealing with it. There will be a solution for everything.
The water in the crawl space can cause odors
Standing water can rot and leave a horrible smell throughout your home. When it comes to waste water, this odor nuisance will be even worse.
Argue with your neighbors over the water
When the water flows through to the neighbor’s property, you can assume that not everyone will respond with equal understanding. If you wait too long to have the crawl space emptied, you may even get into an argument with the neighbors and you obviously don’t want that. Call for help quickly if you notice that you cannot solve the problem in the crawl space yourself.
Damage to your property and belongings
Water can cause enormous damage. Your building may develop cracks and mold can easily grow in the crawl space.
If the water is high enough, there is a greater chance that it will come into contact with your belongings. With certain materials, water damage is irreversible. Anyone who thinks about this will certainly not wait long to empty the crawl space or even take as many preventive measures as possible.
You need to take action: yourself or a professional
If you notice that the water in the crawl space is unusually high, it is important to reduce the water level as much as possible. You can try this yourself if you have access to a pump or you can call a specialist who will come on site to pump out the water.
Panic ensues
Anyone who has not experienced this amount of water before will quickly panic. The water spreads very quickly and people usually do not know how to stop the water.
Living comfort decreases
Water entering your living space or odors caused by the water will make the home less comfortable to stay in. This can be extra annoying if you have a family or have guests visiting.
You will be less able to sell your house
It will definitely deter buyers if there is a lot of water in the crawl space. The value of your home will not be nearly as good as if you can maintain the water level somewhat. Your real estate agent will advise you to have as much of the water pumped out as possible.
What you should do as soon as you notice that the crawl space is full of water:
Clear crawl space
If there are items in the crawl space, it is recommended to remove them as much as possible from the space in order to have the pumping work carried out as quickly as possible. Many people sometimes mistake a crawl space as a kind of storage space, but that is not the intention. For example, even if you do not see any water in the crawl space, this is no guarantee that water will never enter the crawl space. It is the lowest point of your property and most likely not insulated against groundwater. This will definitely cause (irreparable) damage to your belongings.
Protect your walls
Most walls are not prepared to be in contact with water for long periods of time. Once the water has penetrated through a crack in the wall, the damage will only increase. You should therefore regularly inspect the crawl space to maintain the good condition of the walls. Having the water pumped out on time will save you the high costs of repairing the wall.
Ask the neighbors about their experience with the crawl space
It will certainly provide useful information if you check with the neighbors about the situation in the crawl space. This way you can also let us know what is going on in your property and that of the neighbors. This way we can discuss the best possible solutions with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it harmful to have water in the crawl space?
Yes, it can be especially harmful to your building because it is not built to be in contact with large amounts of water for a long time. This can cause cracks in the walls. In addition, pipes can become damaged and wear out faster.
2. How long does it take to pump out the crawl space?
That depends on the surface area of the crawl space. For an average terraced house this would take 2 to 3 hours in most cases.
3. Can mold develop due to water in the crawl space?
Yes, because fungi can especially develop in damp areas. These fungi can be harmful to health.
4. Can the water from the crawl space be permanently removed?
Pumping out the water usually does not lead to a definitive solution. If you want to have this space insulated, you should contact a specialized company in the field of insulation work.
5. Is it bad if there is a layer of water in the crawl space?
Most crawl spaces will usually have a layer of water since the crawl space is in direct contact with the ground. The space is basically built on a small amount of water. Anyone who has not looked in the crawl space before may be shocked by water, but in most cases there is no need for that.
6. Can any type of pump be used to pump water from the crawl space?
That depends on whether it is pure water or wastewater from a sewer. Some pumps seize when there is waste residue in the water. An expert can let you know whether they have the necessary equipment to clear the crawl space of water.
7. Can any type of crawl space be pumped out?
Yes, as long as the necessary equipment is available. Pumping out a commercial space with a submersible pump will take a very long time. A professional pump truck is required for this. When you call an expert, it is very important that you explain the situation properly.
8. Is pumping out a crawl space harmful to the environment?
This depends entirely on the composition of the water and the way in which the water is drained.
9. Does emptying a crawl space make sense?
That depends on the situation. If an analysis shows that it is not groundwater, then it certainly makes sense to pump out the water from the crawl space. When it is groundwater, it will usually quickly return to the crawl space. If someone needs to do work in the crawl space, such as for solar panel cables or a charging station for an electric car, then in most cases it is possible to temporarily remove as much water as possible. The answer to the question of whether it makes sense to have the crawl space pumped out varies per situation.
What is our experience with emptying crawl spaces?
We have been specialized in emptying crawl spaces for more than 15 years. Our experience ensures that we can accurately assess every situation as soon as we are present on location. From the cause to the solution. Sometimes a layer of water in the crawl space is unavoidable and we always let you know so that you do not have wrong expectations and be disappointed. In that case, it is better to keep the water level controllable with an action plan.
We offer a unique combination of high-quality equipment and reliable expertise. Private individuals and companies can contact us for a solution that is as sustainable as possible. With groundwater, a definitive solution usually cannot be provided without insulating the space. However, if you have not had water in this room before, there is a chance that the water will not return quickly as long as the groundwater level drops again. The trend in the Netherlands is that the groundwater level is much higher than normal. Taking preventive measures is therefore generally our advice to minimize the risk of unpleasant situations with water in the crawl space.
A perfect analysis
Because we are a sewer specialist, we have all the underlying expertise in-house to carry out a detailed analysis. With more than 15 years of experience, we have emptied a large number of crawl spaces and carried out the associated inspections. Both the crawl space itself and the pipes that run there are checked during an inspection. The cause of the water is therefore always visible. Based on this, advice can be given that can put your crawl space in the best possible condition.
Pipe repair is possible
If the crawl space has become flooded due to a break in one of the pipes, we can reassure you, as we can repair all types of pipes. That is the advantage of hiring an all-round plumbing company. You can contact us to find the cause and the solution for the problems in the crawl space.
Works in hard-to-reach places
We are experienced in carrying out work at all types of locations. We use high-quality equipment to make pipes visible and to carry out repairs. Pumping out the space can be done at all types of locations with our customized pump systems.
Brings your home into optimal condition
Anyone who wants a perfectly maintained home cannot ignore the crawl space. For many, it is a kind of forgotten space that is rarely and sometimes even never looked into. This creates a high risk, because before you know it, a problem has been going on in the crawl space for years. A leak from a pipe and mold in the room will have to be remedied at all times. The sooner the better. Take a look in the crawl space at least every quarter.
Improve drainage
Making a lower water level possible in the crawl space starts with improving drainage. Then the water can flow away more easily in the most efficient way. When we are on site, we will give you advice on how to improve the drainage. In some situations, there is even no drainage at all and we will then create a tailor-made plan of action for you.
Call an expert to have the crawl space pumped out
If there is too much water in the crawl space, it is harmful to your building. It can also entail certain health risks, as you have read on this page. Enough reason to want to call in the help of a specialist.
Thousands of satisfied customers preceded you
With more than 15 years of experience, we are a trusted address for crawl space drainage. Once we arrive on site, that is the start of a better crawl space as we always analyze the condition of the crawl space. Not only the crawl space is examined, but the existing pipework can also be inspected on site by our expert, as we are a plumbing company that can offer a complete service.
We are increasingly being called to empty crawl spaces and that is understandable given the circumstances in the Netherlands. The groundwater level is increasing and the periods of heavy rainfall are increasing.
It certainly can’t hurt to have an inspection performed in your crawl space. Our on-site specialist can give you advice about the current condition of your crawl space and what you can do to keep water out of this space as much as possible.
Emptying crawl space at private individuals and companies
There are often crawl spaces in buildings on the ground floor. For private individuals and companies, there will certainly come a time when there is flooding in the crawl space or when the crawl space needs to be temporarily emptied when work needs to be carried out.
Our services are aimed at crawl spaces of all kinds of sizes in a wide variety of locations. No job is too big or too small for us.
If you have any questions about pumping out the crawl space, we are ready to give you realistic advice. As soon as you notice that the crawl space needs to be emptied, do not wait too long to call us. This not only saves a lot of problems in the crawl space, but also ensures that we can make optimal planning to help as many people as possible quickly empty the crawl space.