How to Clean Up a Flooded Crawl Space

Standing water in a crawl space can cause all sorts of problems. If left for long periods of time, mold may start to grow, and wooden structures will begin to rot. It can also attract termites and other pests. Removing large pools of water will require quite a bit of time, and some equipment, but it isn't too difficult to do on your own, as long as you have the proper tools.

Things You'll Need

• Immersible water pump
• Wet/dry shop vac
• Scrap cardboard
• Fans
• Space heater
• Fungicide

Instructions

Cleaning up a Flood

1. Make sure the water pump you have has a fairly long drainage hose. If you do not have an immersible water pump, many stores will allow you to rent one. Set the pump in the water, and then run the hose outside, as far from your house as you can get it. If the hose is too close to your house, the water will drain back into your crawl space.

   Once the pump is set up, turn it on.

2. How much time it takes will depend on the size of your crawl space. Check the water level occasionally to observe progress.

3. Once the pump has removed the majority of the water, turn it off.

   Use a wet/dry shop vac to clean up any remaining puddles of water. If there is still a lot of water, you will need to empty the shop vac periodically.

4. Set space heaters near or in your crawlspace, as well as some fans to help dry out the crawl space. Be sure not to position them in moist areas. You may need to lay down cardboard to keep wires and the bases of fans and heaters dry.

5. Once the crawl space is dry, you will want to inspect it for mold. If mold is present, use either a chemical fungicide or mold killer.

   Pour or spray fungicide over the area where mold has grown. You may need to let it sit for a few minutes depending on the product's instructions. Scrub or vacuum the area to clean up the dead spores, as directed on the product's packaging.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to dress in clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

• If dampness continues to be a problem, you may need to get a crawl space dehumidifier.

• Running an air purifier in your crawl space will help prevent mold from growing.

• Wear a face mask and gloves when cleaning mold.

References

• Emergency Cleaning
• Inspect-ny