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WATER UNDER HOUSE

| Posted in Construction Techniques on February 26, 2002 12:35pm

*
Yesterday I had to go under my house (crawl space) to run a new phone line. When I went under there was a lot of standing water. I looked for leaks from the plumbing and found none. I assume that the water is from the snow melt and rain. I have concrete block foundation. What is the best way to keep water from entering the house. I heard some one say you need to build the grade up around the house (which it does need) but what is the correct way to do this. Can you simply throw dirt around the foundation? Or do you have to add pea gravel and sand too? What should I have under my house? Right now there is some pea gravel (along with all the water) Do I have to put some kind of sealer on the block also. I appreciate any advice on this.

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  1. David_Mason | Feb 25, 2002 11:49pm | #1

    *
    I don't think that building up around the foundation with pea gravel would solve all your problems.You could try and lay some 8 or 10 mill. plastic (3' wide) around the outside perimeter of your foundation and then cover that with clean gravel but even that may not solve all your problems.
    If you're going to seal your foundation then I would call around and get some bids. This is not something for the average homeowner.At least have them (lic and bonded contractor) come in and do the dirt work. Then if you want you could seal the foundation yourself.
    For that I would use a bituthane rubber sealant that comes in the 3'x100' rolls and use the primer with it (helps it stick to the foundation better).
    Your local lumber yard should be able to help you out.
    Then I would back fill with good clean gravel , maybe some drain tile around the perimeter .There again is where a excavation contractor could advise you on your particular situation.

    Hope this helps, Dave

    1. Bob_Walker | Feb 26, 2002 12:35am | #2

      *Two biggest sources of water in the crawl in uy area are (i) insufficient downspout extensions (10' away from the house - on a 30 x 40 house with a down at each corner, each down will carry about 210 gallons) and (ii) positive grading 10' away from the house.You want the highest clay content soil you can get so the water falling next to the house also gets carried away.Dry it out, then put plastic on the floor, 6 mil minimum.

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