Skip to main content
Crawl Space Repair
Standing Water and Flooding

BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair Helps Provide Safe & Healthy Homes

Free Inspection
Foundation Repair FAQ

Standing Water in Crawl Space – Causes and Removal

Do You Have Standing Water in Your Crawl Space?

Standing water in crawl space causes wet, musty, and moldy conditions. A flooded crawl space constantly releases water vapors into the air and increases the overall humidity.

The worst problem with flooding in a crawl space is when standing water is on top of the vapor barrier. The vapor barrier prevents the water from draining, essentially trapping the water in the crawl space and constantly releasing moisture into the air.

Oftentimes, most people are not aware that their crawl space floods. It’s not until a professional inspector identifies the signs of flooding or if someone inspects the crawl space immediately after a heavy rain that people discover standing water in the crawl space.

Standing Water in Crawl Space: Top 10 Causes

  1. Heavy or prolonged rains
  2. Snow melting
  3. Wet or “marsh-like” property
  4. A shallow, clay-soil layer
  5. The crawl space is “below grade,” meaning the crawl space is lower than the outside ground.
  6. The outside ground is not graded away from the home
  7. The gutter downspouts discharge right next to the house
  8. A depression in the soil near the house collects water
  9. A concrete patio slopes towards the house… familiar with swimming pools
  10. Plumbing leaks

Any homeowner with standing water in the crawl space should aim to prevent future flooding. If left unresolved, standing water can cause significant issues.

How to Prevent Flooding and Remove Water in a Crawl Space:

  • Install a French drain along the perimeter of the crawl space with sump pumps
  • Install sand in low-lying areas… not effective in stopping flooding in a whole crawl space
  • Install gutters with downspout extensions
  • Install ‘door-wells’ around crawl space access doors
  • Fix plumbing leaks

We don’t recommend a single ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to fixing the issues. A well-thought-out plan by a trained professional will get the best results. The whole issue, including how it was caused, how severe the problem is, and the property’s conditions, should determine the best path forward.

Standing Water in Crawl Space:

Our Expert Advisors are trained to identify the causes and best repair options for your home. If you’re concerned about its integrity, we offer free, no-obligation inspections and estimates. When we inspect your home, we explain the problems and solutions and explore multiple options to find the best solution for you.

Why Choose BAY to Help with Water in the Crawl Space?

BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair is your one-stop solution for crawl space flooding in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Suffolk, and the surrounding region. Our expert teams have over 400 collective years of experience fixing homes in the Hampton Roads, VA, and NC regions.

Our staff includes engineering experts, repair specialists, and an entire support team ready to deliver exceptional customer service and a fast turnaround for your project. This is why BAY Crawl Space can offer excellent long-term warranties on the installation and materials for your repair.

Take advantage of our free crawl space and foundation inspection to learn more about BAY’s crawl space flooding solutions. Your inspection will give you a much better understanding of the issues at hand and your best options for repair.

Contact BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair today by filling out our online form or call 757-460-0444 for a free inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is standing water in my crawl space normal?

No, standing water in your crawl space is not normal. It is a sign of a problem that requires prompt identification and resolution to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality.​

What causes standing water in crawl spaces?

Common causes include:

  • High water table leading to groundwater seepage
  • Poor grading that slopes toward the foundation
  • Malfunctioning or clogged gutters and downspouts
  • Surface water runoff after rainstorms
  • Cracks or gaps in the foundation or vents
  • Plumbing leaks (often from old pipes)
  • Condensation from warm, humid air meeting cooler crawl space surfaces.

Why does water in my crawl space need to be addressed quickly?

Water can erode your foundation, rot wood beams and joists, trigger mold growth, and attract pests. Severe or long-term moisture can lead to costly repairs and even health problems for those living in the home.

What are signs of standing water or moisture problems?

Look for puddles, musty odors, high humidity, mold growth, wood rot, sagging floor joists, deteriorating insulation, or pests. A consistent musty smell, unexplained allergies, or bouncy floors are also warning signs.

What should I do if I find standing water in my crawl space?

  • Remove the water immediately using a wet vac or sump pump
  • Identify and fix the source (surface drainage, leaks, grading)
  • Wear protective gear and document any damage for insurance.

What solutions does BAY offer for removing and preventing standing water?

BAY’s expert solutions typically include:

  • French drains to intercept and redirect groundwater
  • Sump pumps, often with battery backup, for automatic water removal
  • Vapor barriers or crawl space encapsulation to block ground moisture
  • Foundation crack sealing and waterproofing
  • Regrading and drainage system improvements
  • Inspection and long-term moisture management.

How can I prevent standing water in my crawl space long-term?

  • Extend downspouts and regrade landscaping so water flows away from your home
  • Clean gutters regularly and repair any leaks
  • Install sump pumps and vapor barriers
  • Seal foundation cracks and properly ventilate your crawl space
  • Regularly inspect your crawl space, especially after heavy rain.

Should I try to fix crawl space flooding myself?

Removing minor amounts of water can be a DIY project, but severe or persistent moisture problems require professional assessment. Proper drainage, waterproofing, and encapsulation must meet local conditions and building codes for lasting results.

What areas does BAY Crawl Space service?

BAY serves Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Suffolk, and surrounding regions within an 80-mile radius of Norfolk, VA.

How do I get started?

Contact BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair for a free inspection and custom water management plan. Their team will identify sources, recommend the right drainage and barrier solutions, and provide peace of mind with warranties and expert customer service. If you have additional questions about standing water and crawl space flooding, reach out directly to BAY Crawl Space for personalized guidance.

About BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair

BAY is an award-winning crawl space and foundation repair contractor. We’re proud to service an 80-mile radius around our Norfolk, VA headquarters Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BAY is best known for its amazing reviews (quality and quantity), superior expertise, special methods, and affordable pricing options. We have the ‘Best of the Best’ on our team. Our All-Star Team delivers great customer experiences and the best quality for a great price.

Our reputation in the Hampton Roads community, with homeowners, engineers, city permitting offices, home services professionals, and online as a crawl space foundation repair contractor, is outstanding.

Reviews Summary & Links

We have ranked #1 for crawl space repair in Hampton Roads for 11 years (Google: 2015-2025), ranked top 5% in the USA with Super Service Awards for 8 years (Angi: 2017-2024), were voted Best of Foundation Repair locally for 7 years (CoVA BIZ 2018-2024), were voted “Best of the Best” nationally, and we also won the “Best Places to Work” award (CoVA BIZ).

OUR REVIEWS
Click Links To Access Reviews

OVERALL: 4.9 + / 5 RATING
TOTAL: 4,000 + REVIEWS
BOOK YOUR FREE INSPECTION
Quote mark logo
Customer Reviews

Our Reviews Reflect Our Commitment to Taking Great Care of Our Customers

  • “After shopping companies and getting several bids on the same project, we chose Bay Crawl because of their reputation and price. They had our whole house leveled and stabilized in two days. Left our property cleaner than they found it with a smile on their face. Do NOT plan your next project without getting an estimate from Bay Crawl.”

    – Ryan Simpson

  • “Our experience with Bay was outstanding. From first contact everything was smooth and made as easy as possible for us. We were kept informed every step of the process via email, phone, and text. The work was top-notch. The cost was extremely reasonable. We were impressed that Bay did not try to sell services that weren’t required.”

    – Teresa Lackey

  • “My experience was nothing but the best with Bay Crawl Space. The price was much more affordable than what another company quoted. Scheduling was easy and painless. They were professional and treated my home as if it was their own. They left me feeling very confident in my decision to go with Bay.”

    – Michael Turner

  • “It was an easy decision to choose Bay Crawl Space over the three other estimates I had gotten—not only was the price reasonable based on my research, but Jamie was the only sales advisor who described more than one option that I could choose. The scheduling was very smooth! I am confident that if I have any problems, I can call & they will resolve them.”

    – Diane Taylor

  • “Severe water damage to the structure. We thought we were in real trouble but after talking with them, we felt much better as we were assured that this was “Easy.” Our experience with Bay was better than we have had with any other contractor EVER. Upfront with what to expect, honest in their communications, and fair pricing.“

    – Mike O’Neill

  • “We had our crawlspace encapsulated by BAY three years ago at a fraction of the cost of JES’s estimate. The work was done on time and to exceptional standards. The office has been courteous, the workers arrived on time, and the work was accomplished as promised. BAY gets my highest recommendation.”

    – Bob Essman

  • “I am delighted with the crawl space encapsulation completed by Bay Crawl Space & Foundation Repair. What I particularly appreciate about BAY is their attention to detail & commitment to excellence. They were punctual and very much worth the value. I highly recommend Bay Crawl Space to anyone looking for excellent service & an affordable product.”

    – Leslie Ballard

  • “I’m not one to take home repairs lightly so I try and do my research. I got over 4 estimates to have my crawl space encapsulated and some repair work done. BAY beat the others prices by over 10k. Oh and they actually did more work that what the others quoted us to do. They also do quality work. So value for money, BAY is the company to go with.”

    – Benjamin Alexander

  • “I had an independent civil engineer out to inspect prior to the BAY visit. I was afraid I might be oversold on repairs I didn’t need. This was not the case. BAY made the same observations and gave same explanations or better. Great job BAY on hiring honest and competent assessors. Very professional, will work with you again!”

    – Zachary Frey

  • “I’m super pleased with the work Bay did us, it made a difference almost immediately. Our service advisor, Beau, did an excellent job of identifying the issues in our crawl and offering reasonably priced solutions. The team they sent out to do the work was awesome. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient!”

    – David Green

  • Bay Crawl is by far the number 1 company for all of your crawl space and foundation needs. They are fairly priced. When coupled with the amazing service you receive, its a value that’s unbeatable. Every employee I interacted with was professional, polite, knowledgable, and hard working. You will not deal with a better run company than Bay Crawl.

    – Nicholas Cipriano
    Read More Reviews
    Learn More About BAY