Crawl Space Sump Pumps

Oregon is notorious for extensive crawl space water intrusion, and Josh Lowe’s Dr. Energy Saver leads the way with long-lasting solutions to your water issues.

Most crawl spaces were built with dirt floors with no concern about leaking groundwater. Our Northwest clay soils are a firm recipe for standing water in your crawl space. We treat the source of the problem by using a waterproofing system which will collect, contain, and remove the water from the crawl space. It’s time to tell that water where to go!

At Josh Lowe’s Dr. Energy Saver, we offer you different sump pumps for specific situations. Each has a discharge line to carry the water safely to the outside of your crawl space. Each also has an alarm that sounds in the event of pump failure.

Our base model contains one pump and is designed specifically for crawl spaces. Its lower profile over other sump pumps makes for an easier installation in tight spaces. Optional battery back-up pumps are also available, keeping your crawl space dry in the event of a power outage.

It is necessary to have the standing water pumped out of your crawl space to help reduce the relative humidity that contributes to the cause of mold, rot, and pests that thrive under your home.

Trust Josh Lowe’s Dr. Energy Saver to Dehumidify Your Home

We have the right solutions for you! Contact Josh Lowe’s Dr. Energy Saver online or give us a call at 541-485-2282 to find out how you can get a clean, dry crawl space in the Western Oregon and Southwest Washington areas with one of our high-quality sump pump systems. Our energy consultants will be happy to provide a free estimate or more information about our wide range of services for your home.

Frequently Asked Sump Pump Questions

Do I need a sump pump in my crawl space?

It depends on whether you have current or potential water issues. Is your house on very flat land? In a “swampy” area? On poorly draining soil, or on clay? If you have a basement, your homeowner’s insurance may require one since it tends to be below the water table.

How do I get water out of my crawl space? (note: this is the same answer as above)

Your first step is to determine what is causing the water to enter (leaking plumbing, nearby hillside runoff, etc.), so this can be reduced or stopped. You then need to get the water out with a sump pump. If you have a big house, you may need more than one. To augment the sump pump, many people also add a dehumidifier specially designed for under a house. You need to keep the relative humidity below 60% to keep mold from growing.

How does a sump pump work in a crawl space?

There are different types of sump pumps. Some have more than more than one pump. Some have a battery back-up to still work when the power goes out. A sump should be installed in the lowest point in a crawl space so that water will run into it. Water is guided to the sump in different ways. The water is pushed up through a discharge pipe and safely away from your home.

How many years does a sump pump last?

The cheaper plastic sump pumps can last a few years, and the more sturdy cast iron ones last much, much longer. You should also have it serviced and cleaned out every year; it’s like your home heating system or your car in that it needs to be serviced annually to ensure it is running well and lasts as long as possible. You don’t wait until your car stops to have the oil changed, so don’t wait until your sump pump isn’t working any more to have it serviced.

What is the best sump pump for a crawl space?

You want to ensure you have a pump that can handle the potential volume of water that could end up under your home. The small 1/6th horsepower ones are jut way too small. The ball on a long float switch tends to not be a good solution as the float can get hung up and then not work! A screen built in to the bottom of the pump gets clogged with silt, dirt, and small rocks. Plastic sump pumps are not good either. Sump pumps make heat when they are operating. If it runs for a long time, the plastic can heat up and distort a little bit, which causes the bearings to burn out. You want one that is cast iron. There are also sumps with two pumps, and sumps with a battery back-up for when the power goes out.

What is the best way to dry out a crawl space? (note: this is same answer I wrote above)

Your first step is to determine what is causing the water to enter (leaking plumbing, nearby hillside runoff, etc.), so this can be reduced or stopped. You then need to get the water out with a sump pump. If you have a big house, you may need more than one. To augment the sump pump, many people also add a dehumidifier specially designed for under a house. You need to keep the relative humidity below 60% to keep mold from growing.

Where should a sump pump be placed in a crawl space?

The best place is where it is lowest, since water wants to find the path of least resistance and run to the lowest point.