Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Glenn Haege: Ask Glenn
Wet crawlspace a mystery
Dear Glenn: I have lived 25 years in my 50-year-old house with no prior water problems. A couple of weeks ago, I discovered 6 inches of water in the crawlspace. Since the discovery we have been pumping the water out daily and turning off city water service, unless needed.
The plumber thought it was the city water service, but the township told us it appears to be ground water because the water test didn’t show chlorine. Also, the township inspector told us he has never seen anything like this.
The home was connected to water service the year it was built, so it is unlikely the problem is an uncapped well. We suspect the problem started in mid-November because that is when we noticed condensation on the windows.
Our subdivision was built with three lots draining onto ours. Ours drains onto another neighbor. Currently, we have ice in the back of our lot as we often do each year, but as I have said, the ground around the house is dry.
Cathy, Royal Oak
Dear Cathy: The first thing you should do is call American Leak Detection, (734) 433-0000, http://www.americanleakdetection.com/mi-southeast-michigan. They will be able to find the leak for you. Then call Foundation Systems of Michigan, (877) 379-6424, www.drymich.com. They can de-water the crawlspace for you.
