FAQ: Can I Clean a Wet Crawl Space Myself?

Short answer: You can try, but it's risky. Here’s why we at Total Home Water Restoration don’t recommend it—unless you’ve got the right gear, training, and experience.

Why DIY Crawl Space Cleanup Is a Bad Idea

When you find water in your crawl space—whether from heavy rain, sump pump failure, or a busted pipe—it’s tempting to grab a shop vac and handle it yourself. But there’s more to it than just getting the water out.

Here’s what most DIYers don’t realize:

• Hidden moisture is almost always left behind. That trapped moisture leads to wood rot, mold, and bad air quality inside your home.

• Mold spreads fast—usually within 24 to 48 hours. If you don’t fully dry and disinfect everything, you’re just buying time before it grows.

• Crawl spaces can be hazardous. We're talking about low visibility, exposed wiring, pest activity, and contaminated water.

• Standard shop vacs and fans won't cut it. You need professional-grade drying, HEPA filtration, and moisture meters to get the job done right.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must—especially if you’re dealing with gray or black water.

We’ve seen too many jobs where a homeowner tried to clean it up, only to end up with thousands in repairs when mold took over later. By the time we get called, the damage has doubled.

What We Do Instead

At Total Home Water Restoration, we use:

• IICRC-certified techniques to extract water and sanitize all surfaces

• Commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers for complete drying

• Moisture mapping and infrared scanning to find hidden pockets of water

• Full mold remediation if needed, per IICRC S520 standards

We also inspect your insulation, joists, and vapor barrier—and repair what needs fixing. Our goal is to get your crawl space dry, clean, and healthy again—fast.

FAQ

Q: How fast does mold grow in a crawl space?
A: Mold can begin growing in 24 to 48 hours if moisture isn’t removed and humidity isn’t controlled.

Q: Will insurance cover crawl space water cleanup?
A: It depends on the cause—sudden pipe bursts are usually covered, but groundwater intrusion may not be. We’ll help you document everything for your claim.

Q: How do I know if the crawl space is fully dry?
A: You won’t—unless you have professional moisture meters and know what to check. That’s where we come in.

Trust Your Home to the Pros

Don’t gamble with your home’s foundation, air quality, or safety. If your crawl space is wet, let us take care of it like it’s our own.

Call Tyler Zimmerman at Total Home Water Restoration
📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837

From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.