There’s Water Under the House! Post-1
In this part of the world, the great, wet, Pacific Northwest, one of the things, architects, engineers, builders, designers, and home owners have to contend with is: Ground water. Because if they don’t, then that only leaves one other option — usually implemented after the fact. A sump pump under the house.
My Current Project
Putting a sump pump under just such a house is my current project. The house was built around 20 years ago, and like a lot of land in the area, when it rains the ground water comes right to the surface. Unfortunately, the sub-area is 12 inches below ground level. (Makes you wonder what engineer gave those plans and that plot a look-see, doesn’t it?)
I actually first bid this job back in January, just before the rains started. I stopped by the property the end of February and the water under the house was level with the sidewalk!
Over the years the water has damaged the insulation under the house. Much of the netting is ripped or torn away so insulation is hanging down all over the place. Unfortunately, the home owner doesn’t have enough money in the budget to repair all the damage. The best I can do for them right now is tack the insulation and netting back up and get the pump and vapor barrier installed to prevent more damage from occurring.
I’m also working on a couple of articles. The next one in the Do Yourself Green series on sealing windows, and one on tank-less hot water.
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