How Much Will You Pay for Crawl Space Waterproofing? Costs and Components to Consider
Originally posted 11/27/19; revised 12/14/22
“It depends.” You’ve probably heard that from a lot of companies and manufacturers, whenever you’ve asked for the bottom line. And it’s true- many products and services are customized, which introduces variability that can be hard to address. But that doesn’t mean it should be avoided; everyone has a budget and wants to get the best deal possible. Our goal at Acculevel is to help people, and part of that is being fair-minded and reasonably priced.
FYI: Pricing provided in this article includes both material and labor costs.
Waterproofing may be a misnomer of sorts. In a crawlspace, it doesn’t mean 100% dry conditions throughout the space (that would require a vapor barrier or encapsulation). Waterproofing a crawl space means managing the water that inevitably seeps in around the foundation.
There are two components that make up a typical water drainage system: a perimeter drain and a sump pump. In the past 12 months, we’ve completed several hundred waterproofing jobs; our customers paid an average of $5150-$6500 for these services.
This average is only a starting point; there are a variety of reasons your costs could be higher or lower, and we review the most common ones for you below.
What Will Increase Your Waterproofing Cost?
The Size of Your Home
As mentioned, your cost depends on a number of factors. The first, and most obvious, is the size of your home. If your home is larger than average, this will necessitate a longer perimeter drain and additional sump pumps, or possibly heavy duty pumps. (We estimate the average crawl space to be 1500-2000 square feet.)
Drainage systems are $25-$35 per foot, depending on the type. The sump pumps we install always include a battery backup, and the standard size pump is $2800-$3500.
The layout of your property may also be a factor- a standard discharge line (for a sump pump) is 30 feet from the pit. If the property requires a longer discharge line to transport the water to the best location, the costs will increase.
The Source of the Water
Is the water in your crawl space rainwater? Do you have more issues with humidity and musty smells after thunderstorms?
If your downspouts are currently placed to drain too close to the foundation, this can be a (relatively) easy fix. Downspout extensions are a smart investment that will relocate the drainage farther from your home and keep the crawl space drier.
Is the Crawl Space Clean?
Homeowners rarely access an open crawl space, so it’s possible there is debris accumulating without your knowledge. This debris could include falling fiberglass insulation, which is a common issue that compromises the integrity of your home. This insulation holds water, which amplifies a damp and humid environment. It also often provides nesting material for vermin.
It is essential to keep the crawl space clean and dry, to prevent mold and mildew. If there is mold already growing on the floor joists or beams, this must be treated to prevent further growth. There are different treatments and removal methods, which depend on how thick the growth is and how far it has spread throughout the space.
This picture was taken by an Acculevel Project Advisor on a routine free estimate appointment.
Wet fiberglass insulation and a decaying floor joist are visible.
Has Water Compromised Your Home’s Structural Integrity?
If the moisture has been excessive and present for long periods of time, there could be damage to the structural wood framing. This should be repaired as soon as it’s detected; the longer a timber is allowed to decay, the more severe the consequences. You can save yourself thousands of dollars in costly repairs if you invest hundreds in fixing the problem immediately.
WiFi Monitoring for Sump Pump Battery Backups
Contractors can install a battery backup with sump pumps. At Acculevel, we always include a battery backup as a best practice. Usually, for an additional charge, it can be upgraded for WiFi monitoring.
This is clearly not for every customer; but if you can use an app on your phone and want the added assurance of knowing your pump is working, it’s a useful option that provides peace of mind. This upgrade is an additional $650-$800.
What will Reduce Your Waterproofing Costs?
Usable Existing Components
If you already have one of the necessary components in good working condition, there’s no need to replace it. Perhaps the water isn’t draining to your sump pump, but the pump is large enough to manage the water volume and works properly.
If that’s the case, we only need to add or update the drainage that has failed. Conversely, if you have a functioning perimeter drain but your sump pump has stopped working (or is undersized for your home), we can just install a new and properly-sized sump system.
Have you installed a vapor barrier in your crawl space in the last 3 years? If so, it’s likely still in good condition. This barrier could be folded back to install the needed drainage or pump, then be put back in place. It may be that you only need an additional piece to cover exposed ground or to replace an existing section in bad shape.
Where is the Water Entering Your Home?
The amount of drainage you need can depend on where the water is getting into your home. If your home is on a hill, and all the crawl space dampness is isolated to one wall, you may not need drainage along all four walls. It’s more feasible to install a section of drainage only in that area and route it to a new or existing sump system.
Do You Have More Questions about Your Crawl Space?
Please check out our Crawl Space Repair Guide for homeowners. Our goal with this guide is to address all of our customers’ frequently asked questions, explore what causes the most typical problems, and review the solutions to those problems. We also provide pricing for these repairs, explain how the repairs are made, and how you can prevent issues in the future.
Want Specific Details about Your Repair Costs?
Find an experienced local foundation company, and make an appointment. Before you sign a contract for any service, you should always verify the company is reputable, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
If you live in Indiana or the surrounding states, contact Acculevel. Established in 1996, we specialize in foundation repairs and crawl space waterproofing. If you have noticed damp musty odors, sloping floors, or other signs of water damage in your crawl space, you can request a free estimate. An experienced project advisory will evaluate your crawl space conditions and recommend the best course of action for you, to keep your home strong and healthy for years to come.
We have also created a free tool that any homeowner can use to see what could be causing problems in your home and how to fix it. Identify problems, explore solutions, and get advice on how and when to take action with our Symptom Checker.
