Key takeaways
- A drain collects water and a sump pump removes it
- A check valve stops backflow
- A battery backup covers storms and outages
- Outside grading and downspouts matter most
If water enters as liquid, a vapor barrier alone will not keep the space dry.
The parts
- A perimeter drain in gravel collects water from the walls and floor
- A sump basin and pump send it out of the house
- A check valve keeps it from flowing back
- A battery backup keeps the pump working in a power outage
Start outside
Soil that slopes away and downspouts that discharge far from the house reduce how much water reaches the foundation in the first place. Our Water Inflow and Sump Planner shows how pump size relates to inflow.
Related services
Questions about your own crawl space? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the quote form below.