We found standing water in our sandy crawlspace after noticing a terrible smell in our home. We discovered the clothes washer hose had come off and all the water was draining into our crawlspace. We don't know how long it's been like that, but we assume it's been quite some time because the smell is so bad. We stopped using the washer until someone can get down to fix it, but, the smell has not gotten any better (it's been 5 days).
I have a few questions:
Can we expect the sand to absorb the water?
If so, will the smell go away on its own?
Any help would be appreciated.
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Not sure about the sand, but it doesn't seem to be draining on its own. I don't think it's a good idea to leave the standing water. If it were me, I'd probably pick up a portable pump of some sort.
Be very careful about electricity around water!!!!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
Be very careful about electricity around water!!!!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
The smell is most likely from biological breakdown of organic matter in the wastewater or soil. Smells like this usually originate from reduced sulfur compounds. K2 is correct that you must address the wetness first. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)or baking soda(NaHCO3) both absorb sulfur and can eliminate the odor. Calcium carbonate is basicly like crushed limestone or sea shells and is inexpensive and non-hazardous (NOT calcium hydroxide). Baking soda is well known for odor control, and might work as soda ash (Na2CO3 not as reactive). These materials are economically available in 50 lb sacks.
Sorry about the chemistry stuff, but it works on odor.
Sorry about the chemistry stuff, but it works on odor.
Hey there tomh!
Haven't "seen" you on the BBS much lately--how'ya doin'? (Or it could be that I'm just "spacing it" again...)
I believe that standing water (of the type mentioned in this post) has the potential to undermine foundations. That's one reason I don't like to hear of it. I further wonder about it being "sandy" down there. Sand may be porous (except in this case), but I think it would be subject to erosion.
Interesting chemistry lesson, though....good luck with that smell, janko!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
Haven't "seen" you on the BBS much lately--how'ya doin'? (Or it could be that I'm just "spacing it" again...)
I believe that standing water (of the type mentioned in this post) has the potential to undermine foundations. That's one reason I don't like to hear of it. I further wonder about it being "sandy" down there. Sand may be porous (except in this case), but I think it would be subject to erosion.
Interesting chemistry lesson, though....good luck with that smell, janko!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
