If you live in Toledo, Ohio, you know how quickly a heavy rain can turn into a moisture problem around your home. That is exactly what happened to a local homeowner whose rear crawl space kept filling with water after storms. Even after rerouting their downspouts away from the house, they were still finding several inches of standing water and musty air beneath the floors. That is when they called Toledo Basement Repair for a crawl space waterproofing solution that would actually last.
Identifying the Problem
During our inspection, we found about four inches of water in the rear crawl space after the last big rain. The soil was saturated and there was no proper drainage path for groundwater. Moisture was pooling against the foundation walls and creeping across the floor, which can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and unpleasant odors inside the home.
The homeowner had already taken a smart first step by extending the downspouts and directing roof water away from the area. Unfortunately, the grade around the rear foundation still sloped the wrong way and groundwater was trapped. On top of that, the crawl space had poor ventilation, so humid, stale air was just sitting under the house.
To protect this Toledo, Ohio home, we needed a full crawl space waterproofing system that could move water out quickly and improve the air quality at the same time.
Crafting the Right Solution
Our team designed a complete crawl space waterproofing plan tailored to this property.
Correcting the Exterior Grade
First, we addressed the outside of the home. We installed up to four tons of topsoil along the rear crawl space foundation. This allowed us to correct the grade so water now flows away from the house instead of toward it. Good grading is a simple but powerful step that helps every other part of the system work better.
New Sump System for Groundwater Control
Next, we installed a closed sump system to handle groundwater beneath the crawl space. The setup included:
One GrateSump liner (crock) placed in the lowest point of the crawl space
A floor drain that directs water into the sump basin
A Fast Sump pump, a 1/3 hp AC powered pump that moves up to 2,400 gallons per hour at 10 feet of head pressure
A silent check valve that prevents water from flowing back into the system
We ran the discharge line to a shallow drainage basin about ten feet away from the home. For extra protection in our Toledo winters, we added an IceCop device to keep the discharge working even during freezing temperatures.
To give the homeowner peace of mind, we finished the sump with a high water alarm. If the water level ever rises too high because of a power outage or pump issue, the alarm will sound and let the homeowner know right away.
Multi-Flow DrainTile System
To keep water from ever pooling in the crawl space again, we installed an 82-foot Multi-Flow drain tile system along the interior perimeter. Multi-Flow’s rugged, low-profile design allows shallow installation, which means water can enter the system faster. The core is wrapped in a thick geotextile fabric that keeps sand and soil out of the flow channels, so the system stays clear and working for many years. Stone around the tile improves drainage and directs water efficiently to the sump.
EZ Breathe Air Exchanger
Finally, we upgraded the air quality with an EZ Breathe Air Exchanger. Most homes simply recirculate the same indoor air, which can trap moisture, odors, and airborne contaminants. EZ Breathe continuously exhausts stale, damp air from the crawl space and pulls in fresh air from the living areas.
This helps:
Reduce triggers for asthma and allergies
Remove musty odors and pollutants
Actively control humidity and moisture
Even though the unit is installed in one area, it affects the entire home by creating a gentle, whole-house air exchange.
Delivering Lasting Results
With the grading corrected, the Multi-Flow drain tile in place, and the new sump system working together, groundwater now has a clear path away from the crawl space. Standing water is no longer an issue and the foundation in this Toledo, Ohio home is protected from long-term moisture damage.
The EZ Breathe system keeps the air under the home cleaner and drier, which means fewer odors, less risk of mold, and a healthier living environment upstairs. The homeowner now enjoys greater peace of mind, knowing that their crawl space waterproofing system is constantly controlling both water and air quality.
Conclusion
If you are in Toledo, Ohio and you have a wet, musty crawl space or notice standing water after heavy rains, Toledo Basement Repair is ready to help. Our team can inspect your home, design a custom crawl space waterproofing solution, and install reliable systems like Multi-Flow drain tile, sump pumps, and EZ Breathe ventilation.
Do not wait for water problems to spread to the rest of your home. Contact Toledo Basement Repair today and keep your Toledo crawl space clean, dry, and healthy for years to come.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.
