Crawlspace Sump Pump Installation — Huntingtown, MD
A Huntingtown homeowner had standing water in their crawlspace after every heavy rain. We installed a sump pit, a primary sump pump, and a battery backup system. The crawlspace has stayed dry through two major storms since installation.
The Problem
A homeowner in Huntingtown called after finding 3–4 inches of standing water in their crawlspace following a heavy rain. The home was built in the 1970s with no drainage system. The standing water had caused mold growth on the floor joists and was creating a musty odor throughout the home. The homeowner had been using a shop vac to remove water after each storm — a temporary fix that wasn't sustainable.
Our Diagnosis
We inspected the crawlspace and found the water was entering from two sources: groundwater seeping through the foundation walls and surface water running toward the foundation from the yard. The crawlspace had no vapor barrier, no drainage, and no sump system. The floor joists showed early-stage mold growth from repeated wetting. The soil in the crawlspace was saturated.
The Repair Process
- 1Excavated a sump pit (24 inches diameter, 30 inches deep) at the lowest point of the crawlspace
- 2Installed a perforated sump liner with gravel surround for drainage
- 3Installed a Zoeller M53 primary sump pump with cast iron construction
- 4Ran discharge line through the foundation wall to daylight, 10 feet from the foundation
- 5Installed a battery backup sump pump (Zoeller Aquanot) for power outage protection
- 6Installed a high-water alarm to alert the homeowner if water rises above normal levels
- 7Installed a 6-mil vapor barrier over the entire crawlspace floor
- 8Recommended mold remediation for the affected floor joists (performed by separate contractor)
The Outcome
The crawlspace has stayed completely dry through two major storms since installation, including a storm that dropped 4 inches of rain in 24 hours. The musty odor in the home has resolved. The battery backup has activated twice during power outages, keeping the crawlspace dry when the primary pump couldn't run.
Key Takeaway
A battery backup sump pump is not optional in Southern Maryland — power outages during storms are common, and that's exactly when you need the pump most. A primary pump without a backup is only half a solution.
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Annapolis, MD
May 2026
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Southern Maryland
June 2026
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Dunkirk, MD
June 2026
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