On the flats
Homes on the lower ground along the Cowlitz often see water come up from below during long rains, collecting in the lowest part of the crawl space. Drain pipe through those low areas, sloped to a sump basin, is the usual approach.
On the hillsides
On Kelso's eastern slopes, water soaking into the hill above the house can arrive at the foundation and seep through on the uphill side. Drain pipe along that wall intercepts it before it spreads across the crawl space. Kelso's history — including the Aldercrest–Banyon landslide, which followed years of heavy rain — is a reminder that water on hillsides deserves attention.
What a Kelso drainage inspection covers
- Where water collects and how high it gets
- Which wall or area it comes from
- Gutters, downspouts and the grade around the house
- Room to trench, or whether a dig out is needed
- Damage to insulation, plastic and posts from past water
After the drainage
Once water has a way out, a new vapor barrier keeps the space clean and helps control moisture. Posts that sat in water should be checked — see post and beam repair in Kelso.
What affects drainage scope in Kelso
- Whether water rises from below (flats) or arrives from the uphill side (slopes)
- The length of drain pipe needed to intercept it
- Gravity outlet vs. a sump pump
- Room to trench, or the need for a dig out
- A new barrier and any repairs to water-damaged supports
Drainage outside the crawl space
On hillside lots especially, how roof and surface water are handled above the house affects how much reaches the crawl space. Downspouts that discharge onto the slope, or yard drains that empty near the foundation, can feed water straight to the uphill wall. We'll point out what we see; some of those fixes are simple, and some are a job for a landscaper or drainage contractor working outside.
Questions from Kelso homeowners
Water comes in on one side of my Kelso crawl space. Why?
Often it's the uphill side, or the side where roof water collects. We'll trace it.
Do you install sump pumps with the drain pipes?
When the water can't drain by gravity, yes.
How do I get an estimate?
Getting started is easy. Call or text (360) 470-4956, or fill out the form on this page. We'll learn what's going on beneath your home, schedule a time to take a look, and give you a straightforward drainage estimate.