Drying out crawlspace with fan...

[KB9UDE]

Hi all

I am looking to dry out some water in my crawlspace after a plumbing issue. I have sucked up several gallons of water off the concrete floor in the crawlspace but have an idea to get an attic fan set in the 2ft opening to help draw air through and dry it all out. What do you all think?? I am looking at a 1620 CFM attic gable fan to do the job.

 

[schmism]

a dehumidifier would be much more effective for a large influx of water.

the fan/moving air (aka vents) is good for controlling humidity long term but for a short term influx of moisture.... go with a dehumidifier.

 

[/pine]

the relative humidity will be a factor in how fast it dries out but generally the more air the better...is there adequate ventilation (opposite the wet area) for the fan to draw from ?

 

[KB9UDE]

Yes I can get adequate air flow for the fan. I do not have any moisture problems otherwise even in the most humid conditions. I had a pipe come apart and drain unknown gallons of water on the concrete floor.

 

[Pilot]

You can rent a dehumidifier. We did that for a rental our church owns after a pipe fitting came loose.

You can get a digital moisture meter from Harbor Freight for less than $20. I got one and readings matched exactly with the fancy brand one the insurance adjuster had.

 

[DennisArrow]

A dehumidifier isnt gonna dry out the concrete and soaked in water half as good as just opening all the ventilation to the exterior that you can and direct that big fan directly on the floor at an angle...........Should not take more than a day or two to get it back to a "normal" situation..........God bless.......Dennis

 

[KB9UDE]

I am going to try the fan soon. What is the best for drying...Forcing air into crawlspace OR trying to suck air out??

 

[bearhawk]

Forcing air over is better.
Flooded Basement Carpet Fan

 

[clemsonfor]

Concrete crawl space? around here there dirt. Mine had a moisture problem from the ground adn not enough foundation vents. I put up extra plastic to shield the moisture and a small 10" desk fan from wal mart to move air and in 5 days it was dry. I think you can prolly buy one of those powerful home fans from walmart for about $50 and come out cheaper . But this time of year its hard to find fans all you find is heaters. Id go the fan route much cheaper than a $400 dehumidifier. those gable fans are nice i put one in my attic this summer, the larger one from Lowes.

 

[DanD78]

With the great weather we are having now a fan blowing in would work fine.

Planning on a 4 wheeler ride this week end in your area.

Dan