If you decide to install your dehumidifier in a crawl space, there are a few steps you need to take prior to installation.

1.First, you will need clean out any debris that may be cluttering up the crawl space. This will make sure that there are no hidden problems such as cracks in the foundation. It will also ensure that the vapor barrier can be installed properly. In addition, cleaning out any unnecessary items will make it much easier to move around in the crawl space. Being able to move around more easily is useful for a hassle free installation, as well as for future maintenance that may need to be done.

2.After the crawl space is clear, you will need to inspect it for any potential issues so they can be fixed prior to installation. For instance, you may notice signs of pests or rodents in the crawl space. The crawl space could also show signs of structural issues, such as damaged floor joists or girders. Most importantly, you need to ensure that all signs of excess moisture are taken care of. This could be anything from puddles of water to leaking pipes.

If not taken care of prior to installation, these issues could prevent your dehumidifier from running effectively. Consequently, if you discover any problems be sure to either repair them yourself or call the necessary people to take care of them.

3.Once the issues have been repaired, it’s time to seal the openings in the crawl space. If your crawl space is not sealed properly, your new dehumidifier will never be effective. Everything from the ceiling to foundation vents needs to be properly sealed. To quickly test if your crawl space is completely sealed, complete the following test. First, close the access door, then turn off all of the lights. Once that is done, check to make sure that no light is coming into the crawl space.

4.The final step in preparing your crawl space is to install the vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is a heavy duty plastic sheeting used to keep moisture out of the crawl space. Having a vapor barrier also makes it easier to move around in the crawl space. If you want a vapor barrier that works effectively, be sure to use polyethylene that is at least 10 mil. thick.Furthermore, be sure to overlap the seams by at least 12 inches and seal all joints with adhesive during installation.

To help make dehumidifier installation hassle free, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1.As we discussed earlier, it’s important to prep your crawl space prior to installation. It’s much easier to fix the problems now rather than let them get worse. If you need a refresher, refer back to the crawl space prep section.

2.After the crawl space is prepared, it’s time to decide what area of the crawl space is best for the dehumidifier. You will need access to a 115V, 60Hz, 3-Prong GFI outlet with a 15 amp time delay fuse or circuit breaker. It’s helpful to place it somewhere easily accessible to make routine maintenance easier. Another important factor is set up for the drainage system. The NXT60 can’t sit directly on the ground unless the unit is feeding directly into a sump pump next to it. Elevation is required for water to flow through the gravity drain.

3.Once you’ve located the perfect spot, you need to create a base for the dehumidifier. This could be anything from a level pad to blocks, as long as it’s a stable mounting location.

4.Now that you have the base set up, you can finally add the machine. Carefully bring in the dehumidifier and set it on top of the base. Make sure that the dehumidifier is level before proceeding.

5.After the dehumidifier is level, you need to direct the exhaust outlet into the desired location. Typically, you will want to choose the longest, unobstructed dimension in the crawl space.

6.At this point, you can set up the gravity drain. The drain line should be routed to a suitable drain on the outside. It must flow downward without any loops or dips. In most situations, transitioning from the drain line to PVC pipe is the best option. See the RecommendedGravity Drain Section for further details.

7.That’s it for installation, now you’re ready to plug in your machine and turn it on! Prior to leaving the crawl space, don’t forget to check the unit’s serial number so you can activate your dehumidifiers warranty.

Recommended Gravity Drain Option

The WatchDog NXT60 comes standard with 12” of drain line. If you need the drain line to be longer, it’s useful to transition to PVC pipe or you may have difficulty keeping the drain line unkinked.

Tools Needed:
•3/4” OD PVC, long enough to reach your desired drainage spot
•3/4” PVC elbow
•approx. 6” 3/4” OD PVC

1. First, insert the longer section of PVC into the elbow. (Note: Keep the length of PVC drain pipe to a minimum)

3. Next, insert the 6” section of PVC onto the other end of the elbow.

4. Finally, insert the open end of the drain line into the 6” section of PVC. Make sure the drain line will flow into the tubing, however, you don’t want it extending into the PVC elbow.

5. Support the PVC tubing as necessary, so that it can maintain a smooth, downward flow to the drain.

6. Prior to leaving the crawl space, verify that the gravity drain is working properly.

One of the most obvious reasons for buying a crawl space dehumidifier is to improve the air quality of your home. Without a dehumidifier to maintain the environment, you may be forced to deal with high humidity and all of its issues. When your home is too humid, it often feels clammy and stuffy, which can create an uncomfortable living situation. In addition, poor air quality can aggravate medical issues, like asthma or allergies. Furthermore, if the humidity persists and leads to mold or mildew, this creates severe health problems for the occupants.

If you’re not quite sure if your home is experiencing high humidity, look for signs such as condensation in windows, peeling paint, or warped floors. Too much humidity also makes it difficult for your HVAC to maintain its desired temperature so if you start to notice higher utility bills, excess humidity could be the problem.

One of the best ways to prevent these issues is to control your crawl space environment. Believe it or not, the air quality of your crawl space affects your entire home thanks to the stack effect. The stack effect is an air movement principle that explains the movement of air in and out of buildings. It states that warm air will be drawn into the crawl space and rise upwards. As the warm air rises, the moist, humid air lingering in your crawl space will be pulled with it and spread throughout the home. The good news is that by installing a crawl space dehumidifier, you can take care of that humid air and prevent the stack effect.

Not only can high humidity be harmful to people but, it also has a negative effect on the condition of your home. Excessive moisture from humidity can create a multitude of problems for the structure of your home. These problems often start out small such as condensation buildup in windows or doors that don’t align properly. Gradually, these problems will worsen and may turn into structural problems like wood rot, sagging floors, or subfloor damage.

All of these issues start with excess humidity so, in order to prevent them, it’s essential to maintain the proper moisture level in your home. The best thing to do is to install a crawl space dehumidifier. With the help of its built-in humidistat, the dehumidifier will be able to easily maintain your desired humidity level.

Not only can high humidity be harmful to people but, it also has a negative effect on the condition of your home. Excessive moisture from humidity can create a multitude of problems for the structure of your home. These problems often start out small such as condensation buildup in windows or doors that don’t align properly. Gradually, these problems will worsen and may turn into structural problems like wood rot, sagging floors, or subfloor damage.

All of these issues start with excess humidity so, in order to prevent them, it’s essential to maintain the proper moisture level in your home. The best thing to do is to install a crawl space dehumidifier. With the help of its built-in humidistat, the dehumidifier will be able to easily maintain your desired humidity level.

Not only can high humidity be harmful to people but, it also has a negative effect on the condition of your home. Excessive moisture from humidity can create a multitude of problems for the structure of your home. These problems often start out small such as condensation buildup in windows or doors that don’t align properly. Gradually, these problems will worsen and may turn into structural problems like wood rot, sagging floors, or subfloor damage.

All of these issues start with excess humidity so, in order to prevent them, it’s essential to maintain the proper moisture level in your home. The best thing to do is to install a crawl space dehumidifier. With the help of its built-in humidistat, the dehumidifier will be able to easily maintain your desired humidity level.

Not only can high humidity be harmful to people but, it also has a negative effect on the condition of your home. Excessive moisture from humidity can create a multitude of problems for the structure of your home. These problems often start out small such as condensation buildup in windows or doors that don’t align properly. Gradually, these problems will worsen and may turn into structural problems like wood rot, sagging floors, or subfloor damage.

All of these issues start with excess humidity so, in order to prevent them, it’s essential to maintain the proper moisture level in your home. The best thing to do is to install a crawl space dehumidifier. With the help of its built-in humidistat, the dehumidifier will be able to easily maintain your desired humidity level.

Not only can high humidity be harmful to people but, it also has a negative effect on the condition of your home. Excessive moisture from humidity can create a multitude of problems for the structure of your home. These problems often start out small such as condensation buildup in windows or doors that don’t align properly. Gradually, these problems will worsen and may turn into structural problems like wood rot, sagging floors, or subfloor damage.

All of these issues start with excess humidity so, in order to prevent them, it’s essential to maintain the proper moisture level in your home. The best thing to do is to install a crawl space dehumidifier. With the help of its built-in humidistat, the dehumidifier will be able to easily maintain your desired humidity level.

Not only can high humidity be harmful to people but, it also has a negative effect on the condition of your home. Excessive moisture from humidity can create a multitude of problems for the structure of your home. These problems often start out small such as condensation buildup in windows or doors that don’t align properly. Gradually, these problems will worsen and may turn into structural problems like wood rot, sagging floors, or subfloor damage.

All of these issues start with excess humidity so, in order to prevent them, it’s essential to maintain the proper moisture level in your home. The best thing to do is to install a crawl space dehumidifier. With the help of its built-in humidistat, the dehumidifier will be able to easily maintain your desired humidity level.