Finding a drainage problem early on is key. While the issue is still small and easily fixable, it may save you thousands of major hassles in the long run.
If you happen to stumble upon puddles in your basement or a river coursing through your backyard, you can probably tell something is not quite right. It doesn’t take an expert to assess water drainage issues, just a bit of attentiveness.
Still, quite a few home drainage issues are not so apparent…
This is why, today, we bring you this guide to help you address the issues early on. Save money by fixing the drainage problem before it worsens!
1. Overflowing Gutters
Gutters tend to get quite clogged up with fallen leaves and other rubble that obstruct the passage of water. And an overflow over the gutter is precisely the result of this.
And it doesn’t have to be raining for you to be able to tell something is wrong. Typically, you should be able to spot other telltale indicators like vertical streaks of dirt down the gutter exterior or mud splatters.
Failing to fix this issue can lead to rotten gutters, ruined paint jobs, and even structural damage!
2. Dumping Downspouts
Each drop of rain on the roof can amount to gallons-worth of runoff – quite enough to fill a residential swimming pool. And having that much water dumped so close to your home’s foundation may direct the leak to the basement.
The possible results: a flood that will ruin all the furniture, wooden floorings, and whatever items you store there.
3. Water Markings in the Basement
Speaking of water in the basement, just its stains or markings should be enough to make you worry. You can identify how the stain was produced, either by surface water or an underground flow. If it is the latter, you can expect it to cost significantly more and to take a while longer to fix.
4. Foundation Cracks
As homes settle over time, it is not so uncommon to find small cracks in their foundation. The majority of them are absolutely harmless, but the bigger ones are worth keeping an eye on.
You may mark the ends of a crack that is wider than a 1/8 inch and write down the accurate measurement. If when you go back later, the crack has widened, you may have a severe drainage problem in your hands.
5. Wall Deposits
Efflorescence is the phenomenon in which mineral deposits are left behind as water evaporated. If you notice any white or gray patches on your basement walls, it is likely that efflorescence occurred.
Either that or there could be larger patches flaking off – this process is called spalling and is much more worrisome.
6. Mildew on the Roof/Attic
The attic may seem like an odd spot to check for a drainage problem. However, noticing mildew on the underside of the roof is a cause for concern. This seemingly unrelated thing can actually indicate major issues in lower levels.
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