How to Identify Drainage Problems Around the Home

The attic of a house contains structural components and plays a role in making the house energy efficient. At the same time, the attics are the least maintained areas of a house. Inspection of an attic can help to find out the leakages in the roof and can also help to assess the constitution of the structural components of the building. Drainage problems in a home can be a headache. They can make the building look ugly and make the place unhygienic. Drainage problems that persist for a longer period of time can lead to costly repairs for your house. It is necessary to identify drainage problems as soon as possible and fix them to keep the place hygienic.

Signs to Identify Problems in Drainage System

There are some common signs that indicate the drainage problems in a house. Those signs are given below:

  1. Overflowing Gutters

Gutters overflow only when they are clogged. If the gutters of your home overflow when more than normal routine water is poured into the drainage system or at the time of heavy rains, it indicates a problem with your drainage system.

  1. Slow Drain

The clogged drainage system causes slow drains even within a house. The water in the shower, sink, and toilet drains will go down slowly. 

  1. Unpleasant Smells

Sometimes the problems with the drainage system can be assessed by the smell. If there is constant stagnant water at any place in the home, the foul smell will be experienced. In such conditions only professionals’ solutions can help you get rid of stagnant water and bad smell.

  1. Water in the Basement

The poor drainage system can cause the water to pool down in the basement. This sign can be experienced when there is a high usage of water. In normal conditions, the seepage may remain unnoticed.

  1. Water Pooling Around House

If there is constant water pooling in the yard around the house, it also indicates a leakage or blockage in the drainage system. In such cases, the residents also experience mosquito infestation.

  1. Soil Erosion

A constant overflow of water causes soil erosion in the surrounding areas. Due to persistent flooding and soil erosion, the growth of plants is affected around the house.

  1. Pest Infestation

Stagnant water provides a suitable environment for insects to infest, especially mosquitoes. Thus, problems in the drainage system can lead to further health issues.

  1. Mold Infestation

The places with high moisture content are favorable for the mold to grow. Mold can damage the property as well as pose health risks to the residents in the house.

  1. Cracks in the Foundation

Small cracks in the foundation can develop over time. However, bigger cracks caused by water seeping into the concrete can be problematic and may require extensive repair work.

If you see any of the above-mentioned signs of drainage problems in your home, it’s time to get it inspected and ask the experts for suitable solutions.

What Causes Drainage Problems in a Home

There can be many causes for the problems in the drainage system. The most common factors are mentioned below:

Blockage in Drainage System

Any blockage in gutters or downspouts can cause drainage problems. This blockage can be due to dead leaves or debris accumulated there.

Improper Grading

The pooling of water around your home can be due to improper grading. It indicates that there is not an adequate slope of the drainage system.

Leakage in Pipes

Any leakage in the drain pipes can cause seepage or leaking in the building. This can cause cracks in the foundation and walls.

How to Fix Drainage Problems Around the Home?

First of all, you must know the actual reason behind the drainage problem. To find out the exact cause of the drainage problem, it is better to get the home inspected. There might be a possibility of a collapsed pipe around the house. The drainage system can be improved with the help of the following steps:

Cleaning Gutters

Gutters around the home should be cleaned in case they have any debris or dead leaves compromising their efficiency. If the inspection report suggests, new gutters should be built around the home.

Improving Downspouts

If water is pooling down the foundation, it is better to check the downspouts. Extending the downspout is usually recommended to ensure drainage away from the building.

Improving Grading

Improving grading in the yard around the home can also help to ensure a better flow for the water to drain. It can deal with problems like stagnant water around the house.

When to Call an Expert?

If there is any issue with the drainage system, you need experts’ help to find the root cause and a way to resolve the issue. Managing the drainage problems on your own can make the situation worse and more complex for the expert to restore it.

To keep the drainage system working fine, keep the gutters and downspouts clean and in case of any problem, contact us to inspect your place and provide you with the best possible solutions.