Figuring out whether your property has proper drainage is essential for protecting it long-term and preventing depreciation. A lack of drainage can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even subsidence in the backyard. Many of these problems then lead on to costly repairs.
The purpose of this guide is to give you a heads up. We look at some of the key signs your property has water damage and what potentially you can do about it.
Standing water or puddles
A bit of standing water or a few puddles around your property aren’t usually something you need to worry about. But if you notice them lingering around for more than a day or two after it’s rained, it could indicate you have a problem.
Often, standing water means that you don’t have the right drainage or grading on your property. If the water is close to the foundations, it can seep into them and weaken them over time. It can also lead to wet patches on your masonry.
The best way to deal with this is to get a contractor for grading. These professionals can tell you about the current state of the topology of your plot and what you need to do to improve it. They can often grade the land so that water flows away more easily after rain, so it doesn’t get stuck in puddles around your buildings and cause some damage.
You may also need to look into things like soil composition and compaction. If the soil isn’t allowing water to flow through it, then it can build up around the hard scathing elements on your property leading to further damage down the road.
Slow interior drains and gurgling
Interestingly, slow interior drains and gurgling could also indicate a problem with drainage and grading issues on your property, especially if you’ve ruled out plumbing problems. Many homeowners have persistent slow sinks and showers that just won’t drain properly, despite the fact that pipe inspections show that everything’s clear.
Usually, this just means that the grade of the land is wrong, and that the pipes that run to the main sewer are at too shallow an angle. This can then lead to backups in your system.
To deal with this problem, you’ll need to relay the pipes underground leading out of the exterior of your home. If there isn’t enough pressure to push waste water into the sewer system, then often it means digging work on your land.
More pests and mosquitoes
Depending on where you live, poor drainage can also lead to more pests and mosquitoes on your property. Standing water is a breeding ground for many insects, including ants and termites, which love moist conditions. If drainage isn’t working properly, then more of these can appear on your lot.
Check the locations of standing water on your property and see if a grading expert can help you. They can often tell you about changing the compaction of the soil and how it may improve water flow and runoff away from your property.
Dead plants and grass
Dead plants and grass at the wrong time of the year is another indication that your property might have a grading or drainage issue. If water can’t drain from the soil, it becomes saturated, eventually suffocating the flora trying to grow in it. Dying trees and shrubs are particularly common, suggesting that the roots have poor oxygen access.
You can fix this problem by changing how drainage works under the soil. Sometimes you’ll need to irrigate the land or provide drainage channels. You may also need to replace some of the soil or turn it over.
Stains in basements and crawl spaces
Stains in basements and crawl spaces is a surefire sign that you have an issue with how exterior water is draining. If you notice musty odors or dampness, or see water stains and mildew in the home, then this can be a problem.
The best way to deal with this problem is to ensure that all rainwater is diverted away from the house. This protects your property and keeps your building safe.
Foundation cracks
Another thing you’ll want to look for is foundation cracks. These often show up on properties with poor drainage, often in combination with bulging walls.
Cracks form because of uneven water pressure building up under the foundations. When different parts of the soil surrounding the property exert different levels of pressure, it leads to tension in the structure, which often results in cracks. These cracks often form around joins in the wall, often going from the patio to the wall itself. If you see these types of cracks, it may mean that you need to drain the area around your home and then staple the foundations in place to stop them from slipping anymore.
Soil erosion
You may also notice soil erosion around your home, including bare patches and exposed roots. This also indicates a problem on your property with drainage. Soil can wash away easily if the surface isn’t held down properly.
Usually, soil erosion indicates that water is flowing forcefully in a direction it shouldn’t be. Soil on your property should remain in place long-term, so if it doesn’t, it means that you need to divert water to a safer channel.
The best way to deal with this problem is to install storm drains around your home. Please collect water and channel it away safely so that it can be disposed of.
Soggy lawn
Finally, you could have a drainage problem on your property if you have a soggy lawn. If you notice that the lawn remains muddy or spongy long after rain has gone, then it may mean that water can’t drain properly and is being contained on your property. If the grass dies, it also indicates that there is so much water that it is suffocating the roots.
If you want to deal with this problem, then get a landscaping professional to help you. They often have tools and techniques that can drain soggy lawns and return your garden.
A penny for your thoughts?