Dear Jim: I’m starting to worry about how the rain will affect my home. I’ve noticed some water pooling near the foundation in past storms, but I haven’t done much about it. Is this something I should handle now, or can it wait until later?
Unfortunately, waiting is never the best option when it comes to drainage issues. Pooling water around your foundation isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s often a warning sign of more serious problems brewing under the surface. The good news is that with the right planning and solutions, you can protect your home before the rains start.
The Risks of Putting Off Drainage Fixes
Water pooling around your foundation can cause a cascade of problems. Over time, standing water can lead to foundation cracks and settling. If left unchecked, this damage can invite water into crawl spaces or basements, creating the perfect conditions for mold and mildew. What may seem like a small issue today can quickly grow into a major repair headache if ignored.
But the risks don’t stop at your foundation. Poor drainage can also destroy landscaping, wash away topsoil, and weaken hardscaping like patios and walkways. Once the rainy season is underway, fixing these issues becomes more complicated and expensive.
Why You Need to Act Now
Preparing your drainage systems before the rains start is essential. Once winter hits, contractor schedules fill up, and addressing drainage during a storm can be messy and complicated. Worse, many homeowners find themselves facing preventable damage while waiting for a fix.
Taking action early gives you the chance to inspect your property thoroughly and make a plan without the pressure of immediate storms. It also ensures you have time to secure any necessary permits for drainage work—a process that can take weeks, depending on local regulations. Waiting too long to start the permitting process could leave your home vulnerable just as the rainy season begins.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Inspect Your Drainage Systems: Gutters, downspouts, and surface drains should be cleared of leaves, dirt, and other debris. These systems are your first line of defense, and any blockages can lead to water overflowing and pooling where it shouldn’t.
- Identify Problem Areas: After a light rain, walk around your property and check for pooling water near your foundation, low spots in your yard, or slow-draining areas. Check for water pooling in your crawlspace or indications of mold or efflorescence on your foundations. These are signs that your drainage system may need attention.
- Consult a Professional: A professional drainage assessment can uncover hidden issues, like subsurface water flow or improper grading, and recommend the best solutions tailored to your property.
Acting now can save you from the rush of last-minute fixes during a storm, when contractors are often fully booked, and your options may be limited.
Drainage Solutions to Consider
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for drainage problems, but there are tried-and-true solutions that The right drainage solution depends on your property’s unique needs, but there are several reliable options that can address most problems. French drains, for example, are a highly effective way to redirect water away from your foundation and from getting into your basement or crawlspaces. These systems consist of perforated pipes buried in gravel, which collect and transport water safely away from your home.
For homes with significant roof or yard runoff, downspout extensions or underground piping can ensure water is directed far from your foundation. If your property has areas where water consistently pools, area drains can be installed or where that is not feasible sump pumps can provide active protection by pumping water out and away. For sloped properties, grading adjustments or swales can guide water flow naturally, reducing the risk of erosion and pooling near your home.
Every property is different, which is why a professional assessment is so important. An experienced contractor can help you determine which combination of solutions will best protect your home during the rainy season and beyond.
The Cost of Waiting
I get it—no one wants to think about drainage problems, let alone pay for them. But the reality is, proper drainage is an investment in your home’s future. Foundation repairs caused by water damage can cost large sums of money, while preventative drainage solutions are far more affordable. Acting early means avoiding rushed repairs, high demand during the rainy season, and potentially skyrocketing costs down the road.
Addressing drainage issues now, before the rains come, is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home. Waiting too long often leads to more severe and costly problems. By taking action now, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your home is ready for the rainy season.
If you’d like help assessing your drainage or need advice on solutions, reach out. I’d be happy to make sure your home is ready for whatever this winter brings.
—
Conversations with Your Local Contractor is a feature by Jim Gardner of Jim Gardner Construction Inc. (with articles finessed by Lisa Gardner). If you have residential, homeowner questions OR ideas for an article you’d like Jim to highlight, please send an email to jim@jimgardnerconstruction.com.
Jim is a long-time Piedmont resident and has been doing structural repair and basement renovation in your neighborhood since 1983. To schedule an estimate or for more information please go to our estimate form.