Common Signs of a Severe Drainage Problem

It is paramount to find drainage problems and prevent them when they are minute and easier to fix. That can save you a lot of money and give you peace of mind down the line. You do not need to be a geophysicist to know the puddles in the lake or basement are signs of drainage issues. However, most drainage issues are not obvious. These are some of the signs that you have drainage.

Gushing Gutters

If you have debris and dead leaves at the edge of the gutter, then they are blocking the flow of water. Vertical streaks of dirt on the outside of the gutter, paint peeling off your house, and mud-spattered are some sure signs. In such a case, you need to see this drain clearance and repair company. Remember that action is needed to prevent overflowing gutters from rotting your siding, destroying your paint job, and even causing structural damage.

Downspouts that Dump

You should note that an inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet of roofing produces over 600 gallons of runoff. This is more than enough needed to fill ten bathtubs. Dumping a lot of that water to the foundation sends it directly to the basement, where it ruins your furnishings and the flooring.

Water Stains in the Basement

Depending on where the stains show up, you can tell whether there is a problem as a result of surface water. The good thing about surface water is that it is easy to deal with. The major problem you have is water that travels underground as it can cause a bigger headache.

Significant Erosion

If there is a foundation slab, you should have a close look at it, particularly the flower beds. You should take note of how high the soil is. If the water takes a lot of time to drain, then your yard has drainage problems. That is quite dangerous because the water that sits up against the foundation can cause additional pressure that can cause cracking. Also, it could soften the soil beneath the foundation.

Deposits and Flaking on the Walls

If you spot areas of grey or white crust on the basement walls, that is called efflorescence. Those are mineral deposits that are left behind when the water evaporates. Also, your wall may be flaking at a high rate, a condition known as spalling.

Mildew in the Attic

Although the attic may be a strange place to find drainage problems, having mildew on the underside can be a tip-off to a serious problem.