4 Signs Your Home has Drainage Problems and How to Fix Them
Let’s talk drainage.
Whenever I tackle a project, I always consider proper drainage in my design. Proper drainage is not only important for maintaining a beautiful lawn and landscape - it also prevents deeper issues that could cause structural damage to your home. Recognizing drainage problems and fixing them when they are small will help save money and headaches down the line.
How to Spot a Drainage Problem
You may have a drainage problem if you notice:
Dead grass: Grass will change color and die if it is underwater for too long.
Wet spots: Water will puddle and create muddy areas that attract mosquitoes and are difficult to mow.
Mold/mildew: Drainage issues sometimes cause foul-smelling odors or water stains in your basement.
Rotting wood: Long-term drainage issues will weaken your housing structure.
Common Reasons for Drainage Problems
Here are some of the most common things we look at when evaluating your yard for drainage issues:
Installation of downspouts and gutters
Overall grading of your lawn
Run-off from neighboring areas
Overall landscape design
Obstructions and damage to drainage pipes
Surface depressions
After identifying the root cause of the drainage issue, likely from one of the above-mentioned areas of inspection, we design a plan to correct the issue(s) in a way that is structurally sustainable but also aesthetically cohesive with the rest of your outdoor design.
How to Maintain Proper Drainage
After we’ve made sure your yard has a functioning drainage system, I give my clients these tips to maintain proper drainage:
Check your gutters: Not only does maintaining clean gutters prevent overflow, but installing gutter extensions ensures that gutters are properly sending water away from your house and yard to mitigate drainage issues.
Check your water drains: Keeping exit and entry ports clean and clear of debris can be a simple solution to drainage problems.
Remember, it is important to have someone with the proper experience and knowledge evaluate and solve your drainage issues. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions and be sure to follow us on Instagram for more tips about caring for your outdoor spaces.