It is crucial not to ignore any alarming water issues in a home or any sort of property. In this post we’re reviewing four important elements when it comes to managing water.
Grading and Slope
Weather and the water it brings starts outside, so when looking for ways to improve water shed, start there. The way in which your home is situated on your property and the land around it effects how your home wards off flooding or seepage. Most importantly, the ground should slope away from your home, even if just slightly. Your foundation should never be showing, with soil up to the top and then graded downward and out. Otherwise, you are inviting water to roll back towards you instead of away, including water dispensed from gutters and your roof. Water always follows the path of least resistance.
Drains and Gutters
Drainage and gutter systems are crucial in directing water away from your home and often work hand in hand for optimal water shed. Making sure your gutters are clear of debris, drop outlets aren’t blocked, and downspouts are properly aimed away or into drainage ways will assure that water makes it off of your roof. Misdirected or disconnected downspouts often account for pooling water after or during storms. Along with gutter systems, drainage systems are extremely important. They take water from the ground around your home and either direct it away from your home, or to your sump pump to pump out and away. A broken drain tile or clogged window well drain are common culprits to basement seepage, flooding, and foundation issues.
Sump Pumps
One of the number one reasons basements flood are faulty sump pumps. Often overlooked but central to water shed and a dry basement, this small piece of equipment should be checked often and have a backup battery installed. Power failure during storms or loss of electricity is frequently the culprit for sump pump failure and flooding. Many homeowners do not realize their sump pump has lost power until it’s too late. All the water the ground, roof, and drain tiles pools in your sump pit, where the sump pump then pumps it out and away. Without the pump working, the water just keeps coming, floods the pit, and then your basement.
90% of basements in the U.S. experience water damage at one point in their life spans
Warning Signs When Buying
Imperfections are normal when buying a home, with over 90% of basements in the U.S. experiencing water damage at one point in their life spans, but there are some red flags that should not be ignored when looking to purchase a home. With water and flooding being common, a one-time sump pump failure or a clogged drain that has been fixed should not scare you away from your dream home. However, active or reoccurring water shed issues should. Water marks or rust on basement walls and supports should be inspected carefully, and any moldy or mildewy smells should be taken note of. Water marks on ceilings, walls, and corners can be signs of a damaged roof or gutter system. Pooling water in the yard or near the home should also be investigated for problems with drainage or grading. Foundation sinkage can also be a tell tale sign that water isn’t being properly shed and is pooling under and shifting your home. It’s always wise to protect yourself and get a home inspection before buying!