Signs that Your Property Has Poor Drainage

Without proper drainage, your property is at a much higher risk for damage caused by flooding and erosion. Poor drainage can even negatively affect your home from the foundation up to its roof. This is why it’s vital to keep an eye out for signs of drainage problems in your yard and around your home.

Here are some of the most common red flags to watch for.

1. Soil Erosion in Your Yard

When soil encounters a large amount of water, it can start to move, drop, and slide if the water does not have a drainage avenue. This movement of the soil is what’s called erosion. This type of erosion frequently occurs in flower beds, but you may also see it occurring in more problematic areas, such as around your patio/deck, your walkways, or even your home’s foundation.

2. Water Pools Under Your Downspouts

Your downspout is the part of your gutters located closest to the ground, and its main purpose is to direct the water exiting it away from your home. However, if water pools right underneath your downspouts, this indicates that your downspout is not ideally positioned to direct water away from your home and might even contribute to a water damage issue.

3. You see soil on your sidewalk after it rains.

If water is allowed to accumulate, it can lift topsoil on your property and carry it to other locations. Some common signs of this are soil or mulch left on your sidewalk or clogging the drains in your yard after a rainstorm. This indicates that your property needs a better drainage path or paths to prevent water from accumulating and carrying off your soil.

4. Your crawlspace has puddles or is consistently damp.

Ideally, you never want water to enter your crawlspace because the excess moisture can lead to a number of issues. A moist crawlspace provides a prime environment for mildew and mold, and it also attracts rodents and insects. If your crawlspace contains any unsealed ductwork, mold spores and pest leavings and can infiltrate your air supply and have a negative effect on your indoor air quality.

If you suspect that your home may have water damage, don’t hesitate to contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for a water damage evaluation.