Problems related to drainage are expected for most homeowners. Considering we cannot see the drains in our homes, we can only hope they are functioning well. Nevertheless, there are some initial signs that bring a drainage problem to our attention. If not tended to, these drainage problems pose a risk for various safety, health, and financial issues, when dealing with faulty drainage conditions. To ensure a perfectly working drainage system, we’ve identified seven common drainage problems:
- Irrespective of precautions taken, given the multitude of objects and substances that go down the drain, a blockage in the drain system is inevitable. While it can initially start as a slow-flowing drain, it can worsen to become a blocked drain. At the first sign of a clog, it is crucial to try and remedy it at home. If left unaddressed, it could attract household pests. There are a few inexpensive approaches, such as pouring boiling water or checking your garbage disposal, but a plumber can help with professional drain cleaning if all else fails.
- Gutters and downspouts are essential to the homes’ exteriors and require attention during installation, regular cleaning, and maintenance. Many people taking it upon themselves to do the work independently has led to numerous problems. These are mainly due to improper installation of pipes and inexperience in plumbing. Incorrect installation of pipes can lead to various plumbing issues, damaged tubes, and further damage to other parts of the property. An overflowing drain is a widespread drainage issue that could eventually cause a blocked downspout that doesn’t direct water away from home, causing structural problems.
- Due to extensive wear and tear that drain pipes are subjected to, fractures or cracks can occur, leading to open joints in the pipes. These gaps can cause water leakage, further creating major problems in the surrounding areas, potentially leading to structural damage. Growth of mildew and mold are also signs of leakage and an abundance of moisture. Another concern for cracking and leakage of pipes is a sudden pest infestation as they travel through the breaks in pipelines. Leaky fixtures around the house can also prove to be a nuisance. Thankfully, with timely detection, such issues can be easily corrected. A drainage professional can provide the best course of action to address your immediate needs properly.
- Proper grading ensures water flows away from the house. Especially for areas that need to be paved, such as parking lots or driveways, simply grading them, so they slope away from structures makes all the difference. However, sometimes the builder doesn’t get this right and causes water to flow towards the structure or get trapped, resulting in structural damage. A professional with lots of experience with final grading can make the job much easier by providing detailed grading and drainage plans for the contractor to build.
- Plant roots seeking nourishment can pose a danger to plumbing as they are a source of moisture. Trees and roots have a tendency to damage or block pipework as they grow and spread, especially along the trenches dug around pipes and drains. They can enter the drainage system from several points, usually from pre-existing damaged areas or joints, causing a mess with odors and potential health issues. Using a foaming root killer or drying the roots out with rock salt is essential to keep them from finding their way into the system.
- Heavy rain or storms can cause clogs from debris brought in, leading to overflows or floods. Flooding can again cause significant problems to drainage systems from pressure on pipes and also to the foundation. Outdoor flooding also indicates a lack of proper drainage. Installing a French drain can help redirect surface and groundwater and remove excess water from low areas to an area of your choosing. A French drain is a long trench filled with gravel that provides an accessible channel for water to flow through. It is a convenient solution to avoid property damage.
- Suppose your home is near your neighbor’s. You could still have water damage to your property even after taking all the necessary precautions, just from the water entering your property from your neighbors’. This could happen because your property is situated lower than theirs or even from a flood on their property. It is essential to take the necessary steps to stop water runoff from the neighbors. A French drain comes in handy in such a situation as well. Moreover, you should also take necessary precautions to avoid draining water towards your neighbors, leading to costly legal issues.
All these problems show the importance of regular maintenance of the drainage system to avoid even more expensive problems. While most issues aren’t obvious, the ones mentioned above will help you identify poor drainage and tackle the case accordingly. If you want to rule out any risk to your property due to poor drainage, Design Everest can help. Contact us now and we will provide you with a consultation and a free quote. We also offer virtual on-sites and virtual consultations.
