Blog>Expert Advice>How to fix drainage problems under a house
Last updated: 4 October 2024
How to fix drainage problems under a house
Water pooling, cracks, moisture issues or pests could mean drainage problems under your house. Our guide will guide you through why you've got drainage problems and the best solutions.
Deal with drainage problems under your house promptly.
If left alone, poor drainage can lead to structural damage, mould, and costly repairs.
But can you fix or prevent drainage problems under houses?
Find out everything you need to know about drainage problems and solutions here.
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Common residential drainage problems
Some common residential drainage problems can seriously damage your home.
They can put a big dent in your wallet, too!
Some of the most frequent drainage problems under houses include;
1. Blocked or broken pipes
Damaged, blocked, or broken pipes can cause water to collect around your home.
Water can also seep into foundations, causing them to crack and crumble.
Subsidence can even occur.
Pressure build-up from cracked drains can lead to more cracks, damp, mould, and wood rot. So, don't ignore a broken pipe.
Your drains can also get clogged with anything from food, hair, rodents and tree roots.
When wastewater has nowhere to go, it can lead to sinks, toilets, or showers backing up and overflowing.
2. Poor grading
Poor grading is when the land/ground around your home slopes towards it.
Problems with grading can lead to;
Soil erosion
Surface run-off
Water pooling
Poor drainage
Structural damage
Cracks in the foundation
3. Clogged gutters
You might not think clogged gutters can cause drainage problems under your house.
But they can.
If your gutters overflow, water can pool around your foundations. This can then lead to structural damage.
Find out how to clean your gutters with this guide.
How to spot residential drainage problems
Notice residential drainage problems quickly to avoid a hefty repair bill.
Look out for these signs of residential drainage problems;
Foundation cracks or settling
Water stains on interior walls or floors
Damp or musty smells in the basement
Water pooling in your garden or around the house
Soil erosion or soggy grass/grass that ddoesn'tdrain
Sewer smells suggest a problem with the main sewer line
Slow-draining sinks, baths or showers in the home
Have you noticed any of these signs?
Don't hesitate to investigate or ask a professional for help fixing drainage problems around the house.
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Drain problems and troubleshooting
If you feel comfortable diagnosing the issue, here are a few simple ways to troubleshoot drain problems;
1. Inspect pipes for damage or clogs
Check for cracks or damage if you can access the pipes or drains
Look for water stains, puddles that won't drain, or soft spots in your grass
Check gutters and downspouts for damage or debris causing water to overflow
2. Check the angle of your grading
Check the slope around the ground of your home.
For the first six to ten feet, the soil should slope away from your house at one inch per foot.
Is your slope less than this? Or even worse, does the ground slope towards your house?
You might need to regrade the soil around your home.
A professional landscaper can help with this.
3. Search for soil erosion
When soil erodes near your foundation, the cause is often poor drainage.
Look for these signs when spotting soil erosion;
Exposed tree roots
Altered soil levels
Ravine-like patterns in the soil
Sudden dirt on driveways, walkways, walls or windows
Washed out soil, especially after heavy rain
Determining the cause of drainage problems can be challenging.
When you've exhausted all these steps and are no closer to finding the cause, a professional drain service can help.
They have the skills, experience and tools to diagnose the issue and recommend repairs.
Fixing drainage problems around the home
Once you find the cause of your drainage problem, find a solution as soon as possible.
The solution will depend on the nature and severity of the drainage issue.
Some common ways to fix drainage problems include;
1. Fix the grading
If poor grading is causing drainage problems around your home, it might be fixable.
Regrade the soil to slope away from the house at the correct gradient, allowing water to flow away from your property.
Contact a reliable landscaper near you.
2. Replace or replace broken pipes
If pipes are damaged or cracked inside or outside the home, replace or repair them immediately.
You can have the pipes relined if the damage to your pipes is minor.
But for more significant issues, you may need to have them replaced.
A plumber or drain service professional can help you get your pipes tip-top again.
3. Install a French Drain
French drains redirect water away from the foundations of your home.
It's a highly effective solution to drain problems under houses.
A French drain comprises a trench filled with gravel and perforated pipes to collect water. It then moves the water away from areas where it doesn't drain.
Find out about French drains here.
4. Install a sump pump
If you have a basement or a crawl space, installing a sump pump can prevent water from accumulating.
Sump pumps automatically remove excess water from below-ground areas to prevent flooding.
5. Soil stabilisation
Stabilising the ground around your home can help to deal with soil erosion.
Try adding retaining walls, ground cover plants, or altering your landscaping. Optimising your landscaping can prevent further erosion or water pooling.
6. Maintain gutters and downspouts
Gutters can cause problems when not properly maintained.
Keep your gutters clean and downspouts adequately positioned. Your downspouts should direct water away to ten feet from your home.
This allows water to flow away from your home and prevents drainage problems.
Can I fix my drainage problem?
You might be able to fix some drainage problems yourself.
But, if the problem is too big to handle, a professional repair may be a better option.
If not properly repaired, a drainage problem can lead to structural issues. You might even have to spend more money later on further repairs.
Ready to find the right residential drain specialist to help?
Pop your postcode in the box below to get started.
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