Have recent summer rains left your yards a swampy mess? It could be that your home does not have proper drainage. Here are some helpful dos and don’ts to safeguarding your home from landscape flooding and water damage.
Dos
- Do install trench and channel drains. Drains contain and direct water so it doesn’t pool in inconvenient locations.
- Do allow drainage runoff to channel back into the earth, where natural processes can filter it before it flows into rivers, lakes and oceans.
- Do utilize in-ground drainage systems. Installing drainage systems in or right below the surface improves the draining ability of your home, and keeps bulky pipes out of sight from your charming landscape.
- Do ensure the foundation of your home is sloped. States have building with specific measurements to improve runoff management, but it’s a good idea to check before making changes to your home or the surrounding area.
Don’ts
- Don’t dig trenches. Without proper drainage materials, trenches can create muddy pools that can overflow quickly and cause more harm than good.
- Don’t pollute by allowing runoff to flow directly into the drainpipe. When debris and chemicals come directly from the roof into important water sources, it can cause problems. Attempt to filter the water through plants or soil before sending it down the drainpipe.
- Don’t ignore mold, mildew or dampness in your basement. These could be key indicators of a drainage problem around your home. Water damage should be fixed immediately or they can cause severe damage to the foundation of your home.
- Don’t channel drainage towards the house. For obvious reasons, sending water back at the home can create pools of standing water that will damage the home.
- Don’t fight the natural slope of your home. Maximize the natural peaks and valleys of your yard for easy drainage maintenance.
- Don’t go it alone. Consult a professional before installing drainage systems or redoing the landscape of your home.
Instead of letting your lawn turn into a lake during heavy rains, give the experts at The Grounds Guys a call for advice and tips on irrigation and proper drainage.