Water drainage is a serious issue thanks to Houston’s rainy climate. With improper drainage comes floods, mildew, and other forms of water damage to your home and lawn. The best way to stay above water is to get to know your home’s drainage system so you can identify problems early on and have a plan to correct any issues you find. Let’s get to know your home drainage system. 

What is a Drainage System? 

Your home’s drainage system is essentially the way in which your home expels water and protects its foundation. It is usually made up of several different components such as pumps, troughs, downspouts, and grading. Each drainage system is unique to the home it is installed on, so your system may have additional or fewer components depending on the unique needs of your plot of land. We’ll break down what each of these components does to protect your home. 

Grading

The baseline for all drainage around your Houston home is the grading. Grading is simply a fancy word for how the land around your home’s foundation is sloped. When your home was built, the builders put some care into grading the land at a slight downward slope so that water would naturally run away from the foundation. Over many years, the grading can wash away, and you may be left with a level surface or an inward grade. When this happens, water will pool at the base of your foundation and can cause a variety of problems. The good news is that you can fix your grading and protect your foundation simply by having fresh dirt brought in and re-graded by a professional. 

Pumps

In areas like cellars, basements, and other low-lying spots on the property, which are rarely found here in Houston, pumps are a common addition to the drainage system. These pumps are designed to operate whenever a flooding condition exists, forcing the water out of the space before it can cause damage. Pumps come in different sizes and styles depending on how much water regularly builds up and how far it needs to be moved away from your home. 

Drains

Area drains are another simple solution, usually installed at the center of a low point. This draws the water down so that it can be carried away without needing to run a pump or other equipment. Drains are usually installed around the exterior of your house if there is too much water pooling in the area. 

Gutters and Downspouts

While gutters and downspouts are not typically installed by drainage professionals, they do provide the first line of defense in moving water away from your home. If your downspouts are too short, or if your gutters are leaking, they may be allowing water to fall close to your foundation, allowing the water to create havoc on the soil that surrounds your home. By repairing these exterior components, you could overcome some of the challenges of proper drainage and make it easier for your existing drains and grading to do their jobs. 

If you are worried about water damage to your Houston home’s foundation, it’s a good time to start learning about your drainage options. Get to know the drainage systems you already have in place, and consider whether you need to repair or replace some of the components to handle additional water. If water has been seeping into your foundation for a long time, call Allied Foundation and we can conduct an inspection for cracks, leaks, and signs of mold that often occur where water is prevalent. Don’t wait until a serious problem occurs to deal with your drainage issues. Call today and learn more. 

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