7 Simple Water Drainage System Maintenance Tips

In the event that you constantly notice excessive dampness, cool temperatures, nasty smells and mold or mildew in your basement, then the most probable cause of your trouble is an improper water draining system. Because the gutters are unable to drain the water away from your home, the moisture builds up and infiltrates the soil around the foundation of your home.
Considering the costs of repairing water infiltrated house foundations, it is self-explanatory why you should keep your gutters and downspout clear of debris and in pristine condition. Let’s explore the basic maintenance activities you should perform regularly to avoid having to spend an arm and a leg on repairs later on.

• Verify the attachment points on a regular basis

It is advisable that you make sure the gutters are firmly held in place by screws every spring and fall as well as after each heavy storm. While a loose fastener might not seem like much now, the truth is that it could alter the downspout’ slope and prevent the proper water drainage.

• Make sure the joints are properly sealed

In case you installed sectional gutters, then it is recommended to reseal them with caulk or sealants specially designed for gutters.

• Keep the channel clean

While your lush green backyard is definitely the envy of the neighborhood, don’t forget that luxuriant vegetation also means more gutter maintenance. As gutters get easily clogged with leaves, seeds and needles from the nearby trees and plants, it is advisable to use a pressure washer or a hose to clean debris at least once per year. On a side note, if you have several evergreens near your home, then you should clean the gutters more often.

• Consider installing a guard

If you find yourself in the unpleasant situation of having to clean the gutters very frequently, then it’s time you installed a guard. Even though you will be keeping most of the organic material out of your gutters, take note that seeds, needles and small leaves can still get in through the small openings included in the gutter guard system. Therefore, you will still need to clean then periodically.

• Take good care of your yard

Because soil will get washed away or compact in time, it is recommended to add some more around the foundation of the house once every few years. Considering that the newly added soil is easy to shape, you could also try sloping it to keep water away from the foundation and out of your basement.

• Shield your windows from the elements

In spite of the common belief, rainwater doesn’t just hit the roof, but also runs down the side and into the window wells. Installing window covers will prevent water from entering the window wells and make sure it doesn’t infiltrate the soil right beside the foundation walls.

• Install a French drain if necessary

If you notice water constantly accumulating in a particular area around the foundation of the house, you should consider installing a French drain. Building a French drain implies digging a small trench and adding a perforated pipe to redirect the water away from your home.