How often do you schedule a foundation drainage maintenance check? Depending on your system, it should be every few months. When the water comes, you want your drainage to work. Make sure you keep water away from your home to prevent damage. Without care, drainage systems become clogged, less efficient, and fail. That leads to potential water damage and costly foundation repairs. We are here to help. Follow our general tips. Keep your systems in tip-top shape.
Foundation Drainage System Maintenance Tips
Roof Gutter Maintenance
What to Do:
- Check for clogs, damage, or misalignment in gutters and downspouts.
- Clean out leaves, dirt, and debris.
Frequency:
- Inspect gutters at least twice a year.
- Inspect in the fall and remove accumulated leaves and debris.
- Inspect after severe storms for damage.
Benefits:
Gutter systems prevent roof runoff from pooling around the foundation. Removing the excess water reduces soil saturation and protects against erosion.
Clear Surface Water Drainage Systems
(Swales, channel drains, trench drains, and catch basins)
What to Do:
- Pick up fallen debris such as leaves, branches, silt, and trash.
- Clean out sediment.
Frequency:
- Run checks quarterly
- Or as needed, particularly after heavy rain.
Benefits:
Water flows through clear channels. Surface drains remove surface runoff away from your home. Proper soil moisture levels surround the foundation.
Foundation French Drain Maintenance
What to Do:
- Ensure outlets are clear.
- Get a hose and run water through the system, flushing it clean of silt, sediment, and debris.
Frequency:
- Once a year is generally enough.
- Notice slow drainage or surface pooling? Then, run an inspection for debris and clean out what has accumulated.
Benefits:
Use French drains to direct groundwater away from your foundation. They prevent oversaturated soil and reduce the risk of foundation shifting or settling. A well-maintained French drain prevents groundwater from accumulating near the foundation, keeping soil moisture levels even. French drain water management protects against foundation settlement and shifting.
Foundation Footing Drain Cleanout and Inspections
What to Do:
- Clear the outlet and flush the system, removing silt or sediment.
- If the drain connects to a sump pump, check that it works.
- Clear away all accumulated debris.
Frequency:
- Flush footing drains every year.
- Are the drains connected to a sump pump? Then, test sump pump operations every few months.
Benefits:
Footing drains provide essential protection against groundwater intrusion. Keep drains clear and avoid leaks, cracks, and foundation leaks.
Sump Pump Cleaning & Operation Test
What to Do:
- Test the sump pump by pouring water into the pit to ensure it activates and discharges water.
- Clean the pit and check the float switch for smooth operation.
Frequency:
- Clean and test every three to six months.
- Also, clean and test before rainy seasons.
Benefits:
Sump pumps remove water from the foundation area.
Check Proper Grading Around the Foundation
What to Do:
- Check around the foundation. Look for where soil may have settled. Re-grade to maintain a slope away from the foundation.
- Fill in low spots as needed.
Frequency:
- Perform checks every year.
- Notice any significant soil movement or erosion. Make sure to recheck the grading.
Benefits:
Proper grading maintains surface water flow. You want water flowing away from the foundation. Directing water away reduces soil saturation risks and erosion. Both lead to structural damage.
Dry Well Maintenance
What to Do:
- Check the dry well’s inlet and outlet for clogs.
- Clear out debris.
- Ensure the well drains. When it rains, watch how the water flows. Or test by running water through the system with a hose.
Frequency:
- For wells that see much use, check every year.
- Check after large rainstorms.
Benefits:
Dry wells provide a slow-release drainage method for excess water. They reduce the amount of surface runoff. Less water around the foundation keeps soil moisture levels even, which helps prevent foundation leaks and cracks.
More Foundation Drainage Maintenance Tips
Document Maintenance: Record maintenance activities, noting any issues or repairs. This can help identify patterns and prevent potential problems before they escalate.
Track Rain Events: Watch how water flows around your foundation when the rain pours down. Note any accumulating water or erosion. When the rain stops, use that information to improve foundation drainage.
Consider Professional Inspections: Do you have a complex system experiencing persistent issues? Consider a professional inspection that helps ensure all components function as they should.
Foundation Drainage System Maintenance
Be proactive and extend the life and effectiveness of your foundation drainage systems. Protect your home against water damage and foundation issues for years to come. While inspecting drainage systems, check your foundation as well. Schedule a foundation inspection if you think you may have foundation damage.
See All In Series:
- Six Foundation Drainage Systems Options
- Best Types of Foundation Systems, Mix & Match
- Foundation Drainage Maintenance
- Foundation Water Damage Problems & Solutions
- How to Improve Clay Soil Drainage
- Foundation Drainage Material – DIY Water Control
- Foundation Drainage Installation Costs
- Foundation Drainage Material, Why and How they Work
- Best Drainage Rock to Safeguard Your House Foundation
