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Care & upkeep
Keep rain moving away from the house
A simple drainage walk-through for gutters, downspouts, grading, and the places water tends to collect.
6 min read
At a glance
Water should move off the roof, through clear gutters and downspouts, and away from the foundation. The best time to spot a problem is during or just after ordinary rain.
Why we're telling you this
What this advice is based on
We built this around the routine checks a homeowner can do without taking anything apart, the records worth keeping, and the signs that call for qualified help.
What to check
- Watch where each downspout discharges and whether water returns toward the house.
- Look for overflowing gutter sections, separated joints, and streaks on siding.
- Check low spots near the foundation and soil that has washed away.
- Keep exterior drains and window wells clear of leaves and loose material.
- Inspect basements, crawl spaces, and garage edges after sustained rain.
What to watch for
- Standing water that remains long after nearby areas have drained.
- New interior dampness, mineral deposits, or a musty smell after storms.
- Downspout extensions that are crushed, disconnected, or aimed at a walkway.
What to do next
- 01Photograph the drainage pattern while it is raining so a contractor can see the actual issue.
- 02Correct easy debris and connection problems before changing grading or adding systems.
- 03Get qualified help for persistent foundation, crawl-space, or below-grade water entry.
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