When Rain Comes Faster Than Your Home Can Handle

Heavy rainstorms are becoming more common in many areas, and they can dump large amounts of water in a very short time. Your home’s drainage system is designed to direct water away from the foundation, but when that system gets overwhelmed, the water finds its way in,and usually ends up in your basement, causing havoc and requiring professional cleanup assistance which can be costly.

Most homes rely on a combination of gutters, downspouts, sump pumps, and yard grading to handle rain. But if any part of that system is clogged, damaged, or poorly designed, the water builds up around your foundation. From there, it can seep into cracks, back up through drains, or flow into window wells and basement doors.

Common Weak Points in the System

Clogged gutters and disconnected downspouts are leading causes of basement water problems. If rainwater spills over the edge of your roof instead of flowing away from the house, it soaks the soil near your foundation and increases pressure on your basement walls. If your sump pump can’t keep up with the volume of water, or if the power goes out during a storm, the water will likely rise inside your basement.

Homes with poor grading or soil that doesn’t drain well are also at higher risk. Even new homes can experience flooding if their drainage systems aren’t properly maintained or updated to handle today’s more intense storms.

Protecting Your Home from Rainwater

Homeowners should regularly check their gutters, clear out debris, and make sure downspouts extend at least six feet away from the foundation. Installing a backup battery for your sump pump, improving yard grading, and adding a drainage system or French drain can all help prevent water from entering your home.

These upgrades may seem like a big investment, but they’re much cheaper than replacing flooring, furniture, and appliances after a flood.

Expert Tip: Don’t Rely on Luck During the Next Storm

“Stormwater is relentless. If your system isn’t ready, the water will find a way in,” says David Singleton, owner of Seattle Restoration Pros. “The best time to upgrade your drainage is before the rainy season starts. We’ve seen homes flood that never had a problem before. Weather is changing, and so should your protection.”