Don’t let your gutters rain on your parade (or your foundation).

Clogged gutters can create an overflow of problems for your home.

With the rainy season almost behind us, now is the best time to investigate any standing water or drainage issues that you may have noticed over the past few months. Believe it or not, what appears to be solely a leaky basement issue could be related to gutter or drainage problems. Improper maintenance is actually one of the leading causes of water damage to basements or foundations. Soggy ground areas or pulling water near downspouts is also a sign of an existing issue.

Before jumping to any conclusions about where your water issues are coming from, it is important to first understand the purpose of gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems, and how they can impact your home’s foundation or basement when they are not working together as they should be.

Gutters  

While it is not the most attractive fixture on the exterior of a home, gutters play an extremely important role in preventing damage to a home’s foundation and other fixtures. Gutters work by collecting rainwater that runs off the roof and channeling it to a downspout. Without gutters, water would pour off the roof and potentially cause damage to windows, siding, landscaping, or the home’s foundation.

Downspouts 

The purpose of a downspout is to carry the water that is collected in the gutter to the ground level and direct it away from the home’s foundation. The water is redirected 4-6’ away from the home or to a drainage area. This can include underground or above ground pipes.

Storm Drains 

Once the water has flowed through the gutter and out the downspout, there must be a way to move rainwater from the home’s yard or street to a local stormwater system. Drainage systems help manage water flow during rainstorms to prevent flooding and standing water on yards or streets.

Together, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains make up a system that manages water runoff and protects homes from damage. If one or more of these components aren’t working properly, there will be warning signs that indicate a bigger problem exists. Here are a few gutter issues to be on the lookout for so the problem can be resolved before significant damage occurs:

1. Overflow & Spillage: If you start to notice that your gutters are spilling over while it is raining, more than likely they are clogged with leaves and debris. The downspout may also be clogged which results in a backup and spillover as well.
2. Downspout Drainage Issues: If the downspouts were poorly installed, they are too short, or they have disconnected which can happen over time, the result is water releasing too close to the foundation. The system can also become clogged from roots or other debris and can potentially collapse over time. This will create puddling which can seep into cracks and porous areas in the foundation or basement walls.
3. Soil Erosion: When the gutter system is not operating as it should, rainwater will cause soil around the foundation to erode. This can lead to serious structural and moisture issues in the foundation over time.
4. Cracks & Leaks: Moisture buildup around the foundation can lead to increased pressure on basement walls. This pressure can cause cracks in the foundation which leads to leaks or basement moisture and flooding. Stains may be visible on the basement walls to indicate a leak is present.
5. Mold & Mildew: Ongoing moisture from poor drainage can contribute to mold and mildew growth, creating health issues, damaging interior finishes, and compromising the integrity of wood framing and insulation.

Prevention & Maintenance

The only way to prevent these issues from occurring is to be on the lookout for warning signs and consistent gutter and drainage maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep your gutter system running smoothly so you will have peace of mind when the rainy season comes back around year after year:

• Regularly check gutters and downspouts for leaves and other debris. Clean as necessary to ensure the area is free of clogs.
• Inspect downspouts to ensure they are clean and extended at least 4-6’ away from the foundation.
• Make sure the area where the downspout drains is sloped so water drains away from the home.
• Stabilize soil using ground cover plants, mulch, or erosion control mats.
• In areas with visible puddling issues, install drainage solutions like French drains or catch basins.
• Inspect underground lines with a camera to ensure pipes are free of blockages.
• Install gutter guards to prevent leaves and other debris from collecting in the gutters.
• Call Blue Chip Plumbing to assess and repair underground drainage issues.

In summary, inconsistent gutter and drain system maintenance can lead to significant, and costly, water damage to your home. Being proactive with maintenance is key to preventing soil erosion around the foundation and keeping the structural integrity of your home intact.

If you would like to get more information on assessing or repairing your gutter or drainage system, contact one of our plumbing specialists here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 to get a free quote.