The Drainage Problems Under My House

Identification

• Poor foundation drainage around homes is a common reason for water leaks, according to Oregon State University. Exterior water can become a problem for homeowners in several ways. Rainwater, the groundwater table and outdoor water use can all cause excessive amounts of moisture that an inadequate foundation drainage system cannot remove. Certain drainage problems may be most evident when it rains or snows.

Effects

• When large amounts of moisture come inside your home, they can damage your home's structure. Water marks and stains are common in areas such as basements, where moisture often pools or stands. When moisture levels are high inside your home, the humidity also rises, causing you and your family to feel uncomfortable. Homes with moisture problems often feel damp most of the time and may have a musty odor. One of the most serious concerns with excess moisture is mold, which may begin to grow in just 24 hours after water is present inside your home. Homeowners exposed to fungal mold spores often have serious reactions that can include wheezing, hives and difficulty breathing. Your home may become damaged by mold growth, and it can require costly renovation to clean it up.

Causes

• Poor foundation drainage, such as blocked footing and clogged downspouts, can cause moisture to come indoors. Examine these areas first, especially if water problems begin suddenly with no warning. The ground around your home must be sloped properly to prevent rainwater and surface water from running indoors. Be sure the ground is sloped away from the house to keep water outside where it belongs. Houses that have dirt-floor basements often have drainage and moisture problems if no moisture barrier was installed.

Solutions

• Remove all debris and leaf litter from your gutters on a regular basis, to prevent drainage problems. Check footing drains, and remove any debris that has gathered there. Regrade the ground around the house, to slope it away from the foundation. Place plastic over a dirt-floor basement as a moisture barrier, which slows down the water vapor coming through the soil.