Installing Drainage

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

Improper drainage is a major destroyer of homes and the reason for many landscape problems. It can lead to weakened foundations, loose facing materials, rotted supporting wall studs and base plates, structural damage from insects, and poor growing conditions for landscape plantings. Final landscape grade should always be away from the house. Drainage into the home's foundation or into a low area near the home is potentially disastrous and could end up costing you several thousand dollars to correct. Be aware of surrounding terrain, which may cause rainwater to run off into your landscape.

Q: We have a problem and don't know where to go for help. Our house was built in 1963. It has a slab floor and the heating ducts are under the slab. Everything is okay unless we have a downpour of two-three inches of rain in a short period of time. Then water gets into the heating ducts and we have to turn the heat off until it drains out, usually only a day or two after the rain stops. We have been living with it for years but now would like to sell. Do you have a solution?

A: I suggest you look into installing drainage in your yard to divert water so that when it rains hard, the water will run through the drains away from your house instead of accumulating under the slab.

You will need to hire a licensed landscape contractor to look at your yard and design the most efficient drainage system. You may have to dig up part of your existing landscaping but it may be an opportunity to update some of your yard which could also help in the sale of your home.

To locate a reliable landscape contractor, please visit our site at: http://www.servicemagic.com, and explain you need a drainage system designed and installed to prevent water from accumulating under your home.

Good luck selling your home.

Kathy Maynard

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic