In 2018, we have far exceeded the record for precipitation in the Greater Baltimore and D.C area. From a contractor’s perspective, requests for drainage and grading consultations have well exceeded the records also. Our reports indicate that 8 out of every 10 requests put through our website or made via phone this year regard a water problem.
These requests vary as do the seriousness of the specific problems. I wanted to take this opportunity to dispel some myths and offer some helpful suggestions which may allow you to solve or dramatically improve your situation. Here is the obliteration of myth #1. A “French Drain” will cure your water problem. French drain is one of the most widely misused terms in the English language.
If anyone recommends a French drain right off the bat simply ask them to explain the engineering behind said drain and why it would be preferable to managing positive drainage via sheet flow. If they begin to look terrified or confused you have just met the person or Company you will not hire to solve your problem. The proper installation of a French drain as part of the whole property drainage and grading plan may or may not be necessary but is a secondary component at best.
I have met so many potential and regular clients this year who are literally house bound whenever it rains. These people have the most serious drainage and grading problem, water in the house. If you have water in the house mildew and black mold are on the way if they have not already begun to occur. If you are one of these poor souls who spends sleepless nights, wet/dry vacuum at the ready hoping to hold back the tide of seeping water from entering finished areas of your basement I feel your pain. If you have had enough and need to call in professionals, do your homework.
There are plenty of good professional contractors capable of solving your problem. Unfortunately, there are also quite a few who prey on desperate homeowners. Always check references and make sure you are confident in the company you are entrusting with your most important investment, your home.
Here are some simple tips which most homeowners can put into practice themselves which should provide some immediate relief.
Keep an eye on your gutters. If your gutters are overflowing when it rains they may simply need to be cleaned. Properly functioning gutters are essential as they manage the water flowing off the impervious surface of your roof. An overflowing gutter can cause water which cascades off the roof to supersaturate the soil at the foundation of your house that your drain tile was not designed to handle.
Hydrostatic pressure then begins to build and water will begin to find its way through your foundation walls. Upgrading to larger gutters and downspouts may be necessary. Start by trying to clean and service what you have.
Check your downspouts and how they discharge. Once your gutters are cleaned or serviced and functioning properly the water from the roof flows into your downspout and then discharges, usually onto a splash block. Upon inspection, if the water from the downspout discharge simply rolls back toward the foundation this is another major cause for concern. Go to your local hardware store and get downspout extenders.
These are effectively plastic tubes which connect to the bottom elbow of the downspout and when attached to the downspout will buy you an additional 6-10’ within which you can push the water further away from the house foundation. This is not a very aesthetically pleasing solution but can definitely buy you some time until a more permanent solution can be put in place. Please think of your neighbors when installing these extensions. Make sure you are not flooding them in the process.
Make sure that all surface drains are clear of debris and flowing freely. If you have a drain at the bottom of the basement walkout it is crucial to keep this area clear of debris. Depending on how these particular drains are designed they can be very difficult to service unless you have the proper tools and truly know how to use them. I recommend removing obvious surface debris and running a hose into the drain. If this does not work you will most likely need to call in a professional.
I will definitely continue to cover this topic in future articles. I can say with absolute certainty that we are generally the 2nd or 3rd contractor in and wind up redoing and undoing poorly implemented workmanship. Most homeowners don’t really know who to call and hire underqualified companies who apply “bandaid” style solutions instead of treating the actual source of the problem. Always remember when investing in your home it is vitally important that you use the same guidelines you would use for any other investment. Think in terms of sustainability and quality instead of just price. You wouldn’t transfer your retirement fund to the lowest bidder and hope for the best, would you? In short do your due diligence.
I hope that you have found these few simple suggestions helpful. Setting a consultation with a professional may be well worth it even if you don’t have standing water in your house but only in your yard. If a full scale Landscape design with an elevation survey is called for remember that this is a professional service. If you get your landscape design for free, especially if a thorough elevation survey and potentially some specific drainage system design is included, I guarantee it will be worth exactly what you paid for it, nothing. We really do get what we pay for.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly regardless of where you live. Our company covers a very limited service area mainly focused on Howard and Carroll County Maryland. We have been in business since March 6, of 1984 and do not use subcontractors, only our own full time payroll employees. We are absolutely committed to elevating the Landscaping, Landscape Architecture/Design and Construction industries through educational partnerships, format and best practices.
Send me an invitation on LinkedIn. Follow me on Twitter @kevincarrolllan or email me at Kamoorecl@gmail.com. Please subscribe to the Carroll Landscaping YouTube channel as well. Check out our website at www.carroll-landscaping.com. I am always here to help, no strings attached.
Kevin A. Moore, is a multi-award winning design, landscape and general construction expert with 30 years of hands on experience solving complex grading, retaining wall, erosion and storm-water management problems and creating dream outdoor living spaces. A Baltimore native, Kevin has exclusively worked in the mid-Atlantic area. Kevin A. Moore is the Vice President and Chief Operating officer of Carroll Landscaping and CLI Home Services Incorporated.