By Mel Dorman, May 3, 2021
When it rains, and in Portland a lot, that rainwater needs to go somewhere. If your home is not set up for success, that water could cause harm to your new investment.
Why does this matter
Without proper drainage or another solution to help redirect water, it is likely going to find its way into your house. Excess water in your yard, in your basement, or in your crawlspace is bad news. This will lead to excess moisture and increases the chances of wood rot, fungal growth, and erosion of your land. In any case, this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Leaving water issues unfixed will surely lead to unnecessary costs and unwanted repairs.
How to correct and manage water issues
Water is going to take the path of least resistance. It is not going to stop coming, so as a homeowner, your only option is to redirect and relocate the water. You can do this in several different ways. To start, you should look outside of your home and identify the source. If possible, eliminating the source may help prevent or correct water found in the basement or crawlspace. Let’s look at a few specific situations below…
Are you living on a steep grade? Does water run down a slope or hill and pool against your foundation?
- If you have water coming downhill and pooling in your yard, then you may want to consider redirecting this water before it contacts your foundation. Consider a French drain or physical barriers. A French drain is a trench in the ground that contains a perforated pipe. This allows water to seep down, into the pipe, and then flow out to the desired location. These are often used in yards to help manage surface and groundwater.
Are your gutter downspouts directing water away from your house?
- As you look at homes, you will likely see gutters that collect water at the roof’s edge, then directs it towards a downspout and away from the home. In some cases, downspouts run directly into a buried pipe that directs the water away from the house, and in other instances, the gutters direct the water out into the yard. Usually, either is a good option as it moves water away from the house. If the water sent to your yard is causing excess groundwater, contact a professional for a consultation and see if a French drain or changes to your gutters is a viable option is.
If you have a crawlspace, does water come through the vents?
- In some cases, water that pools against a foundation with a crawlspace can overflow through the crawlspace screens. Something like a French drain is likely the best option for excess ground and surface water, though some people also dig window wells around crawlspace vents. While this will lower the ground and provide more room for water before it overflows into the vents, pooling water around your foundation is never a good idea.
Excessive groundwater problems in crawlspace or basement?
- Another option for managing groundwater is a sump pump. This is a submersible pump that sits within a small tank designed to collect excess surface and groundwater. Sump pumps are triggered by the collected water. Once activated, the water is moved through the pump and attached pipes and then out of the home.
In all cases, be sure to consult a professional and get expert advice on the best options for you and your individual situation!
Mel Dorman
Broker | OR & WA
She/They
Ten years ago, Melissa was living in a slum in Kolkata, India, helping over 200 women escape sex trafficking by providing alternative work at a social business...
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- T: 503-567-4697
- melissa@livingroomre.com
