What are some warning signs I should look out for when it comes to drainage?

Downspouts discharging too close to your foundation. Water should be carried about 6-10 feet from your home. If water drains too close to your home, it causes hydrostatic pressure, which leads to cracking, walls shifting, mold and even soil erosion. You can get an extension for your downspout and this works well for minor drainage problems. 

Clogged or failed underground drain lines. Your downspouts that drain underground can clog with debris or collapse. If after a big rain, you see standing water near your downspout, this is a red flag and job for your local plumber. 

Negative grading. Your soil settles over time and can reverse the slope toward your home. If you notice a lot of moisture in your basement, which is common in older PA homes, this could be your issue. And with all the hills in our area, if your drainage system isn’t working, it can actually affect your nearby neighbors’ properties, so it’s a problem to keep your eye on. 

No drainage system. Surface runoff is not enough and yet, many older homes weren’t built with any additional drainage. Underground drainage is vital to keep water flowing away from your home.

How can I improve my drainage system?

Underground discharge lines, which connect your downspout to a buried pipe. This would require excavation work. 

French drains, which intercept water before it reaches the foundation. If you have an uphill runoff, this would be an ideal solution. 

Catch basins, which collect surface water at low points and redirect it underground.

Noticing signs of a drainage problem? Give Terry’s a call at 412-364-9114. We’ll give you straight answers and up-front pricing.