An assessment of your home drainage system may have pointed out a number of deficiencies. So where do you start? Here are some quick, inexpensive actions you can take that will make a difference in reducing your flood risk.
1. Plug the leaks. A ladder, silicone, and time are all you need to seal holes or cracks in your eavestroughs, downspouts, downspout extensions, sidewalks, patio and driveway.
2. Repair or replace downspout extensions. This might be a matter of simply putting down the extension that’s already there or putting back the splash pad. Purchasing and installing extensions or splash pads is inexpensive but very important in getting water away from foundation walls. Do not direct the downspout extensions towards a neighbouring property. Unless there is a common drainage swale on the property line.
3. Clean your eavestroughs and downspouts. The downspout extensions have little value if leaves and other debris are preventing water from getting down the downspout. A gloved hand (or garden spade), ladder and garden hose are what you need to get the job done.
4. Backfill under steps and decks. This is often the weak spot in lot grading. Dirt and some shovel work is all it takes to fill the depression and get the ground sloping downhill away from the house again.
5. Top up sunken areas around the foundation. The ground around your basement settles over time. Raising that up with some dirt and shovel work will re-establish a positive slope (grade) again at little or no cost. Consulting with abutting property owners is very important when regrading between properties.