Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to divert water from house. This article will cover everything you need to know about preventing water damage to your home by diverting water away from it. Whether you are dealing with heavy rainfall, a leaky roof, or a wet basement, we have got you covered.
Water damage can cause significant structural damage to your home, as well as attract mold and mildew growth, which can lead to health problems. Therefore, it is essential to redirect water away from your house to prevent potential damage to your home and health.
In this guide, we will go over the different ways you can divert water from your house, the pros and cons of each method, and how to choose the right option for your home.
Why You Need to Divert Water from Your House
Water can cause significant damage to your home, which can be expensive to repair. Here are some reasons why you need to divert water from your home:
Prevent Foundation Damage: Water can seep into the foundation of your home and cause structural damage, which can be costly to repair.
Prevent Mold and Mildew: Water damage can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems.
Protect the Landscape: Diverting water from your house can protect the landscape around your home. Without proper drainage, water can cause soil erosion, damage plants, and even drown them.
Prevent Basement Flooding: If your basement is below ground level, it is susceptible to flooding. Diverting water away from your home can prevent basement flooding.
Save Money: Investing in a proper drainage system can save you money in the long run by preventing water damage to your home.
Now that you know why it’s essential to divert water from your house let’s dive into the different methods you can use.
How to Divert Water from Your House
1. Install Gutters
Gutters are an essential aspect of any home’s drainage system. They collect rainwater that falls on the roof and direct it away from the house. Installing gutters can be done DIY, but it is best to hire a professional to get the job done correctly.
Pros: Gutters are an effective way to collect and direct rainwater away from your home. They come in various materials and styles to match your home’s exterior. Gutters require little maintenance and can last for years.
Cons: Poorly installed or clogged gutters can do more harm than good. They can cause water to overflow, damaging the roof, and seep into the foundation. Gutters can also be expensive to install, so it’s essential to budget for the expense.
2. Install Downspouts
Downspouts are another essential aspect of any home’s gutter system. They collect water from the gutters and direct it away from the house.
Pros: Downspouts are an effective way to direct water away from your home. They come in various styles and materials to match your home’s exterior. Downspouts require little maintenance and can last for years.
Cons: Downspouts can become clogged with debris, causing water to overflow and damaging the foundation. It is essential to clean them regularly to prevent clogs.
3. French Drains
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe that collects water and directs it away from the house.
Pros: French drains are an effective way to collect and direct water away from your home. They are easy to install and require little maintenance. French drains can last for years and can be hidden to maintain your landscaping’s aesthetic.
Cons: French drains can be costly to install, depending on the size and scope of the project. They also require regular cleaning to prevent clogs.
4. Dry Wells
A dry well is a large hole filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe that collects water and directs it into the ground.
Pros: Dry wells are an effective way to collect and direct water away from your home. They are easy to install and require little maintenance. They can be hidden to maintain your landscaping’s aesthetic.
Cons: Dry wells can be costly to install, depending on the size and scope of the project. They also require regular cleaning to prevent clogs.
5. Grading
Grading is the process of sloping the ground around your home away from the foundation.
Pros: Grading is an inexpensive way to divert water away from your home. It can be done manually or with heavy equipment and requires little maintenance.
Cons: Grading can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, depending on the size of your property. It is also crucial to ensure that the slope is done correctly to prevent water from pooling around your home.
6. Swales
A swale is a shallow ditch that collects water and directs it away from your home.
Pros: Swales are an effective way to collect and divert water away from your home. They require little maintenance and can be hidden to maintain your landscaping’s aesthetic.
Cons: Swales can be costly to install, depending on the size and scope of the project. They also require regular cleaning to prevent clogs.
7. Rain Barrels
A rain barrel is a container that collects rainwater from your roof and stores it for later use.
Pros: Rain barrels are an effective way to collect rainwater for later use in watering your garden or lawn. They are easy to install and require little maintenance.
Cons: Rain barrels can become contaminated with debris and insects, requiring regular cleaning. They can also overflow during heavy rainfall, causing water damage to your home.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
| Method | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Gutters | • Collect and redirect rainwater away from your home • Little maintenance required • Long-lasting |
| Downspouts | • Collect and direct water away from your home • Little maintenance required • Long-lasting |
| French Drains | • Collect and direct water away from your home • Easy to install • Can be hidden to maintain landscaping’s aesthetic |
| Dry Wells | • Collect and direct water away from your home • Easy to install • Can be hidden to maintain landscaping’s aesthetic |
| Grading | • Inexpensive • Little maintenance required |
| Swales | • Collect and divert water away from your home • Little maintenance required • Can be hidden to maintain landscaping’s aesthetic |
| Rain Barrels | • Collect rainwater for later use • Easy to install • Little maintenance required |
Disadvantages
Gutters and Downspouts: Poorly installed, or clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water damage to your home.
French Drains and Dry Wells: These methods can be expensive to install, depending on the size and scope of the project. They also require regular cleaning to prevent clogs.
Grading and Swales: These methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, depending on the size of your property. It is also crucial to ensure that the slope is done correctly to prevent water from pooling around your home.
Rain Barrels: Rain barrels can overflow during heavy rainfall, causing water damage to your home.
FAQs
Q1. How much does it cost to install gutters?
A1. The cost of installing gutters depends on the size of your home, the type of gutters you choose, and the complexity of the installation. On average, the cost can range from $6 to $15 per linear foot.
Q2. How often should I clean my gutters?
A2. It is recommended to clean your gutters at least twice a year – in the spring and fall. However, if you have trees around your home, you may need to clean them more often.
Q3. How do I know if my downspouts are clogged?
A3. You may notice water overflowing from your gutters or pooling around the foundation of your home. You may also hear a gurgling sound coming from the downspouts during heavy rainfall.
Q4. How deep should a French drain be?
A4. The depth of a French drain depends on the soil’s permeability and the water flow rate. On average, they are installed three to four feet deep.
Q5. Can I install a French drain myself?
A5. Yes, you can install a French drain yourself. However, it is recommended to hire a professional to get the job done correctly and safely.
Q6. How often should I clean my dry well?
A6. It is recommended to clean your dry well at least once a year to prevent clogs and ensure it is functioning correctly.
Q7. Do I need a permit to install a dry well?
A7. The requirements for permits vary by state and locality. It is recommended to check with your local building authority before installing a dry well.
Q8. Can grading fix my basement flooding?
A8. Grading alone may not be enough to fix basement flooding. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem and address it accordingly.
Q9. Can I install a swale myself?
A9. Yes, you can install a swale yourself. However, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure it is done correctly.
Q10. How much rainwater can a rain barrel hold?
A10. The capacity of a rain barrel varies by size and style. On average, they can hold between 50 and 80 gallons of water.
Q11. Can I drink rainwater collected in a rain barrel?
A11. It is not recommended to drink rainwater collected in a rain barrel as it can contain contaminants from your roof and gutter system.
Q12. Can I use rainwater collected in a rain barrel to water my vegetable garden?
A12. Yes, rainwater collected in a rain barrel can be used to water your vegetable garden. However, it is recommended to use a filter to remove debris and contaminants from the water.
Q13. How long do gutters and downspouts typically last?
A13. The lifespan of gutters and downspouts depends on the material used and the quality of installation. On average, they can last between 20 and 30 years.
Conclusion
Preventing water damage to your home is crucial to maintaining its structural integrity and your family’s health. In this guide, we have covered the different ways you can divert water from your house, the pros and cons of each method, and how to choose the right option for your home.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is crucial to ensure that your home’s drainage system is functioning correctly. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent potential damage to your home.
If you have any questions or concerns about diverting water from your house, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. Investing in a proper drainage system can save you money in the long run by preventing water damage to your home.
Closing
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to divert water from your house. Remember that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to water damage. Take action now to protect your home from potential damage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for advice on your specific situation.