Recently, I discovered not water but sand in the laundry room located in my basement. A contractor friend of mine inspected the area and told me to keep an eye on it. There’s no water, or cracks in the foundation but the sand is damp and that concerns me. I am grateful that my sub pump is working well and that the back yard is sloped in a manner to provide a route away from the house for the proper drainage of rainwater.
As a property owner, I must, at regular intervals, perform maintenance on the drainage systems. Usually, if this matter is ignored, the damage could be quite ruinous on the off chance something in the system develops a problem. One does not have to go into debt to maintain a proper drainage system at their residence. Regular maintenance provides many advantages too.
In the case that one would like to purchase top-quality underground drainage pipes and fittings for their property; it would be a wise idea to contact a reputable professional that provides this service.
Here are some ways drainage helps and is beneficial to a property:
- Prevents unnecessary water accumulation (duh!)
This may be the most significant use of a decent drainage system, enabling the water to flow freely and, for the most part, does not allow the water to accumulate, leading to eventual flooding. Additionally, a good drainage system assists in preventing any stagnant water from accumulating, which, is an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Minimizes soil erosion
Accumulation of water will eventually result in the degradation of the soil. Then leading to a muddy floor surface which subsequently will lead to soil erosion. However, if there is an efficient drainage system on your property, no need to worry about the yard’s topsoil getting washed away.
- The dreaded mold factor!
Excessive dampness in a basement will lead to the formation of moisture because of inadequate drainage, including the development of the dreaded mold. Mold can develop following a flood or after some time and remain undetected for an extended period if a mold inspection is not performed promptly.
- Ensures a wholesome “clean” living
Regular maintenance on the drainage system will continuously wave any possible blockage that may be caused by eroded sediments or waste that has not been disposed of properly. (Ewww!)
- Prevent an unstable foundation with flaws
It is possible for the water to flow to the lowest portion of your residence (the foundation of the home) in case the drainage is not adequate, leading to cracks, fractures, and even collapse if not paid attention to.
- Termites
Inappropriate drainage can be responsible for the development of termites. They are easily drawn to moisture that accumulates in a home’s foundation, resulting in more significant issues such as structural complications.
- Fungus
Lawn fungus can be a botheration because the air circulation is not adequate, leading to the appropriate condition for the development of fungi.
- Increases the value of the property
Proper drainage will help to enhance the value of any property, providing a great return on the investment. It will positively impact the overall comfort and security of the home with regular inspection of pipes, vents, and drain lines, to help to prevent unpredicted plumbing repairs in the future.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional when necessary.
Should concrete cracks be filled?
While doing spring clean-up last weekend and blowing the debris and dirt away from the house, I noticed some round holes in the sidewalk next to my basement wall. Guess what? That’s exactly where I have the sand coming in! Is it because of carpenter ants or pavement ants? Either way, I will be calling a pro to check it out ASAP.
According to a home improvement company, “The first step to repairing a foundation crack is to identify what type of crack it is. Here are the 10 most common types.
1) Horizontal Crack
2) Stair Step Cracks
3) Hairline Cracks
4) Vertical Cracks
5) Diagonal Cracks
6) Shrinkage Cracks
7) Foundation Slab Cracks
8) Non-Structural Crack
9) Wet Non-Structural
10) Structural Crack,”.
Uses of basements
If you are from the mid-west region of the US, specifically Southeast Michigan where I am hail from, you just might understand the value basements bring to a home. However, believe it or not, some places do not have basements! Personally, I was shocked when I heard this, as there are so many valuable uses for basements.
Growing up with a finished basement, it was the go-to place on hot nights. We did not have central air or even a window air conditioner. But hey, we didn’t need it with a cool basement to set up “camp” in! Whether because of the heat or a tornado watch, camping out in the basement was a fun adventure for me as a kid.
Not only did my mom and I have a finished basement, but so did my grandparents. Memories of being a little girl in my Nana’s basement during the Holiday season invoke smells of manicotti and sausage. Delicious smells filled that beautifully decorated basement as we kids anxiously waited for that special early visit from Santa.
After dinner and before opening presents with the family, Santa came to our grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve because Nana was his personal friend.
These memories have inspired me to create that same scenario for my family by creating an entertainment space in our finished basement. Thankfully, I have been fortunate to also have a finished basement in the home I have lived in for the last twenty-four years – where I raised my sons in and hosted many events.
To this day, uses for my basement have been numerous. It has always had a utility room, laundry room, extra storage, a small den to read in, a library of books, and a food pantry.
Throughout the years, it has also been a space for my home office, an informal living room with a gas fireplace, and our music room with three guitars, a drum set, keyboards and a xylophone. As my sons got a little older, it became a playroom with games, crafts, toys galore, and a stereo for dance parties.
Today, my youngest son who is an older teen, has his bedroom or, as I call it, his “lair” in the basement. He also has his PC and Xbox gaming set-up as well as a home gym.
I would love to have another bathroom with a stand-up shower installed for my son but not sure if that will happen before he moves out. Hopefully, one day, like my Nana, I will have a kitchen in my finished basement where I host Holiday parties my sons come celebrate with me and my future grandchildren in.
What are the benefits of drainage
In conclusion, proper drainage is ultimately an investment in your home’s health, safety, and longevity — one that pays dividends in peace of mind for years to come.