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Examples of
Drainage Problems
STAINING ON FOUNDATION WALL
Staining on the foundation wall exterior is caused by water and is typically due to a drainage problem.
STANDING WATER BETWEEN HOUSES
Water accumulated at drainage low points seeps into the foundation backfill.
STAINING FROM WATER SEEPAGE
Drainage problems can cause staining and deterioration of retaining walls.
DRAINAGE DISCHARGE ON RETAINING WALLS
Water can affect the structural stability of retaining walls. Therefore, any drainage discharge should be routed away from retaining walls.
SEEPAGE
Continual seepage of sidewalks is indicative of a drainage problem.
GRADING BETWEEN FOUNDATIONS
Swales between foundations must be graded with enough slope to route water away from the structures properly. Flat spots and depressions in the surface allow water to infiltrate into the foundation backfill and can result in soil problems and foundation movement.
SIDEWALK CHASE
Sidewalks are often barriers to drainage flow. A sidewalk chase can be installed to route drainage from one side of the sidewalk to the other and release the water into the street.
SEDIMENT BUILD-UP
On-going sediment build-up at one location on a pavement surface indicates a drainage low point. Drainage problems can cause the deterioration of sidewalks, pavements, and flatwork.
INSUFFICIENT SLOPE
The backyard of this home was too flat and not properly graded. As a result, a drainage low point had formed close to the foundation. This condition was consistent with the backyards of the adjacent homes.
FLAT GRADING
Due to the flat grading in a backyard, a drainage low point has formed, which allows water to infiltrate into the soil.
SIDEWALK CHASE
Sidewalk chases at gutter downspouts are not always effective in controlling drainage because the surrounding areas are not properly graded. Chases themselves can become barriers to flow. Buried downspout extensions are often a better solution for these problem areas.
ROADWAY DRAINAGE
The buildup of mud and sediment in roadways can indicate an ongoing drainage problem.
SEDIMENT BUILDUP
Drainage low point at a location of accumulated sediment.
SEEPAGE AND ALGAE
Ongoing seepage over sidewalks is a slipping hazard due to freezing and algae growth, causes damage to pavement surfaces, and affects the strength of the supporting soil.
ROCKS AND COBBLES
Placing cobbles and rock in the path of drainage is often counter-productive because they slow water down and allow it to seep into the ground instead of flowing away from the foundation.
SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT
The combination of soil erosion and the accumulation of sediment often indicates drainage low points. Depressions (low points) in the ground surface allow water to infiltrate into the soil backfill.
WET, SOFT, MUSHY LAWN
A low point in an area allows water to accumulate and seep into the subgrade. It can cause damage to landscaping and algae growth. If the low point is near a foundation, water can find its way into the foundation backfill and negatively affect the foundation.
COBBLE AND STONE
Cobbles and stones are often placed in the swales around a foundation for aesthetic purposes. This can be counterproductive because the intent of swales is to carry water away from the foundation quickly, but cobbles, rocks, and stones actually significantly slow down the velocity of water and allow it to seep into the ground instead of flowing away.
ALGAE GROWTH
Algae growth is indicative of drainage problems at locations where standing water persists.
IRRIGATION PROBLEMS
Excessive water flow due to a problematic irrigation system can affect the health of trees, shrubs, and lawns. If the water accumulation is near a foundation, water can find its way into the foundation backfill and negatively affect the structural stability of the foundation.
FLAT DRAINAGE SWALES
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CONCRETE FLATWORK
Water discharge at the edge of concrete flatwork allows water to seep into the subgrade and weaken the soils below. This can result in settlement, cracking, and spalling of the concrete. In addition, this can cause ice accumulation on the surface, a life-safety issue.
RETAINING WALLS
Retaining wall design standards mandate that drainage is properly controlled around retaining walls. Water weakens the strength of soil. The discharge of roof drainage at the base of retaining walls allows water to infiltrate into the soil that supports the retaining wall and can cause structural failure.
DISCONNECTED GUTTER EXTENSIONS
Gutter extensions are an essential drainage control feature of a home. If the ground is adequately sloped away from the foundation, gutter extensions are an effective way to divert roof water away from the edge of the foundation.
Unfortunately, gutter extensions are often tilted up by landscapers and never replaced into the correct position, or the extension is in disrepair.
Unfortunately, gutter extensions are often tilted up by landscapers and never replaced into the correct position, or the extension is in disrepair.
ACCUMULATION OF SEDIMENT
The build-up of sediment (fine soil particles) is often present at problematic drainage low points. As the velocity of water slows as it accumulates at the drainage low point, sediment settles out of the water and remains after the water has dried up.
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