How Drainage Impacts Property Value and Home Inspections

As a homeowner, you need to ensure your property’s drainage system is functioning to protect your investment. Poor drainage causes mold, foundational damage and expensive repairs — red flags for property inspectors and potential buyers. Most people focus on aesthetic home improvements, but safeguarding against water damage is an important part of maintaining value.

How Water Damage Impacts Property Value

Drainage issues can impact your property in several ways. For instance, water can seep into your basement or foundation through cracks. On the surface, you might notice warped and creaky floors, which is likely to deter potential buyers. What you might not see are the potential electrical issues and structural instability, which are expensive to repair and, more importantly, are safety hazards.

Pests like rodents, mosquitoes and other insects also breed in these conditions. Poorly managed runoff due to drainage issues can damage your yard and driveway. Your yard can become waterlogged, signaling to buyers and inspectors that your home has drainage problems.

Addressing water issues protects your investment and adds value to your home. For example, a crawl space encapsulation can increase your home’s value because it keeps the house dry and improves energy efficiency — which potential buyers find attractive.

How to Fix Drainage Issues in Your Yard

If you notice water issues, the best thing to do is hire a professional drainage expert to assess the problem and recommend the best solutions. A site assessment and water flow analysis will identify the problem areas. They may recommend a number of solutions tailored to the specific needs of your home, which may include:

• Regrading landscaping to direct water away from the home.
• Adding a dry well or catch basin to help prevent water pooling in low areas.
• Installing gutter extensions or underground drainage pipes.
• Repairing damaged or leaking sewer pipes.

Essential Drainage Inspection Checks

Pre-sale home inspections usually involve thorough plumbing checks because plumbing problems can lead to costly repairs and structural damage, decreasing property value. Potential homeowners want to know that they aren’t in for any surprises. While the inspection checklist is extensive, here are some of the key areas inspectors focus on:

• Pipes: Inspectors check for visible damage, proper insulation and the type of material used.
• Water pressure: They test water pressure and quality.
• Drainage systems: Inspectors check if the drainage system empties quickly and quietly. They may also inspect the sewer line with a camera.
• Fixtures: They test faucets, toilets, showers, baths and basins. If the home has a basement, they check for a sump pump.

Who to Call for Drainage Problems in Your Yard

To protect your yard from water-related problems, trust the professionals at Drainage Masters LLC. Since 1996, we’ve been helping homeowners across Washington State solve their drainage issues and protect their investments. We offer a free assessment appointment to determine the extent of the problem and recommend the ideal solution. Our areas of specialization include:

• Installing roof drainage systems.
• Correcting basement water intrusion.
• Installing crawlspace drainage solutions.
• Conducting sewer repairs and replacements.
• Addressing driveway drainage and wet lawns.

Request an Estimate From Drainage Masters LLC

Before putting your home on the market, ensure the drainage system is working properly — it’s one of the best ways to protect your property’s value. Request an estimate online today.