Having good drainage on your property is imperative for the structural integrity of any building, such as your home, garage, shed, or other structures, as well as for the health of your landscaping. Poor drainage can lead to all kinds of problems, but many people don’t know how to spot the signs that their property is struggling with adequate drainage. Here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for that indicate your property has drainage issues.

1. Standing Water. If you notice that your lawn struggles to deal with rain or snowmelt, leaving puddles that linger for a long time after the weather has passed, that’s a good sign you need drainage assistance.
2. On the opposite side of the scale from pooling water, if your lawn washes out or you have areas that seem to be eroding rapidly, exposing roots and carrying away essential topsoil, you likely have an issue with water runoff, which is categorized as a drainage issue.
3. Soggy Soil. Pooling water is pretty obvious, but you should also keep an eye out for soil that holds onto water for extended amounts of time. If your yard stays soggy and squishy underfoot for days after rain, it’s definitely got a drainage issue.
4. Dank Basements. That musty, moist scent and feeling in your basement is a good indicator that your property is struggling to deal with moisture and that water is seeping into your underground areas.
5. Cracking Foundation.Foundation cracks are often caused by excess water, which is a result of poor drainage. Cracks can get much worse if the problem isn’t addressed properly, compromising the stability of your home or business.
6. Persistent Pest Problems.Excessive moisture attracts all kinds of unwanted visitors, like termites and mosquitoes. If you can’t seem to keep these pesky invaders at bay, there’s probably an underlying issue with drainage on your property that’s attracting them.

The good news is that drainage issues aren’t an insurmountable problem. Working with a contractor to evaluate and address drainage issues on your property can help protect your home or business from the ravages of water, so if you notice any of these red flags, don’t hesitate to reach out to a drainage specialist in your area.