Buying a new home in Kingston can be exciting. Amidst the hustle and bustle of moving, decorating, and personalizing your home, an aspect that may be easily overlooked is the house’s drainage system. While often forgotten, an optimal water drainage system is vital to the longevity and comfort of your home.
Poor drainage can lead to a multitude of problems from floods to structural damage – problems any homeowner, especially new ones, would like to avoid. It is essential to understand the intricacies of your home’s drainage system to ensure it works as it should. This article serves as the ultimate drainage guide for new homeowners in Kingston.
The basics of a good drainage system:
First things first – as a homeowner, one should know about the two primary types of drainage systems – surface and subsurface. The former draws away the water accumulated on the surface, flowing through gutters and downspouts, while the latter deals with water absorbed into the soil. Having these two operating optimally is the first step towards preventing a multitude of water-related issues in your home.
Maintenance of gutters and downspouts:
In Kingston, the weather can be unpredictable and it’s not rare to encounter heavy rainstorms. The duty of gutters and downspouts is to channel rainwater from your roof and direct it away from your home’s foundations. Regular maintenance of these aspects of your system, such as drainage kingston cleaning out leaves and other debris, is necessary to prevent clogs. A blocked system can cause overflows that can potentially lead to water seeping into your home.
Soil and landscape grading:
Are you in love with house plants? If yes, make sure they are not too close to your house, as this may lead to the formation of pools of water near your foundation, which can seep into your home. Another critical component to avoid water accumulation is proper grading. The ground around your home should slope away, preferably at least a slight 5% grade. This simple measure can help direct water away from your home.
Subsurface drainage:
In certain instances, having surface drainage alone is not enough especially if your home is located in a low-lying area where water naturally collects. In such situations, subsurface drainage consisting of pipes or tiles might be the needed solution. The system is designed to collect water below the ground surface and divert it away effectively.
Professional Inspection:
Even though adopting the above measures can control situations from getting out of hand, it is always wise to have a professional inspect your drainage system to ensure optimal performance. This is a valuable step in preventive maintenance and can expose hidden issues before they become costly predicaments.
In conclusion, ensuring a functional drainage system should be high up on your priority list as a new homeowner in Kingston. Regular checks, maintenance, and professional inspections are the key tools at your disposal. Remember, investments in effective drainage systems now will pay off in the long run by saving potential costs in repairs and maintenance.