Home or Structure Flooding

Protecting a home and its contents from damage due to surface water runoff and groundwater can be a major concern for many homeowners. It's important to understand a home's drainage system in order to identify when problems may occur.

  1. Home Drainage System
  2. Common Causes of Flooding & Solutions

Understanding how your property’s stormwater drainage system functions can help protect your home from flooding.

Above Ground / Surface Water

The above ground drainage system surrounding your home that directs surface water away from the structure is made up of your yard, gutters and downspouts and sump pump discharge pipe. Looking around the exterior of your home and yard can help identify any problems that could contribute to a flooded structure. The issues may include:

  • Grading - the ground surrounding your home, as well as walkways and driveways, should slope away from your home.
  • Roofs - Rooftops should have gutters with downspouts that are extended away from the home’s foundation.
  • Sump Pump Discharge - If your home has a sump pump, the exterior discharge should be extended away from the home and foundation.

Below Ground/Subsurface Water

The majority of homes with basements are built with a subsurface drainage system, also referred to as a foundation drain. The main components include gravel backfill, perimeter drain tile and a sump pump. These components function best when surface water is handled properly.