Home > Drainage

Posts Tagged ‘Drainage’

Is it time to replace your water heater?
Corroded Water heater

Water Heater Corrosion

Most water heaters last 10 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or rust on your tank may signal that you have a problem.  Lots of rust flakes in the combustion chamber will also indicate the water heater is near the end of its useful life.  Other signs that the hot water heater is at the end of life is when the water smells like rotten eggs or, when the heater is heating, sounds like there are marbles rolling around inside the tank. When any of these signs are noted, the tank is usually between 10 and 15 years old and ready for replacement. It is best to replace a heater before it leaks and avoid any water damage.

When installing a new heater install a catch pan under the heater, if possible, with a drain line to the exterior of the house or a floor drain. If a leak develops and you have a catch pan and drain, the water will be diverted and discharged of properly. Metal or plastic drain pans are inexpensive and well worth the protection they provide in the event of a leak.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, August 11th, 2011.
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Inspectors Blog, Plumbing

Rochester MN Home Inspectors Disclose Steps To A Dry Basement

There aren’t many things worse than walking across your basement, and suddenly getting your feet wet. Maybe the kids spilled something on the carpet or Fido had an accident. Then you realize there is a lot more water there than either could produce. 

You realize you have a basement leak!  Now What? 

Sometimes it can seem like keeping your basement dry is a never ending battle, but, keeping your basement dry may not be as hard as you think. There are some simple steps you can take that will keep your basement dry and comfortable.

While it may sound like a little thing, as a home inspector I occasionally come across outdoor water spigots that were leaking.  Even what you may consider a slight drip can develop into several gallons of water per day, running down the foundation wall.  A simple fix could have prevented the problem. 

Gutters and downspouts need to be kept clear of all debris.  Check them for any damage that would prevent water from flowing properly through them.  Rainwater spilling out on a concentrated area can create and erode low places in your grade and allow water to concentrate against your foundation wall and in time can deteriorate the concrete or concrete block joints.  It will also start seeping through cracks in your basement wall and cause a basement leak.

Where the water exits at the bottom of the downspout is a critical area. It must be allowed to flow away from the foundation. This can consist of a simple splash block or a drain pipe extension as needed.

Make sure the grade around your house slopes away your foundation wall. Sometimes that is not an easy task, but is a must to keep the drainage water away from the foundation. Any low areas found next to your foundation should be filled and graded away from your foundation. 

Fix any plumbing leaks as they happen. This may seem like a no-brainer task, but in some cases, these leaks are really hard to notice. Discoloration of flooring is sometimes the only indication of a possible leak.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010.
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Basement, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspectors Explore Need For Sump Pump
PICT0020a

Empty basement sump basket

Even if you are not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a sump pump.  Anyone remember the summer of 2007 when we had about 13 inches of rain in a day?  A lot of people in the Rochester and Southeastern MN area like to tell the home inspector that “We have never had a water problem in this basement … except that one time in 2007 when we had all that rain.”  Water damage can happen to any home without warning, ruining electronics, heirlooms, flooring and anything else you may have in your basement. 

When we have a major storm, or a heavy snow melt the ground gets saturated, and water can enter your home.  A sump pump is easy to install and helps to prevent water back up.  During the home inspection process I see a lot of homes that have sump baskets that do not have a pump installed.  In newer homes, there is typically an outlet and sometimes the discharge pipe installed, but no pump.  Typically I recommend to people that it would be a good idea to install a sump pump.

Although they cost more, a sump pump system with a battery back up provides another level of protection.  As we saw in 2007 many homes lost power, with the saturation we had, sump baskets with sump pumps backed up, but with no power, no pump.  Providing for water protection in your home is a minor investment compared the extensive damage that can occur to your property and possessions. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Sunday, September 6th, 2009.
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Basement, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspector Explains Drainage Around Home

 Did you know that a 1″ rainfall results in 623 gallons of water per 1000 square feet of roof?  Controlling water above ground can prevent water from getting into your basement.

Routing water away from the foundation is the first step in preventing basement wetness problems.   Making sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris will ensure that they are functioning properly.  Extensions on the downspouts will move water away from the structure.

Just like your roof is sloped to shed water, the soil and any driveway/patio slabs around your foundation should be sloped for the same reason.  The soil, and sometimes slabs next to the foundation often settles after a home is built.  This causes the water that hits the side of the house to run toward and settle against the foundation.  Soils that are saturated with water will increase the soil pressure on the basement walls, which can lead to basement wetness, cracks, shifts, bowing and other potential structural problems.

A minimum of 2 inches rise to every 6 feet of run will help to divert water away from the foundation.  In some cases it is necessary to place impermeable sheeting under the soils or decorative material near the foundation.

Make sure that window wells are constructed correctly, with drains linked to the foundation drains. Soil elevation in the window well should be several inches below the bottom of the window and sloped to the drain. A drainpipe filled with gravel is a common way to create the drain.

Most home inspectors find that the dampness in basements can usually be traced back to lack of gutters and downspouts and/or poor drainage at the foundation.   By correcting above-ground problems you can help to prevent structural damage to your home, as well as dry up those basement damp spots.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Thursday, May 28th, 2009.
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Electrical, Exterior Components, Structural

Rick was very helpful and professional at my home inspection.  I was pleased that the report and review came with some written and verbal suggestions on how to fix some of the problems found.  Rick also made sure that I fully understood all of his explanations and and was respectful when answering my questions.  Rick was dressed professionally and is very nice and pleasant.  I will recommend Rick to any of my family and friends who may need a home inspection.

Judy T. Kasson, MN.

Very accommodating. Rick drove to Northfield to do my home inspection on very short notice and worked around my schedule.

Beth H, Northfield, MN

Rick was great!  As a first time homebuyer, he walked me through all aspects of the home inspection as well as giving me pointers on different things to watch for as I take on this new home.  I very much appreciate his thorough evaluation and professional but friendly nature.  I will definately refer Rick in the future!

Joanna. Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942