MAINTENANCE
LANCE MILLER |
THE RELATIONSHIP DIFFERENCE
The Importance of Drainage Maintenance:
A Contractor’s Perspective
D
rainage issues are a common
headache for property
managers, and they become
especially evident as watering
increases during the summer months.
The desire to keep lawns and planters green
and lush often results in overwatering.
Broken pipes, leaks and short periods of
intense rainfall are also common during
the season. It is important to identify and
fix drainage problems as soon as possible to
avoid damage to the property.
COMMON SIGNS OF POOR
DRAINAGE INCLUDE:
• Standing water in basements and
crawl spaces
• Signs of exterior settlement
• Utility pipes pulling away from the
building where they enter it
• Pooling water in grassy areas or mushy areas
• Increased distance from the gutter
tip-out to the ground
While drainage issues are common, there
are several easy measures community managers
can take to either prevent or identify issues
before they cause significant damage:
www.aamdhq.org
1. Walk the property and check drainage
wells for standing water. These rolls
and tucks in the grassy areas should
not act as catch basins for rain or
landscaping water. It is also important
to keep grass neatly trimmed in these
areas to keep water flowing.
2. Keep all drainage areas clean and
free of debris. Rocks, dirt or grass
clippings can prevent water from
draining properly. Be sure to clear
debris away from drains below
sidewalks and hardscape areas as well.
3. Check the irrigation system periodically
throughout the season. Inspect sprinkler
sprays and keep an eye out for “mushy”
areas in the grass. If sprinklers are
leaking below ground, the water can
cause the soil, and the structures, to
settle. If the grassy areas overall are
mushy, you are over-watering and the
irrigation should be throttled back.
Avoid creating problems and save
money at the same time!
4. It is also important to clean rain
gutters to ensure proper run-off.
Clogged gutters are a frequent cause
of fascia wood rot and mold.
5. Perform routine maintenance in
crawl spaces and basements.
Check sump pumps to make sure
they work and are venting properly.
It is also good practice to check if
the pump is always running or the
discharge areas are always wet.
These are signs of a larger problem
that needs attention immediately.
If drainage problems are neglected,