If you find yourself staring at a newly formed  Drain cleaning wayland puddle in your backyard – or worse, in your basement – you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize you probably have a drainage problem. Fortunately or otherwise, not all drainage issues are that easy to spot.

So, how do you know when there’s a problem that needs your attention?  Here are five drainage symptoms to watch out for:

Overflowing Gutters | Drain cleaning wayland

If your gutters are gushing, chances are leaves and debris are blocking the flow of water. This can lead to siding rot, peeling paint, and structural damage. Clean your gutters at least twice a year. If they are not clogged, they may be undersized or improperly pitched, needing replacement or reinstallation.

Basement Water Stains | Drain cleaning wayland

Water stains high on a foundation wall could mean that water is penetrating from a clogged, overflowing gutter. The source also could be surface water traveling underground due to sloping soil around the foundation.

Foundation Cracks – It’s common for foundations to develop small cracks over time. But cracks larger than 1/8-inch wide could mean trouble. Patch smaller cracks with hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk. For the larger cracks, contact a structural engineer to determine the cause, assess the risk, and suggest a remedy.

Deposits on Walls – White or gray deposits or flakes on walls are typically caused by evaporating water. Though not a major issue, you’ll want to check your gutters and downspouts as well as the grading of soil near the foundation. If walls are peeling in large patches that are deeper than half an inch, water could be getting inside the masonry which threatens the integrity of the foundation.

Mildew in Attic – Mildew on the underside of the roof can signal a problem beneath the attic. First, make sure that your bathroom fan is not pushing hot air into the attic but rather venting outside through a wall or the roof. If that’s not the problem, moisture from the crawl space or basement could be rising through your house, up to the underside of the roof.

The moral of the story is to act at the first sign of a blocked drain, mold or mildew, water in your basement, or any other apparent drainage issues.  Here at PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling, we are drain and sewer cleaning specialists that can assist you in several important ways.  Contact us today or anytime for the professional assistance you need.