Let the Rainstorm Inspect Your House for You
We've had some pretty wet weather around Utah lately, and when the rain comes down hard, your house can tell you a lot about how well it's handling it.
So instead of just waiting for the next downpour, use the last one as a free home inspection.
Grab your coffee, take a walk around the house, and follow these five steps:
1. Start with your gutters.
Take a look at your gutters and ask yourself: Where did the water go?
If you noticed water spilling over the sides instead of flowing through the gutters, there's a good chance they need to be cleaned out. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can keep water from flowing where it's supposed to.
While you're there, check your downspouts, too. Make sure they're connected and actually carrying water away from the house.
2. Look at your foundation.
Walk around the outside of your home and look for places where water is pooling or sitting close to the foundation.
Your landscaping should help move water away from your house—not toward it.
If you notice muddy spots, erosion, standing water, or a place where water consistently collects after a storm, that's something worth addressing before it turns into a bigger headache.
3. Follow your downspouts.
Here's a quick one that's easy to overlook: where does all that water actually end up?
Salt Lake City recommends directing downspouts away from paved surfaces and toward areas where the water can safely soak into the ground.
If your downspout is dumping several gallons of rainwater right next to your foundation, it's probably time to redirect it.
4. Check your storm drain.
Take a quick walk to the storm drain closest to your home.
Is it covered with leaves, dirt, trash, or yard debris?
Clear the area around it so water can get where it's supposed to go. Salt Lake City notes that clogged storm drains can contribute to localized flooding, and the City encourages residents to help keep drains and the surrounding curb area clear.
And if you're feeling especially neighborly, Salt Lake City even has an Adopt a Storm Drain program. A little cleanup goes a long way.
5. Take a peek inside.
If you have a basement, check the spots that tend to tell the story first: window wells, basement corners, doors, and anywhere you've noticed a damp smell or water stain.
You don't need to go hunting for problems. Just look for anything that seems different after a big rain.
🏡 Your 10-Minute Rain Check
Next time the skies open up, remember:
1. Gutters → Are they draining properly?
2. Foundation → Is water collecting against the house?
3. Downspouts → Are they sending water away from your home?
4. Storm drain → Is anything blocking it?
5. Basement → Any signs of moisture?
You don't need to be a home inspector. You're simply paying attention to what your house is telling you.
Because sometimes the best time to find a drainage problem isn't during the next storm...
It's right after the last one.
And that’s your Hump Day Home Hack! Grab your free PDF guide below!
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