If you want to protect your home from winter water damage, you should act now. Clearing gutters and downspouts, checking drainage pipes for clogs or cracks, and making sure the ground slopes away from your foundation are key steps. These simple inspections will help you avoid costly repairs later.
1. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Start at the roofline and follow the path of water away from your home.
- Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from gutters so water flows freely.
- Confirm downspouts are firmly attached and not pulling away from the fascia.
- Make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from your foundation. If not, consider adding extenders or splash blocks.
- Look for any signs of rust, cracking or separation at downspout joints.
2. Check Yard Grading and Surface Drainage
What happens to water on the ground can matter more than what happens up top.
- Walk around your home and ensure that the soil slopes downward from the foundation at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet (a common industry guideline).
- Identify any low spots where water might collect, then fill them with compacted soil.
- If you notice water pooling after rain, consider installing additional drains or redirecting surface flow.
- Check that walkways, patios or driveways do not channel water toward the house.
3. Examine Catch Basins, Ground Drains and French Drains
Underground systems often go unnoticed until there is a problem and this is what makes drainage services so important. Here are some important recommendations to keep your system in top condition:
- Lift the grate of any catch basin and remove debris, leaves or sediment that could block water flow.
- Inspect the interior of ground drains for buildup of silt or blockages.
- If you have a French drain system, verify that the gravel is not clogged and that water still flows unobstructed.
- Pour water into these drains to test how quickly it disappears. Slow drainage may signal a clog or collapse.
Don’t wait until water leaks into the basement; act today and secure your home’s drainage before the freeze hits.
4. Review Outdoor Faucets, Hoses and Exposed Pipes
Before the freeze sets in, give your exterior plumbing a once-over.
- Disconnect and drain all hoses, then move them to indoor storage.
- Shut off the outdoor water supply valve inside your home, then open the spigot to drain remaining water.
- Visually inspect any exposed pipes in crawl spaces or along the home exterior for cracks or signs of wear.
- If you have a pump such as a sump pump, test it by pouring in water and seeing that it activates and pumps out clearly. Also check the discharge line is unobstructed.
5. Insulate and Prepare Pipes for Freezing Conditions
Cold temperatures bring hidden risks. Don’t wait until you hear a water hammer or see burst pipes.
- Wrap insulation around any exposed pipes in unheated areas such as garages, basements, or under decks.
- Add foam covers to outdoor faucets or spigots, especially if they are on exterior walls.
- Ensure the home’s interior is kept at a consistent temperature when you are away to avoid pipe freeze-ups.
- Consider a professional inspection if your plumbing is older or you are unsure whether your system is protected.
How We at Grey Rock Landscaping Can Help
At Grey Rock Landscaping, we understand that the way water moves around your property is just as critical as how it looks. We specialize in grading and drainage solutions that not only look good but perform under harsh winter conditions. Whether you need a catch basin cleared, downspout extenders installed, or regrading to slope water away from the home, our team works closely with you to integrate function and design. Let us make sure your yard and drainage systems are winter-ready and your home is protected.
Ready to Get Started and Protect Your Home?
Contact us today and schedule a drainage review now and we will help you check all areas vulnerable to winter water damage. Call us at 970-316-4787 and let our dedicated professionals handle the prep so you can relax this winter. Your home is important; make sure it’s safeguarded by the experts in Fort Collins, CO and nearby areas.
