Clogged Drains Don’t Mix with Torrential Rains – What Every Homeowner Should Know

When a heavy rainstorm rolls in, most of us are watching the skies—not thinking about what’s going on underground or at the base of our homes. But the truth is, your home’s drainage system is under serious pressure during every downpour—and if your gutters, downspouts, or exterior drains are clogged, water will always find the path of least resistance. Too often, that path leads straight into your basement or crawl space.

September is one of the wettest months of the year for much of the East Coast, especially the Mid-Atlantic. And if we’ve learned anything at Value Dry Waterproofing, it’s this:

Clogged drains and torrential rains are a combination that spells disaster for your foundation.

How Much Water Are We Talking About?

Here’s a stat that surprises many homeowners:

Just 1 inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof can send more than 600 gallons of water rushing toward your foundation. Watch this YouTube Video.

If you’ve got a larger home or garage, the numbers only increase.

Now imagine it’s a torrential rainstorm with 2–3 inches of rainfall in just a few hours—and your gutters are full of leaves. Or your downspouts are packed with debris. That water has no exit, so it pools near the house, soaks into the soil, and starts pushing up against your foundation walls.

The result? Cracks. Leaks. Odors. Mold. And in worst-case scenarios, serious structural damage.

Signs Your Drainage System May Be Failing

Don’t wait for a flooded basement to tell you something’s wrong. If you notice any of the following, you might already be in trouble:

• Water pooling near your home after storms
• Overflowing gutters, even during light rain
• Downspouts spilling water at the base instead of away from the house
• Damp basement walls or musty odors
• Mold or mildew in corners, especially near the floor
• Cracking or flaking concrete (efflorescence)

These warning signs often go unnoticed until the damage becomes severe—or expensive. Schedule a free inspection with us to catch issues early.

Clogged Drains: The Culprit You Can’t See

It’s easy to assume your home is rain-ready, but most clogs happen where you can’t see them—inside underground drains, behind landscaping, or in roofline elbows. And once they’re clogged, water backs up fast.

We often tell homeowners:

“It’s not just about having a drainage system. It’s about having one that actually works.”

That’s where we come in.

Real-Life Risks of Improper Drainage

At Value Dry Waterproofing, we’ve seen it all:

Foundation Stress

When water builds up along the perimeter of your home, it increases hydrostatic pressure—the force of water pushing against the foundation. Over time, this pressure can lead to cracking, bowing walls, and long-term structural issues.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

When water sneaks into your basement or crawl space, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. That musty smell you notice? That’s often airborne mold—and it’s circulating through your home every time your HVAC system kicks on. Learn how the EZ Breathe® Ventilation System can help improve indoor air quality.

Lower Home Value

No one wants to buy a home with a history of moisture problems. Visible water damage can delay closings, drop appraised values, and give buyers cold feet—fast. Learn how we support Real Estate Partners with timely assessments and solutions.

How Value Dry Can Help

We specialize in solving water problems before they escalate. Whether it’s:

• Installing or repairing a full-perimeter drainage system

• Clearing clogged downspouts and exterior drains

• Adding sump pumps and battery backups

• Encapsulating damp crawl spaces

• Installing a whole-home EZ Breathe® Ventilation System

Our expert team will help make your home dry, safe, and healthy—rain or shine.

DIY Tips to Prepare for Storm Season

While we always recommend a professional inspection for peace of mind, here are some things you can do this month:

• Check and clear gutters – Remove leaves, nests, and debris

• Extend downspouts – Ensure they discharge water 6–10 feet from the home

• Check the slope around your foundation – Soil should slope away from the house

• Inspect basement walls – Look for staining, bubbling paint, or white residue (efflorescence)

• Test your sump pump – Pour water in to ensure it activates and drains properly

For Real Estate Professionals and Contractors

If you work with homes—whether buying, selling, inspecting, or building—you know how quickly water issues can become deal breakers.

Real Estate Agents:

Use Value Dry as your go-to partner for reliable, fast property assessments. We’ll help identify issues before your buyers or inspectors do. Contact Value Dry Waterproofing to learn more about our Real Estate Partner Program.

Contractors and Builders:

Avoid callbacks by integrating our waterproofing systems into your build schedule. We’ll help ensure drainage systems are working from the start. Contact Value Dry Waterproofing to Learn more about our Preferred Construction Partner Program.

Why August & September Are the Time to Act

Late summer and early fall are known for hurricane remnants, sudden downpours, and saturated ground. It’s the time of year when water shows up where it doesn’t belong.

And let’s be honest—clogged drains don’t fix themselves. Every storm that rolls through puts more pressure on your home’s foundation.

Let’s Get Ahead of the Rain

Whether you’ve spotted signs of trouble or just want peace of mind before the next big storm, the team at Value Dry is ready to help.

Fast, honest inspections
Expert recommendations
Solutions backed by our guarantee and BBB Accreditation
Happy customers

Schedule your free inspection today
Or call us at (866) 328-3284

Because when the rain comes down hard…
You’ll be glad your drains and foundation are ready for it.