Introduction

Recently I've been bombarded with private messages from friends! They're all asking about old house maintenance. Especially during this rainy period, many homes have started leaking, causing much distress. Don't panic - today I'll share my years of experience and lessons learned in renovating old houses, particularly regarding drainage system maintenance. To be honest, these lessons were learned the hard way, and I hope you can avoid some of these pitfalls.

Drainage System

While the drainage system might seem like just a few pipes, there's actually a lot to understand. Last year, when I helped my friend with her water leakage problem, it was a terrible sight! The drainage ditches were filled with leaves that had been there for who knows how long, all black and smelly. Rainwater had backflowed into the house, ruining her hardwood floors, and it cost a fortune to fix. Since then, I've been determined to study this issue thoroughly, as I've noticed too many people stumbling over this problem.

The drainage system is essentially about directing excess water away. Simple in concept, but complex in details! The whole system includes roof gutters, downspouts, ground drains, and other components - like the human circulatory system, where any problem affects the whole. Based on my experience, spring and fall are the best times for maintenance. Why these times? In spring, winter's leaves and debris have accumulated, making it perfect for cleaning during the warmer weather. By fall, you need to prepare for upcoming rain and snow by getting the system in optimal condition.

I've also noticed that many old houses have poorly designed drainage systems. For instance, some houses have downspouts that are too narrow to handle heavy rain; others have gutters with insufficient slope, causing water to pool in certain areas. These problems can become major headaches if not discovered and addressed promptly.

Regular Inspection

When it comes to inspection, many might find it troublesome, but I'd say it's the most effortless method. Let me share a super practical inspection checklist that will keep your drainage system in optimal condition.

Let's start with visual inspection. It's the simplest but very effective. I suggest walking around your house monthly - just treat it as a casual stroll. Focus on checking if gutters have accumulated leaves, especially in corners where dirt tends to collect. Also check if downspouts have cracks, as small fissures can develop over time due to wear and tear. Ground drains need special attention - I've seen cases where drains were blocked by cement debris, causing severe water accumulation during rain.

I've made the first weekend of each month my "drainage system inspection day," without fail. Honestly, since developing this habit, I've never had water leakage issues. Regular inspection also helps identify potential problems like pipe aging or loose connections before they become serious.

Next is functional inspection, which takes a bit more time. Choose a sunny day and use a hose to run water through the drainage system to check if water flows smoothly. Last summer, I discovered a blocked concealed pipe on the balcony this way. If not found in time, it would have been a major problem during the rainy season. This type of functional inspection should be done quarterly, especially before the rainy season.

Pay attention to details during inspection. Check if water flow speed is normal, listen for unusual sounds, and look for moisture marks around drainage outlets. These are important indicators of drainage system health. I've seen old houses where pipe joints were leaking due to age, but the owners didn't notice until the walls were corroded.

Common Problems

Dealing with Blockages

Speaking of blockages, this is truly a chronic problem in old houses. From my years of observation, about sixty percent of house leaks are related to drainage system blockages. Sometimes it's leaves, sometimes garbage, and I've even seen rats nesting in drainage pipes.

There are many ways to deal with blockages, but the key is to use the right method for each situation. For minor blockages where water still flows but slowly, a high-pressure water gun can solve the problem. I bought one online last year for just a few hundred dollars, and it works great. A quick blast can usually clear minor blockages. Plus, it's also useful for washing cars - multiple uses for one tool.

However, for severe blockages, you need to call in professionals. I've seen people try to save money by pouring strong acids or bases into pipes, only to corrode them and end up spending more to replace the entire system. So I recommend calling professional drain cleaners for serious blockages. They have the proper tools and techniques to solve problems quickly and safely.

Prevention Tips

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Over the years, I've compiled several very useful anti-blocking tips to share.

First is installing filters on all drain openings. This is a small investment with great results. Statistics show that using filters can reduce blockage problems by eighty percent. There are many types of filters available now - stainless steel, plastic, and even self-rising ones - choose according to your needs.

I've installed filters in my kitchen sink, bathroom floor drain, and balcony drain. Although they need regular cleaning, which can be a bit troublesome, it's nothing compared to dealing with blockages. Plus, cleaning the filters helps you monitor your water usage habits - for example, if your kitchen filter often has a lot of oil residue, it might mean you're not properly disposing of leftover food.

Regular cleaning of roof and ground leaves is also important. I've made a habit of spending half an hour doing this every weekend. Honestly, it felt annoying at first, but after sticking with it, I found it not only saves on repair costs but also makes the house look much cleaner. This is especially important during fall when leaves are abundant.

Another tip is installing protective covers on downspout outlets. This mainly prevents small animals from entering. I've dealt with rats nesting in downspouts before, which was a real headache. Since installing protective covers, this problem has never occurred again.

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring Maintenance

Spring is the best time for major cleaning. According to meteorological departments, spring rainfall accounts for about thirty-five percent of annual precipitation, making drainage system maintenance particularly important during this time.

Spring maintenance focuses on cleaning the entire drainage system. After winter, there might be many leaves, snow, and other debris accumulated in gutters. Pay special attention to gutter corners and downspout connections, as these areas easily accumulate debris.

During spring inspection, besides routine cleaning, I suggest checking for cracks that might have formed due to winter freeze-thaw cycles. This is crucial because any cracks could lead to seepage during the rainy season.

Also check all seals and waterproofing layers for integrity. Winter's low temperatures can make these materials brittle or cracked, making spring the perfect time for replacement or repair. I personally check the waterproofing around my balcony and windows every spring, addressing any issues immediately.

Fall Maintenance

In fall, leaves become the biggest problem. From my experience, it's best to check gutters weekly during leaf-falling season rather than waiting for leaves to accumulate. Once wet leaves pile up, they're not only harder to clean but can also block drains.

Another focus of fall maintenance is checking the entire drainage system's insulation. Winter is approaching, and uninsulated drainage pipes can easily freeze and break. I suggest wrapping exposed pipes with specialized insulation materials, especially those facing north winds.

One often overlooked issue is checking roof leaves in fall. Many people focus on ground leaves but forget about roof accumulation. If not cleaned timely, these leaves can not only block gutters but might also damage roof waterproofing.

Conclusion

After all this discussion, maintaining a drainage system boils down to three core points: regular inspection, timely cleaning, and appropriate repairs. It seems simple, but doing it well requires patience and persistence. However, considering the repair costs saved annually, this effort is really worthwhile.

Finally, I want to say that while many might find these tasks bothersome, if you make them a lifestyle habit, they won't feel particularly time-consuming or laborious. Like my weekly routine inspections now, they've become part of my life, and I actually enjoy the process.

By the way, after all this discussion, when was the last time you checked your drainage system? Why not take some time this weekend to have a look? If you encounter any problems you can't solve, feel free to discuss them in the comments. Next time, I plan to share experiences about indoor pipe maintenance - remember to like and follow!