DRAINAGE DEFINED

III.  LATER STAGE: In the later stages, problems become more pronounced due to foundation movement resulting in doors and windows sticking, wall cracks and brick separation along with first and second stage problems.  This later stage most always will require surface and sub-surface style system.  Information from foundation construction personnel is that over 70% of situations relating to foundation repair has water under the structure. 

        Water issues are prevalent in all aspects of property development. It tends to become a drain problem with a natural progression of conditions related to upkeep or maintenance of the property.  It indicates as we study a particular property with greater knowledge of what takes place and comparative analysis over a time period that we currently either have a drain problem or will have one.  The basic development does not totally address these issues that occur progressively so the question arises on why it has an effect on the structure itself and how it has an effect on the structure itself.  A typical question related to drainage is “Where is the water coming from that is causing me this problem?”  The answer to that question is not always predictable nor is it necessarily an important factor.  When native soil is disturbed then it can be expected that a water issue may occur.  Then a number of variables can result in drain problems where such an excavation has occurred on the site for utilities or water lines it would interfere with the natural compaction of the soil and therefore affect sub-surface water flow.  Sub-surface water issues often occur due to swimming pools or excavation in new construction sites where the native soil compaction is altered.   Much expense has and can be incurred by the owner to find out where the water is coming from such as topography plans, studies of the site itself, digging test holes etc. with the final conclusion that there is a drain problem but the issue about how to take care of it still goes unanswered.