I get where you’re coming from, but I’d still lean toward double-checking the drains if there’s any doubt. I thought my issue was all about grading, but after fixing that, water kept showing up. Turned out there was a slow leak in a buried gutter line I missed the first time around. Sometimes those pipes look fine from the outside but have cracks or separations underground you can’t see until you run a camera through. It’s wild how sneaky water can be—never hurts to rule out every plumbing thing before getting into foundation repairs, which can get pricey fast.
Sometimes those pipes look fine from the outside but have cracks or separations underground you can’t see until you run a camera through.
That’s true, but I wouldn’t jump straight to assuming it’s always a drain or gutter issue. I’ve seen a lot of cases where folks chase plumbing problems for weeks, only to find out later it was just poor grading or clogged window wells letting water in. Even with a camera, some leaks are so minor they don’t show up unless there’s a big rain.
Honestly, before digging up lines or calling in for a camera inspection, I’d double-check the basics—downspouts extended far enough, soil sloping away from the house, and any obvious cracks in the foundation. Sometimes it’s just a missing splash block or mulch piled too high against the wall. Not saying drains can’t be sneaky, but sometimes the simple stuff gets overlooked because we expect it to be something hidden. Water’s tricky like that...
Sometimes it’s just a missing splash block or mulch piled too high against the wall.
Funny you mention mulch—I once spent a weekend digging up my flower beds because water kept seeping in, only to realize the mulch was stacked right up to the siding. After pulling it back and adding a couple of splash blocks, the basement stayed dry. Before getting into cameras or digging, I’d ask: are your window wells clear? Any chance your downspouts are dumping water too close to the house? Sometimes it’s the small stuff that makes all the difference.
Funny how often it’s the basics that trip folks up. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out for “mystery leaks” that turned out to be downspouts dumping water right at the foundation. People get so focused on fancy fixes—cameras, interior drains, even full-on excavation—when a $10 splash block or moving some mulch can do the trick.
One thing I’d add: check if the grading around your house slopes away from the foundation. Even a slight dip toward the wall can send water pooling right where you don’t want it. Window wells are another sneaky culprit, especially if the drain at the bottom’s clogged with leaves or debris.
If you’ve already checked all that and it’s still wet, then yeah, maybe time to look at the drains themselves. But in my experience, nine times out of ten it’s something simple and not a hidden pipe issue. Sometimes the old saying holds—when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras… unless you live next to a zoo, I guess.
Sometimes the old saying holds—when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras… unless you live next to a zoo, I guess.
Love that. You’d be amazed how many times I’ve been called in for “major” basement leaks, only to find a downspout elbow pointed straight at the foundation or a garden hose left running. Had one guy ready to jackhammer his floor—turned out his kid’s inflatable pool was overflowing right by the window well. Sometimes the boring answer really is the right one.
