Signs Your Property Has Drainage Problems (Before Spring Melt)

As winter starts to loosen its grip in Ontario, melting snow and ice can quickly expose hidden drainage issues on your property. What looks like a minor puddle now can turn into serious problems once spring rains arrive — including yard damage, foundation concerns, and costly repairs.

Identifying drainage issues before spring melt gives homeowners the opportunity to address problems early, often saving time and money.

Below are the most common warning signs that your property may need professional drainage or excavation work before spring.

Standing Water After Snow Melt or Rain

If water consistently pools in your yard, driveway, or near your foundation after snow melt or rainfall, it’s a clear sign that water isn’t draining properly.

Common causes include:

• Poor grading

• Compacted soil

• Low spots in the yard

• Inadequate drainage systems

  
  

Standing water can lead to muddy lawns, dying grass, erosion, and long-term structural issues if left unaddressed.

Water Near Your Foundation

Water collecting around the base of your home is one of the most serious drainage red flags. Over time, this can:

• Increase pressure on foundation walls

• Lead to basement leaks or dampness

• Cause cracks in concrete or masonry

  
  

Proper grading and drainage solutions help direct water away from your home — not toward it.

Ice Buildup in Certain Areas During Winter

If you notice ice forming repeatedly in the same spots throughout the winter, it often indicates poor water flow beneath the surface.

This can point to:

• Improper slope

• Blocked drainage

• Water flowing toward low areas instead of away from structures

  
  

These icy patches are often early indicators of spring drainage problems.

Erosion or Washed-Out Areas

Snow melt can reveal erosion along slopes, walkways, driveways, or garden beds. Signs of erosion include:

• Exposed roots

• Soil washing away

• Sunken areas in lawns or gravel

  
  

Erosion usually means water is moving too quickly or in the wrong direction — both issues that can be corrected with proper grading or excavation.

Soggy or Spongy Lawns

If your lawn stays soft and saturated long after snow melt or rain, excess moisture may be trapped in the soil. This can lead to:

• Root rot

• Dead patches of grass

• Increased mosquito activity in warmer months

  
  

Healthy lawns require proper drainage to thrive.

Water Stains or Damp Smells Indoors

In some cases, drainage issues show up inside the home before they’re obvious outside. Watch for:

• Damp smells in basements

• Water stains on foundation walls

• Efflorescence (white powdery residue on concrete)

  
  

These signs often indicate water intrusion caused by poor exterior drainage.

Why Address Drainage Issues Before Spring?

Spring thaw and heavy rain can overwhelm already stressed drainage systems. Addressing issues early allows for:

• Better scheduling before peak season

• Less damage to lawns and landscaping

• More cost-effective solutions

• Long-term protection for your home and property

  
  

Winter and early spring are ideal times to plan drainage improvements before conditions worsen.

Professional Drainage & Excavation Solutions

Proper drainage often involves more than surface fixes. Professional solutions may include:

• Regrading land to improve slope

• Installing drainage systems

• Correcting low spots

• Excavation to redirect water flow

  
  

An experienced excavation contractor can assess the root cause and recommend long-lasting solutions tailored to your property.

The Importance of Early Action

Taking action now can save you from headaches later. By addressing drainage issues before spring, you can ensure your property is ready for the seasonal changes. This proactive approach helps maintain your landscape and protects your investment.

Book a Spring Drainage Assessment Early

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, now is the time to act. Early planning ensures your property is ready for spring melt and seasonal rains — without surprises.

Burns Landscape & Excavation proudly serves Perth, Lanark County, and surrounding areas, offering professional excavation, grading, and drainage solutions for residential and commercial properties.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a spring consultation and protect your property before the thaw.

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