What Should I Look for During a Wet-Season Visit to Test Drainage?

Plan a wet-season visit or arrange a rainfall test. Observe surface water and where it flows. Look for ponding near foundations, along driveways, around walls, and at property boundaries. Note how long water takes to disappear and whether it drains away from the house or pools. Check roof gutters and downpipes: do they route water away from walls and into proper drainage, not onto paths or into planters that could overflow? Examine ground levels and gradients: is the yard sloping away from the foundation or toward it? Trace the water path from garden features, ponds and paved areas to see if water is directed toward drains or if water backs up toward the home. Inspect drainage outlets, culverts and pool overflow channels to ensure they lead to proper channels and don't flood neighboring plots. Ask neighbours about historical ponding during heavy rains and whether the local drainage system copes with peak rainfall. Be wary of landscaping that hides grading; it can hide drainage problems. A dry-season photo may look fine, but it doesn't prove wet-season performance. If there are concerns, hire an independent inspector to document ground levels, drainage capacity and actual water flow during rain.