AboutBill Rodgers Expertise I have years of experience dealing with water infiltration issues associated with windows and doors. I have been a certified EIFS installer and am familiar with all types of stucco and masonry veneers.
I can help you select the best windows and doors for any residence or multifamily building.
Experience I've been a building contractor since 1977. Prior to that time I was the building official for Frederick County Virginia. I'm currently licensed in six states including: Oregon, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Florida. My primary business is solving and correcting water infiltration problems in residential structures.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, 1972. I am an accredited instructor for the Installation Masters Institute. I regularly teach window and door installers how to be Certified Master Installers of windows and doors. The Installation Masters Institute is currently licensed to and administered by Architectural Testing Inc. for the American Architectural Manufacturer's Association.
Question I purchased this 1960's house 3years ago. Upon inspection, about 1-2inches of water was in the crawl space, so the seller placed a sump pump (proposal says: Install crawl space perimeter, footing drainage pipe and gravel. 1/3hp sump pump, 1.5"ABS discharge to front yard).
I've since replaced the gutters, because the following winter, I noticed they were warped and spilling over (and probably contributing to crawl space water).
NOW, I've noticed that 4 out of 5 of the concrete downspout drains are clogged with soil and overflow instead of draining. (again something possibly contributing to crawl space water).
After having a couple estimates done, I'm under the impression that the contractors are surprised that I think it's necessary to replace the downspout diversions when I have a sump pump already. (Replacement plans are generally smooth wall tight lines to a lawn basin for drainage)
Do I REALLY need to replace my downspout drainage when I have a sump pump? How critical is this?
Thanks in advance for your time!
Answer Hi Michele,
It's too bad that you did not replace the underground piping of your drain leaders before you installed an interior system and sump pump. I would suggest that you at least be sure that the surface of your yard is graded so that water from the drain leaders flows away from your home. If you can achieve the proper grading, I would think that two drainage systems are excessive.
