This is the 1 drainage mistake experts urge homeowners to never make – it acts as 'slow poison' for your home and could cost you thousands to fix later

Drainage can be tricky to maintain, but get it wrong and you could risk paying upwards of $20,000 to put it right, plumbing experts warn.

And, if there's one draining mistake that's even more damaging than the rest, it's failing to control water runoff.

Here, our plumbing pros share their tips on avoiding this costly error, which is also a brilliant way to protect your home from flooding.

The 1 drainage mistake experts urge you to never make

There are plenty of common drainage mistakes to avoid, like disposing of cooking oil incorrectly, for example.

But, says Hayden Slack, owner and general manager of G. L. Hunt Foundation Repair and Service Squad Plumbing, the one mistake he always cautions homeowners against is failing to control water runoff. Put simply, this is allowing water to pool too close to the home.

'Water pooling around your foundation is like slow poison for your house,' he explains. 'This is especially true here in Texas, where our clay soils expand and shrink with moisture levels.

'Constant movement can put a high amount of stress on the foundation. Over time, it can cause cracks, uneven settling, and all kinds of structural issues.'

'If drainage isn’t handled properly, you’re looking at foundation cracks, doors and windows that stick, gaps in the brick or drywall, and in more serious cases, major shifts in the home’s structure.'

Importantly, these are all structural issues you can't afford to ignore.

How much would it cost to put right?

Crucially, foundation repairs, like fixing a basement wall from the inside, can get expensive fast. But, says Hayden, the exact price will depend on your specific circumstances and how early the problem was spotted.

'Smaller repairs might be a few thousand dollars, but more serious damage can easily cost $20,000 or more,' he explains. 'The worst part? Many of the repairs could have been avoided with a few simple drainage fixes early on.'

How to avoid it

The key to avoiding this draining mistake, advises Hayden, is being proactive.

'Start with proper grading to ensure the soil slopes away from your home,' he begins. 'Make sure you clean your gutters,' keeping in mind the gutter cleaning mistakes to avoid, and make sure that downspouts discharge at least five to ten feet away from the foundation.

'In many cases, we also recommend installing French drains or surface drains to move excess water efficiently, especially in areas prone to heavy rain,' he adds.

You might also want to invest in basement draining solutions where applicable or necessary, and avoid any things which cause cracks in walls.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our expert

Hayden Slack

As the owner and general manager of G. L. Hunt Foundation Repair and Service Squad Plumbing in Texas, Hayden has extensive expertise in foundation repair, plumbing, and small business ownership.

Need to know how to waterproof a basement? Our expert-led guide details everything you need to know, in only five simple steps.