Why Do I Have Puddles Near My Foundation?
Have you seen little ponds forming around your home after one of Seattle’s long rains? Well, these puddles don’t show up by accident. They are usually a sign that the gutter system isn’t draining right. When downspouts stop too close to your house or the ground isn’t sloped away, water has nowhere to go. It pools, stands, seeps, and slowly starts causing damage.
It may seem harmless at first, with a little mud or damp smell here and there. But over time, this moisture weakens the soil, puts pressure on your foundation, and makes crawlspaces damp or musty. At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we see this all the time. Seattle’s soft soil and endless rain make proper drainage more than just a good idea — it’s a must.
Why Drainage Problems Are Common in Seattle
The Pacific Northwest’s charm comes with a price: water that never really leaves. The dense, moisture-holding soil here traps rain like a sponge. If your downspouts dump water just a few feet from your home, it can’t soak in fast enough — it pools instead.
Even newer homes can develop drainage issues over time. The ground shifts a little each year. So, what once sloped away may now tilt back toward the house. Add in clogged gutters or short extensions, and it’s the perfect setup for standing water.
That’s why we often recommend simple fixes like adding six-foot downspout extensions or underground drain lines that carry the water farther out. Once runoff is guided properly, those puddles usually disappear for good.
Early Signs to Watch For
You don’t need a contractor’s eye to know when your home’s drainage is struggling. Keep an eye out for:
- Puddles that linger long after rainfall stops
- Soft, spongy or uneven ground near the house
- A faint mildew smell or damp air inside
- Fine cracks along the foundation walls
These small signs are early warnings. The longer you wait, the more water might settle where it shouldn’t.
Simple Fixes To Make a Big Difference
Some solutions are surprisingly easy. Extending downspouts a few extra feet or adding splash blocks helps most homes right away. For properties that stay soggy, underground drain lines or French drains are worth considering. They quietly move water away before it becomes a problem.
At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we design drainage solutions around how your home actually sits — its slope, soil, and how Seattle rain behaves in your yard.
Typical Drainage Costs in Seattle
Small fixes like downspout extensions usually run to $75–$200. Larger options, like a French drain system can average $1,500–$4,000+, depending on the layout. It is a practical investment that protects your foundation and keeps your home dry year-round, for decades.
Keep the Rain Where It Belongs
Seattle’s weather isn’t changing anytime soon; but how your home handles it can be changed. Call CR Gutters, Inc.™ at (253) 447-1419 for gutter drainage inspection or installation. Our team understands the quirks of Seattle’s rain and soil. We will make sure that rainwater flows away, not in. With CR Gutters, Inc.™, you can enjoy the rain without worrying about what’s happening beneath your feet.