Why Do I Have Puddles or Soggy Spots Near My Foundation?

Homeowners in Washington State sometimes notice soft ground, lingering puddles, or a musty smell near their foundation. These issues usually appear after a heavy stretch of rain — water sitting exactly where you hoped it wouldn’t.

When people call CR Gutters, Inc.™, Inc.™, the story is often the same: “It never used to do this… now the ground won’t dry out.” In many cases, the problem isn’t the roof — it’s where the water goes after it leaves it.

How Gutters and Downspouts Cause Foundation Moisture

Often, the gutters themselves are working, but the downspouts are releasing water too close to the home. With the amount of rainfall Washington State receives, runoff doesn’t have enough time or distance to disperse.

As a result, water accumulates at the foundation and slowly soaks into the soil. Over time, natural soil shifting around the home can make the problem worse, causing water to move back toward the structure instead of away from it.

Why Washington Rain Makes the Problem Worse

Rain behaves differently here than in drier climates. In Washington State, storms don’t just pass through — they linger. If your gutter system moves gallons of water off the roof but the downspout releases it only a foot or two away, that water often circles right back.

The result can include soggy soil, damp crawlspaces, standing water near the foundation, and patches of yard that never seem to dry.

Debris inside gutters can also play a role. Even a thin layer of evergreen needles can slow water flow and cause overflow in certain sections. CR Gutters, Inc.™ often finds that a simple cleaning or small pitch adjustment restores proper drainage.

Common Solutions That Actually Help

Homes surrounded by tall evergreens experience these issues most often. What looks like a clear gutter from the ground may be hiding pockets of debris that redirect water toward the house.

Effective solutions include:

• Downspout extensions that carry water farther from the foundation
• Adjusting gutter pitch to improve flow
• Cleaning hidden debris inside gutters
• Tying downspouts into French drains for yards that retain moisture

Downspout extensions are especially helpful when placed far enough out to allow runoff space to move and absorb safely.

When Moisture Is Trying to Tell You Something

If puddles keep returning, it’s worth paying attention. In Washington State, repeated dampness near the foundation often leads to slow-building problems like musty crawlspaces, soft soil, and staining on foundation walls.

These issues don’t always show up inside the home right away, which is why they’re easy to overlook.

A quick evaluation from CR Gutters, Inc.™ can determine whether the water is coming from overflowing gutters, misdirected downspouts, or soil that’s guiding runoff back toward the house.

Typical Drainage Costs in Washington State

Costs vary based on layout and conditions, but common ranges include:

• Downspout extensions: $75–$200
• French drains or yard drainage systems: $1,500–$4,000+

Schedule a Washington State Drainage Evaluation

Tired of stepping into soggy spots every time it rains? It’s time to redirect that water for good.

CR Gutters, Inc.™, Inc.™ works with homeowners throughout Washington State to manage runoff and protect foundations from long-term moisture damage.

Call (253) 447-1419 today to schedule an evaluation and get ahead of the moisture.