Construction Problem Center
Drainage Problems: Causes & Fixes
Poor drainage doesn't just cause puddles — over time it can undermine foundations, erode compound surfaces and cause damp inside the building.
Common causes
- Ground sloping toward the building instead of away from it
- Undersized or blocked stormwater drains and culverts
- Missing or poorly positioned French drains in high-water-table areas
- Paved surfaces directing runoff toward the foundation
- No connection to a proper external drainage system
Occasional pooling after very heavy rain isn't unusual.
- • Water pooling against the foundation after every rainfall
- • Erosion or soil washing away near the building
- • Damp creeping up external walls near ground level
This information is general guidance for planning purposes and is not a substitute for an in-person professional assessment. Every building and site is different — a TEKEEY engineer can confirm the actual cause and recommend next steps.
Request a site inspection
A TEKEEY engineer will visit, assess the issue, and recommend next steps.
Discuss on WhatsApp