Water and drainage
Where does the rain go after it leaves the roof?
Water can leave the roof and still become a problem if it collects beside the house.
How it works
DOE describes gutters, downspouts and grading as parts of managing water around a foundation. The goal is a complete path away from vulnerable parts of the building.
A more useful comparison
One componentA clean gutter is useful, but it is only part of the route.
The whole pathAsk where the downspout discharges and what happens to the water next.
Put the decision back in your hands.
You can begin with observations from a safe location. The right solution depends on the site; a drain is not automatically the answer everywhere.
One useful next step
Note where water pools and bring photos to a qualified assessment. Do not enter floodwater to investigate.
DOE: Foundation drainage, gutters and downspouts
Source checked September 22, 2026. General education; your home needs its own assessment.
Source checked September 22, 2026. General education; your home needs its own assessment.