(StatePoint) Drainage problems in and around your home are not just an eyesore, they can cause costly damage, health issues and “surprise” repair costs in the future.

“The causes of excess water are numerous, and at this time of year, many parts of the country can be affected by snow melt and spring showers,” says Ryan Larsen, a civil engineer. “Luckily, you can take steps to prevent these issues from cropping up, as well as permanently solve current problems.”

Known as “Dr. Drainage” at NDS, Inc, a nationwide leader in landscape drainage solutions, Larsen is offering timely tips for spotting and addressing home drainage issues:

Your Yard

Low points can easily turn into “water reservoirs,” forming muddy puddles that can potentially attract pesky insects and even destroy your lawn.

If improperly addressed, this can eventually cause serious property damage.

You can prevent lawn drainage and landscape drainage concerns by optimizing the grading of your yard. Additionally, consider replacing impermeable surfaces, such as concrete, with materials that can absorb water, such as a vegetable garden, or gravel. A catch basin can be added to collect excess rainwater and irrigation.

Above all, it’s crucial to collect excess water away from the area and disperse it in a safe manner. Your best bet is to install a drainage system.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Rainwater runoff from your roof or landscape soaks into the ground and often collects near your home against basement walls, crawl spaces, or in the soil beneath your home’s foundation. Basement and crawl space flooding can lead to mosquito breeding, termite damage, dangerous mold and mildew growth, or worse, your foundation settling and cracking.

Damp, musty smells and wet walls are signs that water is getting into your basement or crawl space. Don’t ignore the problem or attempt a quick-and-dirty solution that won’t correct the situation long-term. Certain temporary fixes can actually make the problem worse.

Luckily, there are do-it-yourself drainage kits available, such as Flo-Well and EZ-Drain, which are usually better performing and easier to install than a traditional, gravel dry well or French drain. However, when dealing with more complex drainage issues, consider hiring a contractor.

“Just be sure to check online ratings and references to ensure you’re going with someone qualified and experienced,” stresses Larsen.

Neighbor Runoff

Water flows from higher to lower ground, so drainage problems are likely if your property is lower than neighboring properties. In general, neighbors are not responsible for water runoff onto your property unless alterations to their landscape have changed the natural flow of water. This unsuspecting threat can cause a variety of serious drainage problems.

Larsen recommends visiting www.ndspro.com for free resources and videos, product recommendations, installation instructions, and links to local home improvement retailers where you can find the right tools. To speak to “Dr. Drainage,” directly, call 888-825-4716.

Ignoring standing water in and around your home won’t make the problem disappear. This spring, be proactive. Invest a moderate amount of time and money into smart home drainage solutions to protect your property long-term.