Published and sources reviewed: October 12, 2026. A dry-day walk-through and a few careful observations during rain can show where water first arrives, which route it follows and what remains wet afterward. This record does not diagnose a failed pipe, but it can make a drainage assessment more focused.
Before rain: make a ten-minute map
- From ground level, mark roof downspouts, paved areas, low spots, visible grates, ditches and any known outlet. Do not climb a ladder for this check.
- Photograph the same wide views you can safely repeat during and after rain. Include the building, slope and water route—not only a close-up of the wet spot.
- Remove loose leaves from a private surface grate only when it is safely accessible. Stay away from traffic, flowing water and deep ditches. The City of Nanaimo says not to clear culverts yourself; contact Public Works instead.
- Write down earlier repairs, unknown pipe connections and where water has appeared before. Do not disconnect or redirect a downspout until its present route and the effect of a new outlet are understood.
During rain: follow the water without chasing it
Observe from safe, stable ground. Start at the roof edge and downspouts, then look at hard surfaces and grades, collection points and the apparent outlet. Record the first place water pools, whether a grate accepts flow, and whether runoff moves toward the house, a neighbour or a retaining wall.
Do not enter a flooded crawl space, lift drain covers, reach into moving water, stand below an unstable bank or wall, or work beside traffic. If water is actively entering the home, electrical systems may be affected, a wall is moving, or the ground is giving way, leave the unsafe area and seek urgent qualified help.
After rain: measure time, not just depth
Note when the rain stops and when each pooling area clears. Repeat the same photographs after 30 minutes, a few hours and the next day when practical. Include approximate dimensions and identify whether the ground is soft, the surface is still ponded, or moisture is appearing at the foundation.
Do not treat a single airport observation or forecast as a property measurement. Your dated notes show what happened at your site; regional weather information supplies context only.
Match the pattern to the next question
- Downspout overflow or discharge beside the house: where does the roof water go now, and is the buried connection accessible for inspection?
- Runoff crossing a driveway, patio or path: are the finished grades, collection point and downstream outlet working as one system?
- Water or persistent moisture at the foundation: is the source surface runoff, a downspout, an accessible perimeter drain, or another building issue?
- Water collecting behind a retaining wall: what does the wall support, where is the drainage outlet, and is there any movement or bulging that requires a qualified assessment?
A drainage contractor can use these observations to choose between a surface review, camera access, a targeted test dig or a defined repair investigation. Perimeter drain repair should be based on evidence; a wet area alone does not prove the entire system requires replacement.
Keep runoff clean and on a suitable route
The City of Nanaimo's stormwater guidance, updated September 15, 2026, explains that runoff from roofs, roads and driveways can carry pollutants into waterways. The Regional District of Nanaimo recommends retaining, detaining and reusing rainwater and increasing permeable surfaces where suitable. Never wash soil, concrete residue, oil or other waste into a storm drain.
These public sources support reducing and managing runoff; they do not determine whether a rain garden, new drain connection or excavation is suitable for a particular lot. Confirm ownership and approval requirements before changing a roadside ditch, public system or shared drainage route.
Bring the record to a paid diagnostic visit
Fairytale's residential diagnostic audit is $450, including 1.5 on-site hours; extra time is $150/hour. The pre-purchase inspection is $650. Flush-and-inspect is $950–$1,250, with specialized support when needed. Suitability, scope and charges are confirmed before booking.
Start with an inspection plan
Tell Clayton what you have noticed and send property photos. Camera inspections and technical investigations are paid services; suitability, scope and charges are confirmed before booking.
Request a camera inspection