A Drainage Minute: The Reid & Pederson Drainage Blog

When most homeowners think about drainage, they picture what’s happening inside the house — the bathtub, kitchen sink, or main sewer line.

And while those systems absolutely matter, many of the most common drainage problems we see across Illinois’ south suburbs and Northwest Indiana start outside the home.

Here’s the truth: drainage is drainage. If water is supposed to flow away from your home and it isn’t, that’s where problems begin — and it’s exactly what Reid & Pederson Drainage specializes in fixing.

Common Drainage Issues We See in Northern IL & NW Indiana

With our mix of clay-heavy soil, older drainage systems, and dramatic seasonal weather changes, exterior drainage problems are extremely common in this region.

Window wells filling with water

Basement window wells are designed to protect your foundation, but when their drains clog or collapse, water can pool quickly, especially during heavy spring rains or summer storms. That standing water can lead to basement leaks, mold issues, and long-term foundation damage.

Downspouts that don’t drain properly

Downspouts that empty too close to the house, or connect to underground lines that are blocked, often cause large puddles near the foundation. Over time, this can lead to erosion, cracked concrete, and water intrusion into basements and crawl spaces.

Sump pump discharge line backups

In Northwest Indiana and Northern Illinois winters, sump discharge lines are especially vulnerable to freezing, shifting soil, or debris buildup. When those lines back up, your sump pump may work overtime or fail entirely, pushing water right back toward your home instead of safely away from it.

Why Seasonal Drainage Maintenance Matters Here

Our local climate puts extra stress on drainage systems year-round:

• Spring & summer storms can overwhelm clogged or damaged lines
• Fall debris can block window well and downspout drains
• Winter freeze/thaw cycles can crack or shift underground pipes
• Snowmelt can expose drainage failures homeowners didn’t know existed

Many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until water shows up in the basement, but by then, damage may already be underway. That’s why seasonal drain and sewer maintenance is so important.

How Reid & Pederson Drainage Can Help

We’ve seen every kind of drainage issue this area can throw at a home. Whether it’s rodding, cleaning, repairing, or diagnosing hidden drainage problems, our team has the experience, equipment, and local knowledge to get water flowing where it should.

We don’t guess — we investigate. Our goal is to identify the root cause of the problem and provide a reliable solution that protects your home long-term.

If It Concerns You, It Concerns Us

Standing water, soggy soil, repeated backups, or unexplained moisture around your home are all signs it’s time to take a closer look.

If you live in Northern Illinois or Northwest Indiana and something doesn’t seem right, give Reid & Pederson Drainage a call. We’ll talk through what you’re seeing, inspect the issue, and help you find the right solution — before a small drainage problem turns into a big repair.

Call (708) 757-9040