Fargo’s Big Rain & Why It Matters
Fargo just saw a steady 1.5” rain last night – a significant spring downpour. This much rain can put any home’s weatherproofing to the test. In fact, 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof generates roughly 600+ gallons of runoff water, so last night’s storm meant well over a thousand gallons around our homes!
Heavy spring rains often reveal hidden issues in a house. Problems like minor leaks or drainage flaws that went unnoticed in dry weather might become obvious after a big rain.
Immediate Post-Rain Home Check
Check the basement or crawlspace: First thing, look for water where it shouldn’t be. Inspect corners, floor edges, and walls for damp spots or puddles. Even a small trickle or wet drywall in the basement can indicate a leak that needs attention.
Test your sump pump: If you have a sump pump, ensure it’s working properly the day after a storm. Heavy rain means your sump pump should have been busy. Take a moment to pour a bucket of water into the sump pit – the pump should kick on immediately. This confirms it’s not burned out or jammed. Also, check that the discharge pipe outside is clear and not dumping water right next to the foundation.
Walk around your home’s exterior: Make a quick tour around the house. Gutters and downspouts should be intact, not bent or clogged. Verify that they successfully channeled water away from your home (no evidence of water spilling over gutter edges). Also, look for any standing water or puddles near your foundation – these could mean your yard isn’t draining properly or downspout extensions are too short.
Inspect the attic and ceilings: Indoors, scan your ceilings (especially around light fixtures and at the corners) for any water stains or drips. A brownish ceiling stain or a damp spot in the attic could mean a roof leak happened during the storm. Catching it now allows you to get it fixed before the damage worsens.
Signs of Hidden Water Intrusion
Even if everything looks fine at first glance, heavy rain can sneak water into hidden places. Here are subtle signs to watch for in the days following the storm:
Musty odors or mold: A damp, musty smell in your basement or any room is a red flag. It could indicate moisture trapped behind walls or under carpets leading to mildew. If you notice new mold spots or a pungent earthy smell, don’t ignore it – it means water may have entered and isn’t drying out.
Water stains or discoloration: Keep an eye out for yellowish-brown water stains on drywall or ceilings that weren’t there before. They often show up in corners or along window frames. These circular “tidemark” stains are a classic sign of a leak. Even small stains mean water found a way in.
Bubbling or peeling paint/wallpaper: If paint is bubbling, blistering, or wallpaper is peeling soon after a rain, it suggests water is behind that wall pushing the finish out. Drywall may also swell or warp. These changes usually indicate a slow leak or seepage in the wall cavity.
Foundation and wall clues: Examine your foundation walls in the basement. New or widening cracks, especially if dampness is seeping through them, can be a sign of water pressure. Also look for efflorescence – a white, powdery salt residue on concrete walls. Efflorescence itself is harmless, but it means water has been moving through the wall and leaving mineral deposits behind. Any of these clues mean water intrusion occurred and you’ll want to take action.
Fargo Springtime Rains – Local Context
Why do Fargo’s spring rains cause these issues? A bit of local perspective:
Clay-rich soil and poor drainage: Fargo sits on former lakebed clay soil. Clay soil doesn’t drain well – instead of soaking in, rainwater tends to pool and run off. That means water can accumulate around your foundation if it’s not directed away, increasing the chances of seepage through any small cracks.
Freeze-thaw cycles and cracks: Our cold winters lead to freeze-thaw cycles. Bricks, concrete, and soil expand and contract, sometimes causing foundation cracks by spring. A hairline crack from winter can turn into a leak path once spring rainwater starts pushing through. This is why an April downpour might suddenly reveal a basement leak that wasn’t visible in February.
High water table in spring: Many parts of the Fargo area have a relatively high water table, especially in spring. Groundwater levels rise with all the moisture. This means sump pumps run frequently in spring months, and any malfunction can quickly result in water seeping into the basement. Homes in lower-lying areas are particularly prone to this.
Winter damage to drainage systems: Don’t forget the toll winter can take – ice and snow can damage gutters and downspouts. Come spring, you might find a downspout that broke loose or a gutter seam that split. The first heavy rain often exposes these winter problems, as you’ll notice overflow or leakage where the system is damaged. It’s a local rite of passage to discover in spring which part of your gutter system needs repair!
Action Steps for Homeowners This Week
Now that you’ve inspected your home and identified any issues, here are the key actions to take in the coming days to fix problems and prevent future ones:
Dry out wet areas (within 48 hours): If you did find any water intrusion, dry it out quickly. Set up fans and a dehumidifier in a damp basement. Soak up standing water and pull up any wet carpets or rugs to let the floor dry. Speed is important – mold can start growing in 48 hours or less on damp materials. So tackle drying first to stop mildew in its tracks.
Improve your drainage now: Take advantage of the break in rain to get water away from the house. Clean out gutters of any leaves or gunk so they don’t overflow next time. Make sure downspouts are pointed well away from the foundation – add extensions so they discharge water 5-6 feet from the house. Also, fill any low spots or depressions near the foundation with soil so water won’t pool there. The goal is to keep that thousands of gallons of rain moving away from your home, not soaking in beside it.
Patch up and repair leaks: Don’t ignore the issues you spotted. Seal small foundation cracks using an appropriate concrete or epoxy sealer while they’re dry. If you saw a minor roof leak (for example, a drip in the attic or a leaky window frame), get it fixed promptly – even if it’s a temporary patch until a roofer can arrive. Fixing these leaks now will prevent a minor leak from turning into a major problem with the next storm.
Check or upgrade your sump pump (and backup): After a big workout during the storm, ensure your sump pump is in good shape. If it was running non-stop, consider testing the float and clearing any debris from the pit. Also test the battery backup (if you have one) or think about installing a backup system if you don’t. In Fargo’s spring, a backup power source or a secondary pump can be a lifesaver if we get more heavy rain or if there’s a power outage. It’s much cheaper to invest in a backup now than to deal with a flooded basement later.
Plan professional follow-ups if needed: Finally, be honest with what you found. If you had significant water intrusion (like deep standing water, multiple leaks, or major structural cracks), consider calling a professional. A waterproofing contractor or structural engineer can assess big foundation issues, and a roofer can handle complex roof leaks. Even if things look okay, some homeowners in Fargo schedule a spring check-up with a home inspector to double-check that the winter and rains haven’t caused any new problems. It’s perfectly fine to get expert eyes on your home for peace of mind.
In Conclusion:
Address issues promptly: The main takeaway for Fargo homeowners is to act quickly after heavy rain. If you fix and reinforce things now (in the week following the storm), you’ll be much better prepared when the next rain hits. Spring is just getting started, and we often see more rain – so think of this as a stress test your home just went through, and now you have a chance to make improvements.
Prevent bigger problems: A little maintenance goes a long way. Simple actions like cleaning a gutter or sealing a crack can save you from major headaches (and expensive repairs) down the road. It’s much easier to do small fixes than to deal with moldy walls or a flooded basement because a minor issue was ignored.
Stay vigilant and prepared: Keep an eye on your home’s vulnerable spots throughout the spring. After each rain, do a quick check. Over time you’ll get to know how your property handles water. And remember, you’re not alone – many of these issues are common in our area. By staying proactive, you can enjoy the rainy season in Fargo without worry, knowing your home is ready to handle it.
Contact Nordic for any additional questions, or to schedule your next inspection!