Hose and sprinklers should not be left running on or near a slope, particularly during the rainy season. This will increase saturation of soils, which may cause damage. The house should be provided with eave gutters and downspouts which discharge to drained, paved areas or pipe drains, which in turn discharge off the building pad. Discharge must be to the street or an approved drain. Check roof drains, gutters and downspouts annually, before the start of the rainy season, to be sure they are clear.
Roofs can shed large quantities of water.
Without gutters or other adequate drainage, water falls form the eaves, collecting against foundation or basement walls, adversely affecting foundation stability. Grading of the yard should be such, that all drainage is directed toward graded swales or a system of catch basins and underground pipes, which convey water to points of discharge off the building pad. Drainage swales should be established as far away from the structure as possible. The flow line in a swale should be at least 24 inches from the building wall. Catch basins should be placed at or slightly below the ground surface in a graded depression of at least three feet in diameter and two inches lower than the surrounding grade.