When people think about homeownership in Vancouver, especially in older areas like Kitsilano or East Van, their minds go to heritage charm, mountain views, and west coast living. What they don’t think about until it’s too late – is what’s happening underground.
Hello, My name is Alex, as a drainage pro technician with Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts, I’ve been under hundreds of homes across Vancouver and Burnaby. I can tell you with confidence: the biggest problems are usually the ones you can’t see.
1. A Damp, Musty Crawl Space? That’s Not “Just Vancouver Weather”
One of the first questions I ask homeowners: “Have you noticed a damp smell in your basement or crawl space?” Nine times out of ten, they’ll say yes and brush it off as normal.
But the truth? That smell can be a red flag. It could mean standing water, poor grading, or a clogged French drain system that’s no longer diverting water properly. Left untreated, this turns into rot, mildew, and thousands in foundation damage.
What We Do:
We provide wet crawl space fix solutions using drain tile camera inspection in Vancouver homes. This allows us to pinpoint blockages or pipe cracks. Then, we use hydroflushing to clear things out quickly before damage spreads.
2. “Everything Looks Fine From the Outside” – Until You Dig Deeper
Last month, I was called to an East Vancouver home undergoing renovations. The property looked flawless from the street – clean landscaping, newly painted exterior, the works. Underneath? The drain tiles were cracked and clogged with tree roots. A quick pipe camera inspection revealed years of unnoticed deterioration. The homeowners had no idea until they saw the footage.
This is exactly why we recommend inspections before listing, buying, or renovating. If you’re investing in your home, don’t let hidden drainage issues undercut the value.
What We Do:
We offer pre-purchase drain inspections for homebuyers, real estate agents, and renovators. You get full footage, a report, and optional hydroflushing service to clear out years of buildup.
3. Catch Basins That Look Clear… But Aren’t
One of the sneakiest issues I see is blocked catch basins. These are designed to keep water from pooling around your foundation. In Burnaby, I regularly find basins blocked just an inch below the surface with leaves, silt, or even construction debris. This stops drainage flow completely, leading to flooding during heavy rain or pooling around the home’s base.
What We Do:
We specialize in catch basin cleaning in Burnaby and Vancouver. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent water-related foundation issues.
4. Why Hydroflushing Isn’t Optional for Older Homes
A camera inspection shows us the problem. Hydroflushing clears it.
We use high-pressure water to remove sediment, sludge, roots, and blockages from your drain tile system. Especially in older homes across Kitsilano and East Van, it’s the only way to get a proper reset..
Many of our customers are shocked at how much debris we flush out—even if their drains “seemed fine.”
What We Do:
Our June Combo Deal includes both a drain tile camera inspection and hydroflushing service. It’s ideal for older homes needing a clean start without guesswork.
5. Your Foundation Isn’t Waterproof Just Because It Looks Dry
This is a common misconception. Vancouver homes, especially older ones, were not built with modern waterproof foundation services in mind. Even if your basement seems dry now, poor exterior drainage, cracks, or aging materials can let water in silently—causing hidden rot or mold that grows year-round.
🛠️ What We Do:
We provide drainage assessments and waterproofing services throughout Vancouver and Burnaby. From French drain installations to hydroflushing and catch basin clearing, we keep your foundation protected where it counts.
Final Thoughts: Underground Problems Don’t Fix Themselves
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years in the field, it’s this – water always finds a way. And if your drainage system isn’t helping it out, it’s going to find its way into your crawl space, basement, or foundation.
Before you renovate. Before you list. Before the next rainstorm hits Vancouver—let’s take a proper look underground.
