Home Upkeep for Tucson Living: Easy DIY Tips from Key View Inspection-#1

Easy Gutter & Drainage Tips Every Tucson-Area Homeowner Can Do

Tucson Home Care Made Easy, a practical, homeowner-friendly blog series created by your local inspection experts at Key View Inspection. Whether you live in Tucson, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Vail, Marana, Catalina, Saddlebrooke, or Casa Grande, these guides are designed to help you take simple, safe steps to keep your home running smoothly. Each post focuses on easy, low-risk tasks that don’t require special tools or technical training—just clear instructions from a trusted home inspector who understands the unique conditions of Southern Arizona homes. Our goal is to empower you, save you time, and help you feel confident caring for your own home.

By following these simple home-care habits, you'll also be better prepared for future home inspections—meaning fewer surprises, fewer defects, and a more favorable inspection when it matters most.

As a home inspector, one of the most common issues I see is water draining too close to the home. Thankfully, preventing this is surprisingly simple — and requires no special tools, and no technical knowledge.

Proper drainage is one of the easiest ways homeowners can protect their foundation, reduce moisture issues, and avoid costly repairs later. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep water flowing where it should.

1. Check Your Downspouts After a Rainfall

After a rainstorm, walk around your home and watch where the water flows. You want to see

water running away from the foundation — not pooling near it.

If water collects near the house, it can eventually lead to settlement, erosion, or moisture intrusion.

2. Clear Gutters and Downspout Openings

Debris tends to gather at the openings of downspouts. Clearing these areas only takes a moment: simply remove leaves, dirt, or small blockages by hand.

3. Consider Simple Downspout Extensions

If a downspout stops right at the home’s foundation, inexpensive snap-on extensions can help route water several feet away. These take only seconds to install and make a big difference.

Why These Steps Matter

Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation problems in Arizona. Our desert soil expands and contracts with moisture, and water that sits too close to the home can create uneven settling or moisture damage.

The best part? You can prevent many of these issues in under five minutes, just by checking your downspouts after a storm.

At Key View Inspection, we believe homeowners deserve clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, our detailed inspections and friendly service ensure you get the information you need — explained in a way that’s easy to understand.

If you live in the Tucson, Casa Grande, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Oro Valley, Catalina, Saddlebrooke, or South Tucson areas we’re here to help you protect your biggest investment.

Book Your Inspection Today

Key View Inspection

Professional Home & Commercial Property Inspections

Serving Tucson, Arizona & Surrounding Areas

Phone: (520) 525-5450 • Email: Trish@KeyViewInspection.com