Check Grading and Drainage
Why It Matters
Improper grading directs water toward your foundation, causing basement flooding and structural damage over time.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Level or long board, Tape measure. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the check grading and drainage
Verify that the ground slopes away from your foundation on all sides, with at least 6 inches of fall over 10 feet.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if water pools against foundation during rain, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Level or long board
- Tape measure
Community Tips
Slope soil away from the foundation at a minimum 1/8-inch drop per linear foot for the first 10 feet; use a long board and level to verify this grade, as even slight reverse slopes trap water against the foundation and accelerate basement leaks. Adding French drain systems like those using ADS N-12 Drain Pipe ($40-60 per 100 feet) redirects standing water before it penetrates the foundation.
Downspout extensions must discharge water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation—many homeowners overlook this critical step, allowing concentrated roof runoff to saturate soil directly beneath the home and cause foundation settling and cracks within 5-10 years.
Dense clay and compacted soil around foundations often mask drainage problems until heavy rain events expose failures; testing drainage by running a garden hose around the perimeter and observing water movement reveals problem zones before they require expensive repairs, and this 30-minute inspection typically saves thousands in foundation remediation costs. ---