Water pooling at the foundation
Water puddling next to your house after a rain usually comes from a downspout that dumps right at the foundation, or ground that slopes toward the house instead of away. Both are easy to improve. Clear the downspout, add an extension so the water lands several feet out, and build up the soil so it drains away.
Where the water comes from
A single downspout can carry hundreds of gallons of water during a heavy storm. If it empties at the base of the wall, that water soaks down beside the foundation, and it can end up in a basement or crawl space.
The ground right around the house matters just as much. It should slope away from the walls so water keeps moving outward.
Why water pools by the house
Water soaks in right at the foundation.
Water overflows along the house.
Water runs back to the wall.
Water digs a hole and pools.
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Puddle under a downspout | No extension | Add an extension and splash block. |
| Water spills over the gutter | Clog | Clean the gutter and downspout. |
| Water runs back toward the wall | Ground slopes in | Build up the soil. |
| Damp basement wall | Water at the foundation | Fix the drainage; check for cracks. |
Let's fix it
- Watch it rainDuring a rain, walk around the house and see where the water goes. Note which downspouts overflow, which dump at the wall and where puddles form.
- Clear the downspoutIf a downspout overflows at the top, it's clogged. Take the bottom elbow off, clear the gutter outlet at the top, and run a hose down from the top. Tap along the downspout to loosen debris.
- Extend the downspoutAttach an extension so the water lands several feet from the house, often 4 to 6 feet or more, or into a drain system. Point it where the water can flow away, not toward a neighbor or a walkway.
- Add a splash blockSet a splash block under the end of the extension so the water doesn't dig a hole in the soil.
- Slope the ground awayAdd soil against the foundation and rake it so it slopes down away from the house, a common target being about 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet. Keep the soil at least 6 inches below the siding and below any vents or weep holes.
If it still pools
If water pools even with extensions and good slope, the gutters may be overflowing. Clean them and check that they slope toward the downspouts.
If the basement stays damp, look at the foundation walls and floor for cracks, and consider a waterproofing contractor.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): Landscapers typically charge $500–$3,000 to regrade around a house. Buried downspout drains often cost $300–$1,500 per downspout.
Something else going on?
Foundation water questions
How far should a downspout drain from the house?
At least several feet, often 4 to 6 feet or more, or into a drain system.
How much should the ground slope away from the house?
A common target is about 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet.
Are splash blocks enough?
They help keep water from digging a hole, but on their own they don't move water very far. Use them with an extension.
Can I bury my downspout?
Yes, with solid drain pipe that runs to a spot where the water can flow away. Many people hire this out.
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