Improve drainage around your foundation
Three drainage interventions you can do this weekend that will protect your foundation for years.
What you'll learn
- Why downspouts are the #1 source of foundation moisture problems
- How to extend a downspout 5+ feet from the foundation
- How to fix reverse-grade landscape beds
- When a French drain is overkill vs. necessary
- Why daylight discharge always beats a sump pump
Step by step
- Walk every downspout. Confirm it discharges 5+ feet from the house.
- For each downspout that doesn't, add a flexible extension (under $20 at hardware store).
- Walk the perimeter and note any landscape beds sloped toward the house.
- Re-grade those beds, minimum 6 inches drop in 10 ft, away from foundation.
- Check for hardscape (driveway, patio) shedding water at the foundation. Plan corrective drainage if needed.
Safety note
These three steps solve roughly 60% of foundation moisture problems we see in San Diego. The other 40% need engineered drainage, which we design and install.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Same-day electrical service across San Diego County. A real electrician picks up.
More guides
Keep learning.
Troubleshooting · 5 min read
Spot foundation problems early
The 10 visible signs that something is moving under your house. Most homeowners miss these for years.
Troubleshooting · 4 min read
Measure your floor slope yourself
You don't need a Zip Level to know if your floor is sloping. A 4-foot level and a tape measure will get you 80% of the way there.
Troubleshooting · 4 min read
Monitor a foundation crack
Cracks tell you what they're doing if you watch them long enough. Here's how to track movement at home.