Key takeaways
- Roof water is the biggest and easiest source to fix.
- Soil should slope away from the foundation.
- Drains and a sump pump handle water that still gets in.
- Check your system before heavy rain, not during it.
Start with the roof
A roof sheds a lot of water in a storm, and if gutters are clogged or downspouts end at the foundation, that water goes straight to the wall and under the house. Clean gutters and downspouts that discharge several feet away make a real difference.
Buried drain lines and extensions carry water even farther.
Shape the ground
Soil next to the foundation should slope away from the house, about an inch per foot for the first several feet where possible. Flower beds and mulch that trap water against the wall can work against you.
In Middle Tennessee, clay soil holds water, so regrading is especially helpful.
Collect what still gets in
Interior drains, French drains and a sump pump collect water that reaches the foundation and send it out. A drain along the footing and a sealed pit with a pump are the core of most systems.
A battery backup is worth considering where storms often cut power.
Check it regularly
Test the sump pump a few times a year by pouring water into the pit, keep gutters clear in fall and watch the crawl space after a heavy rain. Early signs are easier to fix than a flooded space.
If you find standing water, shut off power to the area if it is safe to do so and call for help.
Quick answers
How far should downspouts extend?
As far as practical, several feet at a minimum. A buried line that daylights in the yard is better still.
Do I need a sump pump?
If water gathers in the crawl space or basement, yes. If water only gets in occasionally, fixing gutters and grading may be enough.
Will French drains solve the problem?
They help when groundwater or runoff reaches the foundation, and they work best with gutters and grading.
