Why Is Water Pooling Around My Foundation?

Water pooling against a foundation is not a single problem with a single fix. It is a symptom, and the cause is usually one of three things — sometimes more than one.

Negative grading

The ground around a foundation should slope away from the wall for the first several feet. When it slopes toward the wall — because of settling, added soil, or landscaping that was built up against the house — surface water runs toward the foundation instead of away. The fix is regrading, which is often the cheapest and most effective thing to try first.

Downspouts discharging at the wall

A downspout that empties directly onto the ground at the base of the wall dumps hundreds of gallons of roof water right against the foundation during a storm. Extending the downspout underground to carry the water away from the house — to a storm connection or a safe discharge point — is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost drainage improvements.

A failed perimeter drain

If the grading and the downspouts are right and water is still entering at the floor joint, the perimeter drain at the footing is the likely cause. When it has silted up or collapsed, groundwater builds up against the wall with nowhere to go. A camera inspection confirms the condition and whether a repair or replacement is needed.

For a full assessment, see our foundation drainage page.