What yard slope is recommended away from the house?

A common guideline is about 6 inches of drop over 10 feet away from the foundation to help prevent water pooling near the structure.

What are signs of negative grade near the foundation?

Signs include water pooling near the slab, mulch washing out, soggy soil after rain, erosion channels, basement/crawlspace dampness, and efflorescence on foundation walls.

Can hardscapes cause drainage problems?

Yes. Settled driveways, patios, and sidewalks can create low spots and direct water back toward the home, increasing the risk of intrusion and erosion.

When should I get a drainage inspection instead of guessing?

If water returns repeatedly, if you see foundation movement indicators, or if multiple drainage elements interact (grading + downspouts + buried lines), an inspection can document the failure points before spending money on the wrong fix.

Drainage Resource

What Slope Should Your Yard Have Away From the House?

Exterior Drainage • Kansas City Metro

Yard grading is one of the biggest factors in preventing water intrusion and foundation washout. A common guideline is about 6 inches of drop over 10 feet away from the foundation.

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Why grading matters

If the soil slopes toward the home (negative grade), water collects at the foundation and increases the chance of seepage, damp crawlspaces, and erosion that can contribute to settlement.

The 6 inches over 10 feet guideline

Think of this as a practical target—not a guarantee. Some properties require more engineered solutions depending on soil, lot shape, hardscapes, and how downspouts discharge.

Water should shed away from the house, not pool at the slab edge
Low spots near patios/sidewalks can trap runoff and send it back
Mulch beds can hide negative grade and washout patterns

Warning signs of grading problems

Pooling water near the foundation after rain
Soil/mulch washing out or exposing landscaping fabric
Efflorescence (white powder) on foundation walls
Cracks or settlement indicators (sticking doors/windows)
Persistent soggy soil along one side of the home

When an inspection helps most

Grading issues rarely exist alone—downspouts, gutters, buried lines, and hardscapes all interact. GroundTruth documents what’s happening so you can target the right fix.

Start here: Exterior Drainage Inspections. If you’re also planning excavation or foundation work, see Foundation Pipe Mapping.

Don’t guess—document it

Book an inspection and get clear documentation before you pay for regrading, drains, or repairs.

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