How to Figure the Slope for Drainage

A yard, garden or lawn is a near-ubiquitous installment on most homes, but this area can create serious problems during rainstorms. Yards or lawns that are not properly graded or sloped away from the house can cause water to run into the home, resulting in flooding and foundation damage. For this reason, many homeowners have to address the slope of their land and amend the lay of the area to protect their homes.

Tape measure
Wooden stakes
Nylon cord

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance from the foundation of your home to the end of your yard or lawn. More than likely your yard should end in a fixture such as a pavement or driveway. Your final slope should end on an even level with this fixture.
- 2
  Divide the distance by 10. The general rule of slope is that it should drop 2 to 3 inches for every 10 feet of space. For instance, if your area is 100 feet long, it must drop at least 20 inches from the foundation to the terminal fixture.
- 3
  Drive wooden stakes into the ground every 10 feet along the way, starting at your foundation. Tie a nylon cord to the top of the first stake and lower it 2 to 3 inches to next stake, and so on until you have marked the slope of your lawn or yard. This will give you a guideline for grading the area.

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