How to Make a Slope Away from a House

A flooded basement may result from improper grading of the soil around the home’s foundation. Without an appropriate slope, water will collect around the home's foundation instead of flowing away into the yard or into a drain source. To prevent future problems, determine your yard’s slope and re-grade it. Certain regions have specific requirements for new homes, typically a 6-inch slope for the first 10 feet from the home.

10-foot long 2-by-4
Carpenter’s level
Grading rake

Instructions

- 1
  Add soil to the base of the house until it is the appropriate height, according to building codes in your area.
- 2
  Place one end of the board on the soil next to the house and extend it straight out toward where you want water to drain.
- 3
  Place the carpenter’s level in the middle of the board.
- 4
  Lift the end of the board furthest from the house until the carpenter’s level registers level.
- 5
  Measure the distance from the bottom of the board to the surface of the soil below. If it measures 6 inches, the grade is fine. If the distance is less than 6 inches, add soil and use a grading rake to slope the soil away from the home's foundation to the end of the board until the gap between the board and soil measures 6 inches. If the distance between the board and soil measures more than 6 inches, remove soil from around the home's foundation and grade it until there's 6 inches between the board and the ground.
- 6
  Repeat the procedure every 3 feet around the exterior of the house.

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