How to Slope Soil Away From the Foundation in Landscaping

If you have an extra-moist basement or standing water in the basement, you may be able to remedy the situation by adding soil to the ground near the exterior wall of the foundation. Using only a garden spade and a few measuring tools, the job can be easily finished in a few hours.

Carpenter's level
Masking tape
10-foot-long board
Measuring tape
Garden spade

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the carpenter's level to the top of the 10-foot-long board with tape.
- 2
  Lay the board with one end on top of the soil next to the foundation. Hold the other end up so the board is level, using the carpenter's level as a guide.
- 3
  Measure the distance between the end of the board farthest from the house and the ground. If it is less than 6 inches, the drainage slope is too shallow.
- 4
  Add soil to the ground next to the foundation, sloping it away from the house. Periodically measure the slope, using the method outlined in Steps 2 and 3. When the distance between the end of the board and the ground is 6 inches or greater, it is sufficient to carry water away from the foundation and keep it from draining into the basement.

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