All homes must be graded properly to prevent water from seeping into your foundation. If it isn’t, this could lead to your basement flooding, extensive water damage, and foundation issues. 

To guarantee proper drainage, the ground around your home should slope about 6 inches downhill away from the foundation over the first 10 feet.

Here’s how to measure the slope around your home’s foundation.


Materials Needed

Here are the items you need to measure your grading slope. 

  • Two wooden stakes
  • 12 feet of string or twine
  • Hammer, mallet, or ax
  • Line level
  • Tape measure

Gather all these items before getting started on the following steps. 

Video link: https://todayshomeowner.com/foundation/video/importance-of-proper-drainage-around-the-foundation-of-your-home/


Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to accurately measure the grading slope:

  1. You should hammer a stake into the ground next to your home’s foundation, as close to the house as possible. Make sure the stake is pressed firmly and securely into the soil.
  2. Tie one end of the string around the top of the stake at ground level. Leave enough slack so you can pull the string taut later.
  3. Use your tape measure to measure out exactly 10 feet from the house foundation, and hammer the second stake into the ground at this point. Hammer it down firmly.
  4. Attach the loose end of the string to the top of the second stake, again leaving some slack.
  5. Pull the string tightly from both stakes to form a straight line.
  6. Place the line level at the exact center point of the string. Adjust the string’s position on the second stake until the line level shows the string is perfectly level.
  7. Once the string is level, measure the distance from the string down to the ground using your tape measure. This is the slope measurement.
  8. There should be a 6-inch difference between the string and the ground for proper drainage. The slope is too gradual if the ground is less than 6 inches below the string.
  9. Record the slope measurement and repeat the process around the entire house’s perimeter. Measure the slope in several spots to determine drainage patterns.
Today’s Homeowner Tips

Be cautious when hammering in stakes, and avoid underground pipes or wires. Wear gloves when handling string and stakes.


Tips for Accurate Measurements

Proper line level calibration is essential before taking slope measurements. When hammering them into the ground, ensure the line-level stakes are perfectly vertical, not slanted. Pull the string between the two stakes as tight as possible to get an accurate reading.

To get the most precise measurements, take multiple readings from the taut string to the ground and average them. Marking all the slope measurements on a land survey helps compare drainage around the foundation. If you make any grade changes, re-check the measurements to confirm the proper 6-inch slope remains.

Taking the time to correctly calibrate the device and carefully measure it in multiple spots leads to accurate results. Rechecking after grade changes guarantees a proper drainage slope around the foundation.


Solutions for Improving Drainage

If measurements reveal the ground is too flat or slopes inward toward your foundation, there are several remedies for improving drainage:

Hire an excavation contractor to regrade and slope the soil away from your home. This is the most thorough solution.

Swales are sloped trenches that redirect water flow away from the house. However, this is less ideal than regrading.

Perforated pipes below-ground that capture water and divert it away from your foundation.

Use downspout extensions to move roof runoff away from your home’s perimeter.

Make sure gutters are angled to direct water away from your house.


So, Is Measuring the Grading Slope Around My House Important?

Properly measuring and maintaining the correct grading slope around your house’s foundation is critically important for drainage and preventing water damage. In my experience, if the ground is too flat or slopes toward your home, it can lead to flooding, foundation damage, basement leaks, and mold growth. Taking the time to measure slope, adjusting grade if needed, and routing water away from your home’s perimeter are essential prevention measures every homeowner should take.


FAQs About Measuring Grading Slope

How often should I check the grading slope?

Measure the grading slope around your foundation at least once a year and after landscape projects to stay on top of any changes.


What tools do I need?

The main tools you’ll need are wooden stakes, string, a line level, a tape measure, and a hammer or mallet to secure the stakes.


What is an acceptable slope?

Around the house foundation, experts recommend a slope of at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet. The slope should run away from the house.


What if my yard is flat or sloped toward the house?

To counteract this issue, you must have soil graded and moved to create an outward slope. Hire a professional grading contractor for this job.


Are there other ways besides slope to improve drainage?

You can install French drains, drainage tile, downspout extensions to route water away from the foundation, and gutters to capture and control roof runoff.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Jonathon Jachura

Jonathon Jachura

Contributor

Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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Amy DeYoung

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Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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